Multimedia Designer - Casual

Center for Transportation Studies
Multimedia Designer
Temp/Casual

Position Description
The Center for Transportation Studies (CTS) conducts transportation research, education, and engagement in a broad number of areas, including transportation policy and planning, infrastructure engineering, connected and automated vehicles, and safety. These activities are carried out through relationships with University faculty, government agencies, and private industry, including an extensive advisory committee structure. An annual operating budget is provided by the state legislature to support a base level of research, education, and engagement services. This operating support is supplemented by other grants that CTS attracts.
The Center has a strong commitment to the University's goal of creating a positive and inclusive campus climate by advancing equity and diversity.
The purpose of this position is to lead the stewardship of the visual identity of CTS and its programs with responsibility for all aspects of the work including strategic, creative, executional, and maintenance. The role also serves as the center wide resource and go-to for guidance related to visual communications.
Responsibilities:
70% Multimedia Design
* Lead visual strategy by creating concepts, designs, and layouts for various media for internal and external clients. This includes, but is not limited to, annual reports, proposals, print and digital newsletters, websites, videos and motion graphics, promotional products, environmental applications, event materials, and social media campaigns.
* Drive creative concept development, ensuring visual content effectively communicates narratives and strategies that align with CTS's strategic plan and support programs and topics that relate to transportation research, funding, infrastructure, public policy, public safety, transportation equity, and new technologies.
* Identify design opportunities and challenges while providing creative direction and solutions to support CTS's goals and mission.
* Manage CTS's visual identity and resources that align with UMN's brand standards and accessibility guidelines
* Recommend photography, video, illustrations, iconography and other graphic assets. Provide guidance of photo shoots and oversee aesthetic judgments and design strategy in filming and production.
* Create visual assets and storyboards to convey messages, story, and concepts through video and animation.
* Manage design projects and determine budget and production needs, including requesting estimates and directing and approving the work of vendors and contractors.
* Pursuing professional development opportunities to remain at the forefront of design trends, tools, technologies, and creative leadership.
* Actively research market trends and leverage new technologies to identify opportunities that can help support CTS's brand positioning and maintain industry best practices.
20% Art Direction, Brand Strategy, and Collaboration
* Collaborate with CTS's communications team, leadership, UMN stakeholders, and external partners to understand outreach expectations and present creative solutions that elevate engagement and visual storytelling of CTS programs.
* Scope and determine program/project visual communication goals and audience needs.
* Develop, lead, and implement visual brand strategies, including identities and brand elements, for CTS and its programs that accord with CTS and University standards.
* Work with the communications team to evaluate the impact of designs used in center communications (e.g., through metrics, focus groups, usability testing, etc.).
* Lead and manage visual design standards, documentation, and processes.
* Recommend improved processes, tools, and applications that reflect design standards and trends.
* Direct contractors, partners, and staff and student workers on the use of graphics and design layouts.
* Consult with the communications team and internal clients to determine production timelines and contracting needs and recommend short- and long-term strategies.
* Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders, supporting staff, and leadership through meetings and creative brainstorming sessions.
5% Team Development, Support, and Training
* Train and mentor staff on use of basic graphic editing software, tools, and programs (e.g., Adobe suite products such as InDesign) to maintain workflow, quality, and consistency across communication materials.
* Provide support for communication software (e.g., Adobe suite products, font management system).
* Train and guide team members on design best practices, accessibility standards, and effective visual communication strategies.
* Work with the CTS's Communications team to build relationships with university departments and external stakeholders to align design efforts with broader institutional and external engagement goals.
5% Center-wide Programs and Services
* Assist in the design and implementation of center-wide initiatives and special projects as needed.

* Bachelor's degree in Design, Art, or related field plus 5 years professional experience, or 9 years combined equivalent education and experience. Excellent design and communications skills and proven success in:
* Creating and implementing designs, layouts, and brand strategies
* Completing projects with a high degree of originality and quality
* Managing multiple projects and assignments; coordinating work of vendors
* Working effectively in a diverse organization with multiple stakeholders and programs
* Working independently and as part of a communications team
* Providing strong customer service and support
* Translating technical/design issues to non-technical audiences
* Solving problems and resolving technical issues
* Organizational skills, attention to detail, quality control
Demonstrated expertise in:
* Adobe Creative Suite
* Website content management systems and tools

The Center for Transportation Studies (CTS) is a unique University of Minnesota center that conducts transportation research, education, and outreach programs in a broad number of areas. The Center currently operates with a total annual budget of over $22 million, and works with over 30 academic departments throughout the University. CTS consists of approximately 30 professional staff and 10 students who deliver the Center's multiple programs. The Center is funded primarily through sponsored funds from local, state and national sources, and maintaining long-term funding stability requires strong relationships with various funders and other transportation stakeholders.

Pay Range: $35-$45/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience. This position is not eligible for H-1B or green card sponsorship.

Work Profile: Profile 4, Fully Remote - Only occasionally visiting the office. Typically spends 4 or less days per month working in the office/lab on average. Your dedicated office space will be in your remote work location.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).