ALUMNI COMMUNICATIONS GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Revised 6/21/2010

POSITION SUMMARY

The William and Mary Alumni Association is seeking an in-house graphic designer to lay out the 104-page quarterly Alumni Magazine, as well as other marketing pieces for the Association. Proficiency in QuarkXpress, Adobe Creative Suite and Mac OS is necessary. Experience managing print jobs is important. Web experience is a plus. The designer is part of the Alumni Association team and will be expected to work some alumni events with other duties as assigned, such as taking photos. To apply, please send your cover letter, resume and design samples to Melissa Pinard, Director of Alumni Communications, at mvpina@wm.edu or P.O. Box 2100, Williamsburg, VA  23187.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the design of the William & Mary Alumni Magazine. This encompasses:
• Gathering photographs and illustrations to accompany text
• Creating a schematic for each issue
• Laying out entire magazine, revising spreads, inputting edits, preparing files for the printer
• Conducting press checks
• Saving all final Word versions of stories
• Archiving issue on CD/DVD
• Posting Alumni Magazine on the Web site
• Manage the design of specific Alumni Association publications and promotional materials, including logos, postcards, brochures, invitations, award ceremony programs, fliers, advertisements, letterhead and other pieces as necessary.
• Help maintain advertising list for magazine. Obtain, process and place ads in Magazine. 
• Create in-house Magazine Ads for Alumni events, programs and products. 
• Assist in art directing photo shoots and illustrations as necessary.
• Work closely with outside vendors (printers, designers, illustrators and photographers) to request bids and coordinate efficient exchange of information and materials in support of publications.
• Attend Alumni Association Board of Directors Communications Committee meetings, Advisory Board meetings and other meetings as necessary
• Assist in distribution of William & Mary Alumni Magazine once extra copies are delivered to the Alumni House.
• Maintain photography and publication files and archives and ensure the printer has color cartridges and paper.
• Take photographs of alumni events as needed.
• Enter magazine and other publications into peer reviewed professional competitions
• Supervise student interns when applicable; assign projects/stories, monitor progress and provide training and guidance as needed.
• Provide overall office support as needed, including shared responsibility for answering telephone, greeting visitors to the Alumni Center and hosting alumni events on and off campus.
• Oversee the proper usage of the Alumni Association branding throughout the departments.
• Complete other tasks as assigned by director of Alumni Communications.

POSITION KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

• Understanding of design and layout concepts. Proven skill at designing creatively. Also must possess the ability to generate new ideas.
• A team player with a great degree of flexibility, efficiency and initiative in work style, especially under deadline constraints.
• Possession of diplomacy, tact and a sense of humor when working with individuals on and off campus and responding to alumni audience.
• Ability to identify short- and long-range goals of Alumni Communications office and Alumni Association and contribute to their achievement.
• Superior organizational skills to maintain computer and hard copy files.
• Familiarity with AP style and proofreader’s marks.
• Willingness to adapt to changes and/or upgrades in software and office procedures.
• College degree or equivalent background in graphic design, art, journalism, or communications.
• Excellent design and proofing skills, preferably in editorial design
• Proficiency in using Macintosh and PC/Windows software.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Word and other software, including QuarkXPress and Adobe CS4.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle deadline-oriented tasks. Good written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with using Internet design programs such as Dreamweaver.
• Understanding of prepress production and conducting press checks.
• Previous experience in publication design required.
• Proficiency in scanning and knowledge of photography/digital file formats.