Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.
Missing levels within the leveling matrix can be added based on business need.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Graphic Design

The Graphic Design Specialist performs professional graphic design and multimedia production work in support of organizational communication, education, marketing, outreach, and operational objectives; applies knowledge of graphic design principles, visual communication strategies, branding standards, user-centered design, and current design technologies to create visual and multimedia products for print, digital, video, web, social media, instructional, and promotional applications; includes designing and integrating graphics, photography, illustrations, animation, audio, video, and interactive content into cohesive multimedia solutions.

• Design, develop, edit, and produce graphic art, visual communications, and multimedia products for promotional, advertising, educational, informational, administrative, and instructional purposes
• Create and manipulate graphic images, illustrations, photography, animation, sound, text, and video into integrated multimedia solutions across print and digital platforms
• Design, edit, and integrate digital content, graphics, animation, photography, illustrations, and other visualization and imaging products
• Develop content style, visual identity, page layout, information architecture, and user experience elements for a variety of communication products
• Collaborate with stakeholders, subject matter experts, content authors, and project teams to ensure visual and multimedia solutions align with institutional objectives, messaging, and mission
• Create proofs, prototypes, mock-ups, wireframes, user journey maps, storyboards, and other visual aids to communicate design concepts and support project development
• Participate in the creative direction, planning, production, and quality review of video and audio content
• Design and develop presentation materials, templates, branding assets, and communication tools for promotional, developmental, operational, and administrative purposes
• Prepare and optimize content for multiple formats, devices, platforms, and distribution channels
• Maintain consistency with established branding, visual identity, style guides, and communication standards
• Review, revise, and update existing multimedia and graphic products to ensure accuracy, relevance, quality, and effectiveness
• Research and apply emerging design trends, technologies, tools, and best practices to enhance communication and user engagement
• Coordinate projects and production schedules with internal and external partners, vendors, contractors, and stakeholders as assigned
• Ensure compliance with accessibility requirements, contractual obligations, copyright requirements, confidentiality and privacy policies, and applicable organizational standards and guidelines
• Support digital communication initiatives through web graphics, interactive media, social media assets, and multimedia content development
• Provide consultation and technical assistance regarding visual communication strategies, branding, multimedia production, and design standards
• May collaborate in the design, development, maintenance, and updating of websites and web-based communication products, including content management, visual design, user interface enhancements, functionality improvements, and accessibility compliance
• May oversee multimedia production activities and coordinate the work of vendors, contractors, interns, or project teams
• May supervise staff, including participation in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, employee development, and related supervisory functions

Level:

– Senior Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field. Works independently on moderately complex work assignments under limited oversight, reviews progress, and evaluates results. Monitors work and projects ensuring timeliness, quality, and efficiency. Identifies and mobilizes resources to achieve outcomes. Trains others and reviews progress with management. Presents ideas, concepts, and instructions in a clear and persuasive manner. Develops new techniques, concepts, and approaches and applies them to moderately complex and strategic and/or operational issues.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor
– May review the work of others to verify accuracy and conformance to required procedures and special instructions

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Coaches others in using appropriate strategies for resolving conflict; negotiating reasonable compromises; and proposing and evaluating possible solutions
– Give candid and constructive feedback to others to influence and persuade managers and employees to accept and implement findings and recommendations

• Comp Grade – 11
• Minimum – $72,300.00
• MidPoint – $90,312.00
• Maximum – $108,444.00

• Brand management
• Content creation
• Creative visualization
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Digital Compositing
• Graphic design
• Graphic design software
• Layout and composition
• Photography
• Template creation
• Videography
• Web design