How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Who We Are
At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement - enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.
Job Summary
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan is seeking a creative and detail-oriented design professional to support and enhance the department's marketing, communications, and brand strategy. This role will be responsible for developing and executing a wide range of design projects across print, digital, web, audio, video, and photography platforms.
Key responsibilities include creating graphic designs, developing visual assets, guiding web design, producing creative imagery, selecting art and color themes, and maintaining the department's graphic standards, techniques, and methods. The individual in this role may also advise internal clients on identity, branding, and design standards and policies.
The successful candidate will use graphics software, web-based design tools, and other creative applications to produce high-quality materials that align with departmental and university standards. This position requires the application of design knowledge, theories, principles, and concepts gained through education, certification, professional experience, on-the-job training, or vocational training.
This role works with a limited degree of supervision and requires the ability to prioritize, organize, and make decisions related to assigned work in order to meet project objectives and deadlines. The individual will take initiative in analyzing design challenges, developing creative solutions, and addressing moderately complex or infrequently occurring problems. They will work to understand customer and stakeholder needs and identify solutions for non-standard requests.
The position may also serve as a resource or escalation point for less experienced employees, explain design-related information to others, and occasionally persuade stakeholders regarding creative direction or standards. Work performed in this role requires invention, imagination, originality, and talent in a recognized artistic or creative field. Primary responsibilities involve a high degree of creativity and broad latitude to develop original work products.
Responsibilities*
50% - Graphic Design, Digital Media & Marketing Materials
* Digital signage (GGB screens): manage rotation and intake of screen requests; design and update event/news slides using established templates.
* Creative design services: fulfill design requests from faculty and staff (flyers, posters, presentations, web/digital assets) aligned with branding standards.
* Video production: serve as lead for longer-format videos for website and YouTube; plan, produce, and edit content (reducing reliance on freelancers as appropriate).
* Photography: capture department events and research/lab photography for communications use.
* Marketing collateral & templates: annually refresh and maintain print collateral and digital templates; create new materials in partnership with the marcomm team.
* Annual report (print/abbreviated): design and coordinate production as needed (internal and/or external vendor).
* Swag inventory: help select branded items, coordinate with vendors for quotes/artwork, and maintain inventory documentation.
30% - Program/Unit Communications (ARC)
* Story development: write and pitch stories to College/CoE marketing & communications.
* Social media management: manage ARC social channels, including strategy, content calendar, photography/video, and post creation.
* Communications support for key initiatives: assist with communications tied to events, speaking engagements, and the ARC annual review.
15% - Events & Internal Communications Support
* Produce and distribute internal communications such as seminar announcements and monthly newsletters (content compilation, layout, and distribution).
* Provide logistics and communications support for internal events (e.g., faculty/staff welcome-back), including planning coordination as needed.
5% - Event Coordination (as assigned; may include)
*Support planning and logistics for selected department events such as endowed professorship events and annual lectures (e.g., Korbalski, Wu) and advisory board meetings, including:
*room reservations, catering, travel/hotel arrangements, and day-of support
* coordinating with stakeholders and stewardship as applicable
* creating event programs and printed materials
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communications, commercial art, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 2-3 years of professional design experience producing print and digital deliverables
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign); ability to learn/update templates and follow brand standards
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively with stakeholders
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.