Visual Communications Designer

Job Summary

The Visual Communications Designer works under the general direction of the Associate Director of Creative Services and supports the design of multi-platform communications that promote the university. This role develops creative solutions across print and digital media, including time-based and motion design projects. Responsibilities include designing layouts, preparing production-ready materials, and coordinating production for short-, medium-, and long-term projects. The Visual Communications Designer collaborates closely with members of the creative team to plan, organize, and deliver projects that support university marketing and communications goals. While the position includes a variety of design assignments across the university environment, it has a strong emphasis on motion graphics and time-based visual storytelling.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop design concepts by researching project information and materials; create layouts for art and copy; present draft concepts for approval; and prepare final production-ready designs.
• Design visual materials-including charts, graphs, diagrams, and motion graphics-for use in presentations, videos, events, and other communications.
• Select and apply appropriate visual elements, including imagery, typography, and layout styles, ensuring alignment with university brand standards and communication goals.
• Consult with campus clients to understand project objectives, audiences, and messaging needs, and develop design solutions that effectively support those goals.
• Test and review presentation or time-based outputs to ensure quality, functionality, and client satisfaction.
• Assist in developing, documenting, and presenting design and production standards that support consistent visual communications across the university.
• Contribute to the development and organization of campus visual resources and digital asset libraries.
• Recommend improvements to creative workflows, file management practices, and production processes.
• Assist with print and environmental production specifications, including preparing materials for cost estimates and vendor quotes.
• Under the guidance of the Associate Director of Creative Services or Senior Designer/Art Director, provide creative direction to student assistants, designers, photographers, or other contributors as assigned.
• Conduct vendor or printer checks as needed to ensure quality control of final output.
• Participate in occasional evening or weekend work when required to support production schedules or events.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of communications and graphic design theory, typography, color, tone, shading, harmony, and layout principles
• Advanced skills in graphic art, illustration, motion graphics, animation timing, and integrated print/digital/motion media
• Strong ability to conceptualize, design, and execute complementary materials across print, web, video, and emerging technologies
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (including AfterEffects), presentation software (PowerPoint, Prezi), and interactive technologies, including file formats, peripheral software, and graphics delivery
• Knowledge of production techniques, vendor services, and processes for print, broadcast, compressed video, and web content
• Thorough understanding of copyright laws and Section 508 accessibility standards
• Ability to implement art direction, manage post-production processes, and adapt creative concepts in response to feedback or evolving project requirements
• Strong skills in project planning, organization, and budget management; ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Strong consultative and persuasive skills, including presenting branding and design concepts to clients and partners
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, flexibility, and composure under pressure

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent, in graphic design, fine arts, or a related field of study
• Three years of full-time experience with graphic application and publishing tools

Preferred Qualifications

• BFA in Design or related field
• Two to five years in an institution or creative agency
• Time-based (AI), presentation and video editing experience
• Experience creating graphic resource or pattern library and its many applications and uses

Compensation

Classification: Graphic Designer III
Anticipated Hiring Range: $6,236/month - $6,750/month (Step 4 - Step 8)
CSU Salary Range: $5,877/month - $8,561/month (Step 1 - Step 20)

San Jose State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: March 8, 2026 through March 22, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San Jose State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San Jose State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San Jose State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.