Job Information
Grand Rapids Community College Graphic Designer in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Graphic Designer
Department: Marketing and Communications
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
As part of the graphics team, the graphic designer creates branded materials that support the college and its initiatives, using elements like typography, color and imagery. Reporting to the Associate Creative Director, this position demonstrates strong customer service, communication skills, collaboration, creativity, dedication and an understanding of design principles and technology.
Position Number: 00002150
Requisition Number: 1096
Department: Marketing and Communications
Employee Group: PMA
Schedule: 40 hours per week/52 weeks
Compensation: OP3; $51,425 per year
Benefits: Full Time
Reports to: Associate Creative Director
Posting Opens: 3/24/2026
Posting Closes: 4/6/2026
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Design materials within established brand standards.
• Collaborate with campus stakeholders to continually maintain GRCC's brand identity for support services, programs, events and college promotion.
• Support Marketing and Communications department leadership in the continuous development and refining of GRCC's brand identity.
• Demonstrate creative solutions for print and digital projects.
• Produce effective communications for projects using a mix of pre-established designs and new designs for a variety of projects such as business cards, certificates, ads, brochures, posters, flyers, logos, banners, invitations, event materials, web graphics, etc.
• Possess research capabilities, conceptual thinking, typographic understanding, design and creative problem-solving skills.
• Interview campus clients, assess their needs, analyze and organize information, present solutions and provide excellent customer service to all college departments.
• Work effectively through self-direction and as part of a creative team to complete projects, reaching out for help and input when necessary.
• Effectively plan, manage and track assigned projects from start to finish.
• Meet with campus clients and supervisor to plan and discuss projects.
• Collaborate with customers to make decisions relative to job planning, timelines and showing the benefits and shortcomings as they relate to desired results.
• Prepare and send proofs for supervisor and campus client review.
• Evaluate appropriateness of content, including photography, based on audience and use.
• Write and/or review specifications and request quotes for projects.
• Maintain properly archived files.
• Proof other design work for accuracy, quality and use of AP style.
• Provide status updates on projects, discussing problems and possible solutions to supervisor.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement in services, technology, and operation of the department.
• Stay aware of the latest design technologies and continually experiment with how to apply them to projects.
• Participate in workshops, seminars and professional organizations.
• Work with internal and external printers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
• A basic level of industry knowledge, for print and digital projects.
• Proficient in Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Acrobat on a Mac.
• An understanding of design principles, typography and color theory.
• Experience assisting photoshoots or willingness to learn.
• Ability to create or willingness to learn how to create accessible and interactive PDF do