About this role
Graphic/Multi-Media Designer and Communications Assistant
Job Summary
The University of Michigan Arts Initiative seeks to expand human connections, inspire creativity, and build a more equitable world through the arts. The Arts Initiative seeks a Graphic Designer and Communications Assistant to design promotional materials, update the website, and support Arts Initiative communications. Primary responsibilities include developing program and event collateral, maintaining branding standards, assisting with development of electronic and print campaigns, and supporting social media efforts. A successful candidate will have the ability to manage multiple projects with varying timelines, possess acute attention to detail, and build high-quality relationships with staff, artists, faculty, and students. The Graphic/Media Designer and Communications Assistant reports to the Director of Communications of the Arts Initiative. This position is based in Ann Arbor, MI and will be hybrid in nature working both remotely and on site. Staff work on campus two days per week. This position is a half-time, nine-month term with possibility for extension.
Responsibilities
The Graphic/Multi-Media Designer and Communications Assistant has the following duties and responsibilities:
-
Marketing and Communications Support (75%):
-
- Support Arts Initiative staff with marketing activities for programs and events
-
- Design program-specific promotional print and digital materials
-
- Work with stakeholders from other departments for planning and collaboration
-
- Consult with Arts Initiative staff to facilitate media and PR needs, including outreach to partners
-
- Coordinate with Arts Initiative staff to send out email promotions, newsletters, and invitations for events
-
- Build out new content areas for the unit website (Squarespace)
-
- Maintain the Arts Initiative website to WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards and provide technical assistance or trouble-shooting
-
- Build web forms
-
- Data and file management
-
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned and as necessary to achieve the objectives of the Initiative.
-
Administration (25%):
-
- Manage and support upkeep of contacts database (CRM) and list segmentation
-
- Organize media assets including photos in collaboration with Project/Admin Coordinator and Arts Communication Strategist
-
- Assist with preparation of presentations and information about the Arts Initiative.
-
Required Qualifications
-
The successful candidate will have a background in the arts and/or in some combination of production/project management, academic programming, arts programming, event planning, administrative support.
-
Candidates must have the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of personnel. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential, including the ability to maintain confidentiality Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and problem-solve creatively
-
Proficient at working in a collaborative environment
-
Strong computer fluency with Google Suite, Adobe Suite, and task management software
-
Knowledge of code (HTML and CSS)
-
Desired Qualifications
-
Administration experience
-
Art world experience or personal creative practice
-
Javascript proficiency
-
Video and/or audio editing experience
-
Preparing files for print
-
Bachelor's degree
-
Modes of Work
-
The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.
-
Additional Information
-
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, U-M offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include generous time off; retirement plan with two-for-one matching contributions after the first year; many choices for comprehensive health insurance; life insurance; long-term disability coverage; and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Salary
This is a non-exempt, 50% position at the University of Michigan.
Compensation: $30/hour. The position is benefits-eligible.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
283663
Working Title
Graphic/Multi-Media Designer and Communications Assistant
Job Title
GRAPHIC ARTIST II (TEMP)
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Part-Time
Regular/Temporary
Temporary
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Acad & Fac Affairs
Department
Arts Initiative
Posting Begin/End Date
9/28/2026 - 10/08/2026
Salary
$30.00 - $30.00
Career Interest
Temporary Job Opening