Graphic Designer

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

At Duke University, we believe that great ideas come from diverse experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. As a Graphic Designer at the Sanford School of Public Policy, you will use your creativity and storytelling skills to help communicate ideas that influence communities, public policy, and global impact.

You'll join a collaborative Communications & Marketing team that works closely with faculty, students, alumni, admissions professionals, and staff to elevate the Sanford School's mission of public service. Through compelling visual design and strategic communications, you'll help tell the stories that inspire future leaders and strengthen Sanford's reputation locally, nationally, and globally.

Reporting to the Marketing Manager, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningful work while collaborating across a vibrant academic community dedicated to creating positive change.

Be Bold.

As the Graphic Designer, you will bring ideas to life through engaging visual storytelling and innovative design. You'll create impactful creative assets that support marketing, recruitment, communications, and engagement initiatives across digital and print platforms.

What You'll Do

Design & Creative Production (50%)

• Design original, high-quality graphics and creative assets for print, digital, web, email, and social media platforms.
• Create visual content that supports Sanford School marketing campaigns, enrollment initiatives, storytelling efforts, and strategic communications.
• Develop graphics, infographics, illustrations, presentations, advertisements, newsletters, and branded collateral.
• Design event materials, admissions communications, dean's initiatives, and promotional materials that strengthen audience engagement.
• Collaborate with writers, editors, photographers, videographers, and communications professionals to execute integrated marketing campaigns.
• Prepare production-ready files for print and digital distribution while ensuring accessibility and platform compliance.
• Apply audience insights, marketing principles, and user experience best practices to create effective communication solutions.

Marketing Support & Project Management (35%)

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously while maintaining quality, accuracy, and deadlines.
• Track projects, timelines, feedback, and deliverables through project management systems.
• Partner with admissions teams, communications professionals, and external vendors to develop integrated campaign materials.
• Participate in creative brainstorming sessions and contribute strategic ideas that advance communication goals.
• Research and evaluate vendors, production partners, and creative service providers.
• Coordinate print and production activities to ensure exceptional quality and timely delivery.
• Support communications, enrollment marketing, and reporting initiatives through data management and digital platform maintenance.
• Assist with communications tools including email campaigns, landing pages, portals, and prospective student engagement materials.
• Support key Sanford School events, including commencement and special programs, which may occasionally require evening or weekend participation.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement (5%)

• Stay current on design trends, emerging technologies, evolving media formats, and industry best practices.
• Identify opportunities to enhance design effectiveness through innovative approaches and tools.
• Share knowledge and provide guidance on new communications technologies and design methods.

Brand Stewardship & Strategy (5%)

• Champion and uphold Duke and Sanford brand standards across all communications and marketing materials.
• Ensure visual consistency and strategic alignment across schools, centers, academic programs, and campaigns.
• Translate Sanford's mission, values, and strategic priorities into compelling visual experiences.

Additional Responsibilities (5%)

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Communications & Marketing team and the Sanford School mission.

What You Bring

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Graphic Arts, Fine Arts, Visual Communications, or a related field.

Experience

• Two years of professional experience in graphic communications, visual design, marketing design, or related creative work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, including Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and After Effects.
• Experience using Canva or comparable design platforms.
• Understanding of Microsoft 365 applications including Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Word.
• Ability to transform complex research findings and data into compelling visual narratives and infographics.
• Strong visual storytelling, typography, branding, and layout design skills.
• Knowledge of responsive web design standards and digital accessibility best practices.
• Understanding of marketing strategy, audience engagement, and user-centered design principles.
• Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Experience working with project management platforms such as Asana.

Why Choose Duke Sanford?

At Sanford, you'll contribute to a nationally recognized public policy school committed to improving lives through research, teaching, and public service. You'll have the opportunity to create meaningful work, collaborate with passionate colleagues, and help tell stories that advance informed leadership and social impact.

Work Arrangement

• Hybrid work arrangement available.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required to support major events and initiatives.

Choose Duke.

Duke University offers a collaborative environment where innovation, creativity, and purpose intersect. Here, your ideas matter, your contributions are valued, and your work helps shape a stronger future through education, policy, and public service.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply today and help tell the stories that shape the future of public policy at Duke University.