Graphic Designer

Department Overview

The Student Communications and Marketing team partners with campus units to make sure students are aware of the opportunities and support available throughout their Boise State journey. The team’s mission is to help every Bronco have a strong and memorable experience at the university.

Role Summary

This Graphic Designer role is a creative position focused on producing visual communications that advance Boise State University’s marketing, outreach, and engagement objectives. The person in this role will create polished print and digital assets, advise campus partners on design solutions, and turn concepts into effective visuals that reflect university brand standards. Working with colleagues and clients across the institution, the designer will help guide marketing campaigns, publications, promotional pieces, and multimedia work from initial idea through final delivery.

Level Scope

This is a fully capable individual contributor role for someone who can independently handle moderately complex assignments using established procedures, policies, and judgment within set guidelines. The role works with general supervision and may occasionally support or guide newer staff or entry-level team members.

Essential Functions

Creative design and content development

• Create and combine graphics, motion elements, audio, text, and video into integrated multimedia pieces.
• Develop layouts for marketing collateral, exhibits, displays, publications, and related materials.
• Build original visual concepts that clearly communicate priorities and campaign goals.
• Recommend design directions for advertisements, promotional content, and marketing campaigns.
• Use creative thinking and problem-solving to produce engaging visual messaging.

Client consultation and project coordination

• Work with campus partners to clarify goals, target audiences, and communication needs.
• Coordinate projects from concept to completion, including review cycles, revisions, and final sign-off.
• Convert project objectives into clear creative briefs and practical action plans.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to define the scope, direction, and priorities of communication efforts.

Brand stewardship and communication strategy

• Make sure all design work follows university brand rules, policies, and visual identity standards.
• Collaborate with teammates to improve and extend visual communication across different channels.
• Support marketing and communication strategy through visual approaches that meet organizational and client goals.
• Offer professional design guidance to strengthen messaging and audience engagement.

Production, industry knowledge, and continuous improvement

• Coordinate with print and production vendors to support quality output and efficient execution.
• Keep up with new design tools, technologies, trends, and best practices and look for useful ways to apply them.
• Maintain working knowledge of industry printing and production methods to support delivery of materials.
• Carry out additional responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of design principles, tools, and software used to create graphic and visual materials across multiple media.
• Knowledge of media production, communication methods, and distribution techniques across written, oral, and visual formats.
• Ability to generate fresh ideas and creative solutions for new designs, systems, concepts, or visual applications.
• Ability to review information, assess outcomes, and select effective solutions to problems.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent background, along with 2 years of professional experience, is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience producing design work for student recruitment, retention, orientation, or engagement campaigns.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards such as ADA and WCAG.
• Understanding of college students and family audiences.
• Background in photography, video, and motion graphics.
• Experience developing creative assets for multiple communication channels.
• A student-centered approach to communication work.
• Experience preparing files that are ready for commercial printing.
• Experience editing and enhancing photos.

Salary and Benefits

The starting salary for this position is $55,057.60 and will vary based on experience. Boise State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation time, retirement contributions, health coverage, and tuition fee waiver benefits for employees and eligible family members.

• 12 paid holidays, plus a university closure between Christmas and New Year’s that requires use of 3 vacation days.
• For full-time Professional and Classified staff, vacation accrual ranges from 12 to 24 paid days per year depending on position type and years of service.
• 10.76% university contribution to ORP retirement funds for Professional and Faculty employees.
• 11.96% university contribution to PERSI retirement funds for Classified employees.
• Medical, dental, and other health-related insurance coverage.
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents.

Application Materials

• Resume or CV showing work history, education, and qualifications.
• A portfolio file or link with relevant work samples.
• A cover letter explaining interest in this specific role.
• Three references, including at least one direct supervisor.

Additional Information

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

About Boise State University

Located near the Boise River and close to the state capitol, Boise State University offers an energetic and inclusive academic setting that supports student and employee success. The university is known for innovation and its positive impact in Idaho and beyond. It has also been recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer included in the top 100 national midsize and large employers. Boise State welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.