Graphic Designer

About Reading Students' Union

Located at the University of Reading's Whiteknights Campus, this dynamic and student-centric organisation aims to empower and inspire students while enhancing their university life. The Union is committed to inclusivity, aiming to be a place for everyone, helping students make an impact through its new strategic initiatives.

Role Overview

We seek a creative and enthusiastic Graphic Designer to join our Marketing & Communications team. This permanent, full-time role requires 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, based at the Reading campus office. The designer will play a vital role in producing captivating design projects that promote the Union's services, events, campaigns, and opportunities to the student body.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualise and produce distinctive, high-quality creative content that aligns with the Reading Students' Union brand identity.
• Develop visual branding and design concepts for campaigns, events, and organisational projects to engage students effectively.
• Create accessible and inclusive visual communications tailored to diverse student communities.
• Deliver multimedia assets across various formats, including social media graphics, website visuals, digital screens, email marketing, print materials, merchandise, signage, and event collateral.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, balancing priorities and ensuring timely delivery.
• Collaborate with colleagues to refine creative briefs and liaise with external printers and suppliers to uphold output quality.
• Maintain brand consistency by applying guidelines, developing templates, and providing resources to support other departments.
• Use audience insights, feedback, and performance data to review and enhance future creative work.
• Ensure creative outputs comply with accessibility, copyright, and organisational standards.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications & Skills:

• Proven professional experience delivering graphic design across both print and digital channels.
• Strong creative thinking and conceptual design abilities with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud or similar professional design software.
• Experience managing multiple deadlines and competing priorities effectively.
• Deep understanding of brand identity maintenance and visual consistency.
• Knowledge of typography, layout, composition, and visual hierarchy principles.
• Commitment to inclusive and accessible design standards.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating within a team environment.
• A proactive attitude with a focus on finding solutions and maintaining high-quality standards.
• A passion for creating compelling visual experiences that enhance student life.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Experience designing visual identities for campaigns and events.
• Involvement in brand development or refresh initiatives.
• Skills in motion graphics, animation, or video editing.
• Photography, art direction, or content creation experience.
• Background in designing for physical spaces, signage, or environmental graphics.
• Experience within student unions, charities, membership organisations, or youth-focused groups.
• Understanding of how audience insights influence creative decisions.

What We Offer

• An inclusive and supportive team atmosphere.
• Flexible working options.
• 35 days of annual leave, including closures during Christmas and Easter.
• Professional development opportunities.
• A unique working setting within a vibrant students’ union situated in a beautiful, green campus environment.