Senior Digital Design Specialist

Department: University Communications and Marketing

Position overview:

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is seeking a Senior Digital Design Specialist to translate brand strategy into compelling visual experiences across web, digital, and print platforms. This position reports to the AVP of Brand & Creative Strategy (B&CS) and works in close collaboration with the other members of the B&CS team (Video Producer, Photographer, Design team, Production Coordinator, and Project Manager), the Digital Strategy team (UX Designer, Director of Digital Strategy, and Web Specialist), and members of the
Marketing and Communications team. Position overview

This role is the visual design expert who transforms user experience wireframes into high- fidelity, on-brand digital designs and develops production-ready print materials for recruitment and marketing campaigns. You will be the bridge between brand strategy and digital execution, ensuring UMBC's visual identity is consistently and beautifully expressed across all touchpoints.

The ideal candidate is a versatile designer who is equally comfortable creating pixel-perfect web components in Figma, designing engaging animations, developing print collateral, and contributing to UMBC Magazine. You thrive in a collaborative environment, understand how design translates to code, and can advocate for both brand standards and user needs.

Why Work at UMBC?

UMBC offers competitive compensation. This role starts at $69,000 - $78,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles. Tuition remission is also available.

What is it like to work at UMBC?  Check out Glassdoor or Indeed.

For 16 years in a row UMBC has been recognized as a Great College to Work For! 

Telework:

A hybrid telework schedule may be available. 

Responsibilities:

Web & Digital Design
Collaborate with Digital Strategy Team:

• Partner closely with the UX Designer to transform wireframes, prototypes, and research insights into high-fidelity visual designs in Figma.
• Own the visual design layer: typography, color, imagery, iconography, and brand application for web projects.
• Design responsive web components, page layouts, and digital experiences that work seamlessly across devices.
• Create web-optimized graphics, illustrations, photography treatments, and visual assets. 
• Design micro-interactions, animations, and motion design to enhance user experience and delight. 
• Contribute visual design expertise to the web design system: design component visual styles, ensure brand consistency, and participate in design system reviews. 
• Coordinate with the Web Specialist to ensure designs are implementable and maintainable. 
• Work with the Director of Digital Strategy (and future Front-End Developer) to ensure designs translate effectively to code. 
• Create digital assets for social media, email campaigns, digital advertising, and other marketing channels. 
• Design landing pages, campaign microsites, and interactive digital experiences. 
• Develop templates and systems that empower campus partners to create on-brand digital content.

Print & Production Design

• Design production-ready print materials, including brochures, posters, signage, direct mail, and recruitment collateral using Adobe Creative Cloud. 
• Prepare files for print production with proper bleeds, color profiles, and specifications. 
• Balance digital-first thinking with print design excellence.

UMBC Magazine Design

• Contribute to the design of UMBC Magazine, including layout, typography, and visual storytelling. 
• Collaborate with the editorial team, designers, and photographers to create compelling, publication-quality designs. 

Brand System Development

• Develop and maintain brand assets, templates, and design systems for print and non-web digital channels.
• Contribute visual design expertise to the web design system