(Hybrid) Multimedia Specialist - College of Creative Arts & Media, Marketing and Communications

The College of Creative Arts and Media is currently accepting applications for a Multimedia Specialist.

About the Opportunity

This position oversees the development and implementation of graphic design and front-end website design for all websites and marketing material at the College of Creative Arts and Media. The Multimedia Specialist reports to the CCAM Director of Marketing and Communications and collaborates with a team including communications specialist, social media manager and videographer/photographer.

This position is responsible for creating branded graphics for social media communications, digital signage, video and other digital advertising needs and overseeing web calendars, blogs, and forms. The Multimedia Specialist will use illustration, layout and typography skills to create print pieces including booklets, brochures, postcards, posters and more utilizing the University brand.

Must be familiar with the concept of content management systems, have HTML5 and CSS3 knowledge and experience, and be able to strategize and organize web content based on user/audience needs.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
  
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
  
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
  
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
  
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
  
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
  
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP

• Collaborate with CCAM marketing and communications team to strategize, ideate and manage multiple projects related to print, digital and web design simultaneously
• Work with deans, chairs, directors and managers across CCAM entities to understand goals, strategize how content is delivered and set deadlines for project completion.
• Understand target audiences and prioritize/organize content (print, digital and web) to best convey messaging to achieve recruitment, development and event attendance goals.
• Assist in the prioritization and planning for comprehensive multi-platform communication projects.
• Act as liaison between the CCAM and WVU Strategic Communications-Web to ensure best web practices and participate in strategy and development at the university level.
• Management of the digital/web presence for all college departments
• Development and execution of print design for events, recruitment, development, online programs and all other college departments
• WVU and College brand management
• Serve as the contact for faculty and staff regarding marketing and communications design needs
• Coordinate with internal and external services to execute marketing communications design projects

PRINT

• Utilize and adapt University branding to create compelling marketing materials across print and digital platforms for all events at the CCAM that improve the student experience and help each unit reach their target audience. These events include School of Theatre & Dance mainstage shows, School of Music performances, School of Art & Design lectures, Art Museum of WVU exhibition openings, and Reed School of Media and Communications events. Creative assets for these events may include sketches, illustration, brochures, postcards, billboards, banners, advertisements, social media graphics, emails, and landing pages on websites.
• Coordinate with external printing companies to produce print materials within budget and deadline.
• Use Adobe Creative Suite
• Provide photographic support for all products.
• Create web version of print materials as needed.

WEB AND HTML EMAIL DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

• Utilize content management system and understand UX/UI principles for design of high-profile websites and web-based projects for the CCAM.
• Serve as a creative designer for web projects, attending the initial intake meetings with clients for website design.
• Understand emerging web and design technology including responsive design.
• Follow the design process for creating websites, including planning, research, development, testing and implementation.
• Use HTML5, CSS3, grid system and responsive design within web content management system and in HTML email design
• Develop a wireframe system for rapid content development to ensure consistent navigation and streamline the design process.
• Understand, implement and enforce 508 requirements for accessibility.
• Work closely with designers at WVU Strategic Communications-Web for approval on designs.
• Follow WVU brand standards for all websites (typography, logo usage, color palette, grid system, and pattern usage.
• Design web-based ads as needed and work with publications to place ads according to technical requirements.
• Edit photography as needed.
• Assist in troubleshooting problems with pages in various browsers and able to fix these problems.
• Consults with faculty and staff to provide training, request design input and ensure branding standards are met.
• Execute daily updates of all web pages and web projects.
• Explore new technologies and designs on other sites and provide comparisons.
• Provide advice and support on web-related issues.
• Develop HTML e-mail templates for communication.

WEB APPLICATIONS

• Consult and coordinate on applications with WVU Strategic Communications-Web.
• Provide web analytics to the Marketing and Communications Director and strategize ways to improve SEO.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Provide individual training for users on web tools as needed.
• Meet monthly with the WVU Strategic Communications-Web team at the regular meetings.
• Perform other miscellaneous duties as required.

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, multimedia or similar required.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience involving:
  
  
  
  • Working with clients to design print materials and/or websites.
  • Front-end web design using a content management system and writing HTML/CSS
  • Creating print materials and publications under a branding system.
  
  
  
  
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knowledge of Section 508 accessibility requirements.
• Knowledge of web-related policies and design standards.
• Knowledge of content management systems with integration of HTML5 and CSS3.
• Demonstrated skills with print production, graphic design principles and accessible design.
• Demonstrated skills with CSS3 and HTML5 and working in a content management system.
• Demonstrated skills with consumer research, target marketing, and audience segmentation.
• Demonstrated skills with usability and 508 compliance.
• Demonstrated ability of strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong modern creative and artistic skills in the visual design aesthetic.
• Demonstrated knowledge of on-page SEO and Google Analytics 4.
• Photography skills.
• Working knowledge of videography.
• Demonstrated skill in magazine/advertising/brochure design standards.
• Must demonstrate strong English communication skills, interpersonal skills and great work ethic.
• Ability to contribute to team goals at both the architectural level and an applied, hands-on level.
• Ability to lead, guide and coordinate team-based design projects.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to work with clients to identify project requirements and to follow-up with clients regarding progress.
• Ability to provide aggressive rapid and creative approaches to problem identification, resolution and prevention.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to take direction with minimal supervision.
• Ability to research new technologies and willingness to learn them.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Must be able to work effectively with one concept to apply it across several media formats including web, HTML emails, multimedia, illustrations, video and print.
• Demonstrated ability to work on time-sensitive projects that must be completed by deadline.
• Ability to move a project from concept to production to completion.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.