Freelance Background Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Essential Functions:

70% Provide strategic marketing, branding, graphic design, and visual communications support for the College of Business, including its academic departments, centers and institutes, Executive Education, and undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Research, conceptualize, design, and produce print and digital marketing materials that align with University and College

branding standards and advance recruitment, retention, revenue generation, alumni engagement, corporate partnerships, and donor relations. Consult with internal stakeholders to develop creative solutions, coordinate photography and multimedia assets, manage project timelines, ensure quality control, and oversee production of promotional materials across multiple platforms.

20% Develop project specifications and coordinate with external vendors, including printers, photographers, videographers, freelance designers, and promotional suppliers, to produce high-quality marketing collateral in a cost-effective and timely manner. Solicit bids, manage production schedules, review proofs, attend press checks as needed, and remain current on marketing, design, digital

communications, and higher education industry trends to continuously improve the College's marketing efforts.

10% Cultivate collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, and University partners to prioritize marketing initiatives, establish production timelines, and ensure adherence to University brand standards, accessibility requirements, and marketing best practices. Provide strategic communications guidance to support the College's mission, elevate its reputation, and promote programs and initiatives to prospective students, alumni, corporate partners, and the broader community.

Education:

Requires a relevant bachelor's degree

Licenses/Certifications/Requirements:

None.

Experience:

Requires a minimum of 2 years' experience in promotional or advertising print materials and publication design. Excellent organizational and communication skills required. Familiarity with printing processes as well as a working knowledge of current graphic design software programs required. Ability to create original designs, execute artwork, conceptualize design layouts and coordinate final production of a finished product required. Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, often with competing deadlines. Ability to work independently and as part of a team required. Photography experience is preferred.

Leadership:

No authority or responsibility for the supervision of others.

Physical Requirements:

Job is physically comfortable; individual is normally seated and has discretion about walking, standing, etc. May occasionally lift very lightweight objects.

Working Conditions:

Standard working environment with possible minor inconveniences due to occasional noise, crowded working conditions and/or minor heating/cooling or ventilation problems. Near continuous use (>70% of the time) of a video display terminal.

Application Instructions: In order to be considered for this position, please complete the online application and attach your resume.

Application Deadline: Review of applicants will beginon September 10, 2026.

Union Affiliation (if applicable):

For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:

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The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that allwork performed as an employee ofthe University will be performed in Ohio.