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
  After

Effects), presentation software (Power

Point, 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 José 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 José 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 José 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 José 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 José 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 José 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.

Advertised:

March 08, 2026 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight
Time

Applications close: