Graphic Designer

Position Function:

Under general supervision, designs electronic and printed materials, exhibit elements, and/or illustrations for a variety of publications, displays, and other media, as appropriate. Work within a team of individuals from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture and the Extension Center for Technology Outreach to provide outreach and education through online, information delivery systems including the World Wide Web, interactive publications and other similar areas for the Wildlife Services National Training Academy (NTA). Work in a cross-functional work team environment where multiple priorities and deadlines must be managed simultaneously; attention to detail in all areas of work is essential.

Salary Grade: 13

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture has ~30 faculty, ~60 graduate students, and 7 administrative support staff (excluding extension and research support personnel). The Department has extensive extension, research, education and service programs in wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture. The Center for Resolving Human-Wildlife Conflicts is housed within the Department and conducts research, extension, and education programs in invasive and exotic species, damage mitigation, and other aspects of human-wildlife conflict resolution. For additional information see www.humanwildlifeconflicts.msstate.edu, msucares.com/wildfish/index.html and www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife/index.asp

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Design and layout inspiring print material, using University art and logos and NTA theme art, University and USDA color palettes, and approved fonts, in compliance with University visual identity standards.
2. Coordinate design, filming, and production of videos to be used for promotion, training, and instruction.
3. Take photographs for training materials and for use on the NTA website and in NTA publications.
4. Support the mission of the NTA through the oversight, design, and maintenance of an enhanced educational website for use by Wildlife Services employees.
5. Coordinate the design, development, and production of manuals, marketing materials, annual reports, and training materials for the NTA.
6. Work with other team members to critique and improve design of printed material, web sites, promotional material, recruiting material and other items to ensure the brand integrity of the University is not compromised.
7. Assist with web design including content and layout as needed complying with the University visual identity standards. Catalog photos in an online gallery so that other members of the team may access them easily.
8. Coordinate with the Extension Center for Technology Outreach to create and maintain appropriate themes and skins following Mississippi State University visual identity standards for the NTA website.
9. Assist with the development of online training materials and content.
10. Must work independently to lead projects from beginning to end.
11. Must be flexible and willing to change assignments and responsibilities regularly throughout the year.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design; Art; Art Education or Communication; business information systems, or related field. Two years demonstrable design experience with a working knowledge of graphic arts software packages, designing, developing, and maintaining websites and applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge and understanding of database design and implementations.
Experience developing responsive websites using frameworks such as Bootstrap or Foundation
Video production and photography experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of principles and practices of graphic design.
Ability communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to create and produce graphic materials using a range of media, methods, techniques, and equipment.
Knowledge of graphic layout and photographic requirements and procedures.
Skills in the utilization of specified computerized graphic design programs.
Ability to analyze graphic and technical information and create interpretative illustrations.
Ability to analyze and interpret user graphic requirements.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.
Understanding of web standards and accessibility as defined by the W3C and Section 508 Compliance.
Ability to use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to produce graphics, logos, images, mockups and for websites and social media.
Experience using Adobe Dreamweaver or other code editors.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment
Frequent- External imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one's control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.
Occasional travel, including overnight travel, is required.

Instructions for Applying:

Applicants must apply through the MSU website (http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/cw/en-us/listing/) and should attach a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Send official transcripts, with Social Security Numbers redacted, to Chad Dacus at: chad.dacus@msstate.edu; WFA, Box 9690, MS State, MS 39762

Restricted Clause:

Contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.