Creative Non Desk Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department Description:
The School is committed to providing outstanding, integrated patient-centered care, preparing the next generation of clinicians and scientists for a rapidly evolving health care system, leading the world in scientific discovery and its translation into improved patient care and public health, creating and maintaining a supportive work and learning environment that attracts the best faculty, staff, students and trainees who can meet the changing needs of the School, society and profession, and optimizing resources to support strategic objectives and maximize stakeholder value.
We provide comprehensive oral health care services with over 120,000 patient visits per year. We offer a four-year DDS program as well as a two-year program for international dentists that culminates in the DDS degree. We have numerous specialty residencies, PhD and Master's degree programs in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, a combined DDS-PhD program, and a combined PhD-dental specialty training program. Other graduate programs include Craniofacial and Mesenchymal Biology and Bioengineering, and a DDS/MBA program. The School is one of the preeminent oral and craniofacial research enterprises in the world, ranking number one in National Institute of Health funding for 25 consecutive years.
UCSF Dental Center
UCSF Dental Center is a cohesive entity within the structure of UCSF's School of Dentistry that oversees and operates all clinical activities in the dental school. Its primary goal is to provide outstanding, seamless, cutting-edge patient-centered care. The Dental Center also aims to provide state of the art clinical experiences and education to students; deliver cost-effective dental health care; and generate resources for reinvestment in the School of Dentistry's educational, clinical and scholarship missions. UCSF Dental Center's primary services include all advanced dental specialty programs, and the general dentistry and specialty faculty practices. A majority of the Dental Center's clinical facilities are located at the Parnassus Campus, with affiliated clinics at Buchanan Dental Center and an additional presence at Mission Bay and the Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center.
Job Summary:
The Visual Communications Specialist plays a key role in advancing UCSF School of Dentistry's (SOD) mission areas by designing and producing high-impact visual content for internal and external audiences. This position supports communication campaigns that range from employee engagement and institutional initiatives to the launch and promotion of new healthcare clinics and academic programs.
The Specialist will create visuals that effectively communicate across multiple environments-digital, print, and physical spaces-ensuring accessibility and impact for audiences both on and off campus and in clinic, including those who may not be desk-based.
Responsibilities
of time
Essential Function (Yes/No)
Key Responsibilities
(To be completed by Supervisor)
20
Yes
Consults with clients to plan and design presentation of visual information effectively and appropriate to target audiences and to the selected visual medium; products may include publications, brochures, displays, presentation slides, proposals, technical manuals, web sites, and other visual communications.
Assesses complex or otherwise challenging written material and data and devises the best ways to present it visually to enhance its clarity and impact.
Strategic Communication

• Translate complex ideas and messages into clear, engaging visuals that align with SOD's tone, voice, and strategic goals
• Work closely with the SOD communications team and with partners across UCSF to support internal and external initiatives
• Develop visual solutions that reach non-desk audiences, such as clinical staff, through physical signage, screens, and event materials

50
Yes
Conceives, produces and approves files, graphics, and / or illustrations for visual media, including print and the web.
Develops and produces visual presentations, devising visual themes that strengthen the communication of ideas and information.
Design & Creative Production

• Conceptualize, design, and produce visual materials for a wide range of campaigns, including employee engagement initiatives, school communications, and healthcare clinic launches
• Develop layouts and graphics for print (posters, flyers, brochures, signage) and digital platforms (email, web, social media, large-format digital displays)
• Translate statistics, demographics, metrics, and other quantitative data into understandable and compelling visual representations
• Adapt design concepts for multiple formats and channels while maintaining UCSF and SOD brand integrity and visual consistency
• Create cohesive and compelling visual stories for the SOD website, social media accounts, newsletter, and ad hoc campaigns
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously from concept to final delivery

20
Yes
Works closely with project managers, writers, and clients to understand communication requirements, determines most appropriate media, and creates cost-effective products.
Editorial and Production Support

• Support the SOD Communications team in the execution of deliverables, such as updating or editing the website, posting to social media accounts, publishing newsletters, and posting to listservs
• Assist with writing and content creation for things such as news stories, blogs, newsletters, social media posts, announcements, slide decks, and speaking points

10
Yes
Using advanced understanding of printing and other production processes, including computer software, for publishing, images, web sites, and various other media. Provides high level guidance on design and publishing technology, services for web design, expertise on printing and other production processes for final products.
Brand & Quality Management

• Uphold UCSF, UCSF Health, and SOD brand standards, ensuring consistent visual identity across all materials
• Provide creative guidance and templates to partners and contractors to ensure maintenance of quality and consistency
• Monitor emerging trends in higher education marketing, healthcare communications, and design best practices

100%
(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, graphic design, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• 3-5 years of professional experience in visual design, preferably in a higher education, healthcare, or nonprofit environment
• Advanced knowledge of design and communications concepts and applicable software applications.
• Advanced knowledge of production processes for a variety of media and knowledge of vendor requirements for a variety of products
• Advanced knowledge of the location, including its vision, mission, goals, and objectives
• Advanced design, creative and artistic skills
• Advanced skills to devise broad design ideas, present them to clients, and produce results on time and within budget
• Advanced interpersonal communications skills, including active listening skills and skills to work effectively within teams and to effectively provide advanced design advice and consultation to clients on all aspects of visual communications
• Critical thinking skills, advanced organizational skills and proactive problem-solving / problem resolution skills. Creative problem-solving and visual storytelling
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects) and Canva
• Demonstrated experience designing for both print and digital channels
• Demonstrated editorial experience writing and editing copy
• Excellent understanding of layout, typography, and color theory
• Familiarity with accessibility and inclusive design standards
• Proficiency with digital and email marketing platforms such as Constant Contact
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with large-format display design (digital screens, banners, posters)
• Motion graphics or video editing experience
• Understanding of internal communications or employee engagement design strategy
• Ability to lead and mentor others in the department