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:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor 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
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 9
• Minimum – $59,580.00
• MidPoint – $72,936.00
• Maximum – $86,400.00

• 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