The Marketing and Communications Department at LAU (MarCom) produces several new institutional publications per year; edits dozens of publications created previously; develops collateral material for a large number of initiatives/events organized by LAU schools/institutes/offices; manages and implements LAU visual identity guidelines; monitors the compliance of all LAU visuals and collateral material with the branding identity of the institution; helps meet the design requirements of various university projects/initiatives that arise every year (conferences, fairs, public events); acts as an advisor for the outsourcing of certain design-related projects.
The graphic designer specialist works in close collaboration with MarCom’s team members: managing editor, writers, web editor, account managers, as well as suppliers: printing houses, production agencies…
The work demands creative flair, up-to-date knowledge of industry software and a professional approach to time, costs and deadlines.
- He/she reports to the Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications.
- The graphic designer specialist takes projects from the initial concept stage and coordinates steps through the completion of the projects.
- S/he creates layouts and designs artwork, chooses appropriate media and style to meet the needs of the client for any promotional, development and recruitment publications/material including, but not limited to, president report, academic catalogs, LAU magazine, logos, invitation cards, brochures, posters, advertisements, , product packaging, signage……
- Through her/his work, the graphic designer specialist helps us transmit messages clearly and effectively to elicit the responses we seek on every assignment. In general, s/he influences decisions related to the look-and-feel of LAU collateral material and publications.
- S/he has imaginative flair, awareness of current trends in the visual arts, working knowledge of the latest design software packages and an understanding of material costs and time limits, all of which can impact on the design.
- The graphic designer specialist is professional, knowledgeable and articulate. S/he makes recommendations in a clear and constructive manner.
- Because the graphic designer’s work affects the display of content on our official publications/visual material, errors or poor quality in her/his deliverables may cause negative perceptions about LAU.
Duties
The graphic designer specialist performs the following duties.
- Works with MarCom team members to provide professional recommendations for concept, design, art direction, production, print specifications, and monitors quality control.
- Discuss assignments with the project manager to determine needs for layout and design.
- Develops design briefs and concepts by studying information/material and gathering data to clarify design issues.
- Plans and illustrates concept by designing and presenting rough layout of art and copy regarding arrangement, size, type size and style, and related aesthetic concepts.
- Finalizes lay out based on client feedback and prepare artwork.
- Manages and coordinates print and prepress service specifications, approvals and quality control.
- Monitors and tracks production to ensure proper and timely completion; works with suppliers to meet production deadlines.
- Oversees the work of freelance designers handling assignment for LAU entities.
- Supervises, trains, and directs the work of design student assistants.
- Assists in establishing and maintaining professional graphic and identify standards for LAU communications
- Actively participate in the implementation of the branding and marketing strategy of the University.
Requirements
The graphic designer specialist must possess the following skills, knowledge and qualities.
- Degree in graphic design from an accredited university.
- At least 5 years experience in relevant field
- Good English-language skills (both oral and written).
- Creativity and ability to communicate ideas in writing, visually, and verbally.
- Extremely detail-oriented, creative flair, originality and a strong visual sense
- Demonstrated excellence in QuarkXpress, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop and Acrobat CS5.
- Strong experience in the Macintosh platform.
- Excellent command of industry-standard digital production tools on Mac.
- Expertise in layout, typography, printing process. Ability to make files print-ready. Ability to use style sheets, master pages, templates, tracking, kerning, and leading.
- Ability to optimize digital files for websites.
- Familiarity with web design concepts and best practices is a plus.
- Exquisite taste and grasp of LAU brand as an academic institution.
- Ability to create a visual “language” (or create new elements following an established style, depending on the assignment).
- Ability to analyze and understand technical documentation, visual identity guidelines, creative briefs, etc.
- Troubleshooter; keen on solving design problems or proposing viable alternatives.
- Awareness and respect of intellectual property and due diligence in the use of fonts, stock images, royalty-free icons, etc.
- Openness to new ideas and influences, and quick to react to changing trends
- Confidence to present and explain ideas to clients and colleagues
- Ability to interact professionally and friendly with printers, copywriters, photographers, other designers, account executives, website designers and marketing specialists
- Self disciplined with ability to work independently, timely and under pressure
Applications and an electronic copy of your portfolio should be emailed to beirut.hire@lau.edu.lb, specifying the job title in the subject line.
Closing date for applications is Monday March 4, 2013.
No applications will be accepted after this date, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
