Department: University Communications
Classification: Graphic Designer
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $22.84 - $34.70 per hour
FTE: 1.0
Review of Applications Begins
May 12, 2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a complete application. Complete applications must include an online application, a resume, and a cover letter that address how you meet the preferred qualifications and professional competencies for this role.
We are interested in finding the best candidate for this position. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't think you meet every one of our preferred qualifications - use your application to let us know what is meaningful to you about the role and what transferable skills or other qualities you would bring to the position.
If you have questions about the application process or the position, please reach out to fass@uoregon.edu
Department Summary
University Communications supports the University of Oregon’s strategic goals through comprehensive communications and marketing programs. The division oversees brand and marketing strategy, news and content, earned media and issues management, digital strategy, social media, executive and internal communications, and licensing. Reporting to the president, the division supports key initiatives, manages and strengthens reputation, drives revenue through licensing, builds brand value, and oversees the universities major channels including social, web, paid and earned media and content products.
Position Summary
The Digital Designer is a creative and technically skilled storyteller responsible for designing and building visually compelling digital stories for the University of Oregon’s primary news and content channels. This position plays a critical role that shapes how UO stories are experienced by external audiences and the campus community.
The role mainly focuses on building immersive, design-forward stories for the UO News website and the OregonNews weekly newsletter, primarily using Shorthand and Drupal. The Digital Production Designer works collaboratively with writers, photographers, videographers, graphic designers, web strategists, and editors across University Communications to ensure content is accurate, compelling, on-brand, and visually excellent. The Digital Production Designer reports to the Assistant Vice President for News and Content but must work closely with and gain design approvals from the Marketing and Brand Strategy and Digital Strategy teams.
Minimum Requirements
4+ Years of Graphic Design experience OR
Associates Degree + 3 years of Graphic Design experience OR
Bachelors Degree + 2 years of Graphic Design experience
Degree may be in Graphic Design, Graphic Art, Fine Art, or closely related field.
Professional Competencies
Demonstrated content-focused Drupal experience.
• Working knowledge of HTML/CSS for layout and troubleshooting.
• Skills in creating and editing images using software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator or Adobe InDesign.
• Ability to create visually compelling, user-centered designs for web audiences.
• Strong visual design sensibility, including layout, typography, color, and composition.
• Understanding of digital storytelling, user experience, and responsive design.
• Ability to integrate and optimize multimedia content (photography, video, graphics, embeds).
• Working knowledge of web accessibility standards and best practices, including WCAG guidelines, and how they apply to digital storytelling and design.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt in a deadline-driven environment.
• Comfortable working collaboratively across disciplines and with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
• Understanding of design principles and patterns in the digital space.
• Experience applying design principles and building reusable digital design patterns.
• Experience working in a newsroom, communications office, or higher education environment.
• Advanced experience with Drupal or other enterprise-level CMS platforms.
• Experience designing for email newsletters or digital campaigns.
• Knowledge of analytics and how design choices affect audience engagement.
• Knowledge of AP Style and journalistic practices with solid and accurate writing and editing skills.
• Ability to produce infographics.
FLSA Exempt:
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
This is a classified position represented by the SEIU Local 503, Oregon Public Employees Union.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.
The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.
In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.
