Freelance Graphic Designer Jobs in Springfield, MA

Title: Graphic Designer

Executive Area: University Relations

College/School/MBU: MarCom

Department: MarCom

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement:Hybrid

Job Summary

The Graphic Designer supports the creation and production of on brand visual assets across digital and print platforms for university wide marketing and communications initiatives. Reporting to the Creative Director, with day to day direction from senior designers, this role executes design concepts, adapts templates, and prepares production ready files with accuracy and attention to detail. The Graphic Designer collaborates with members of the creative team and campus partners to ensure visual consistency and adherence to university brand standards. The ideal candidate brings strong foundational design skills, an eagerness to learn, solid technical proficiency, and the ability to take direction and work efficiently in a deadline driven environment.

Essential Functions

Create on brand visual assets for digital and print channels-including web graphics, email assets, social media content, publications, and marketing materials-using established templates, systems, and brand standards.
Adapt and refine existing concepts into finished layouts; assist with ideation through mood boards, visual references, mockups, and template variations.
Prepare accurate production ready files for print and digital output, ensuring correct formatting (color profiles, resolution, bleed, accessibility compliance).
Support brand refresh and evolution efforts by updating visual identity elements, templates, and branded materials as directed.
Design and prepare files for environmental graphics, signage, and other physical applications with attention to detail and production specifications.
Develop, update, and maintain reusable design templates in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and PowerPoint to support consistent institutional communication.
Ensure brand consistency across all deliverables by applying established visual identity standards and cross checking for accuracy.
Execute digital assets for email marketing, social media, and web platforms following accessibility and platform specific best practices.
Perform detailed proofreading and quality checks, reviewing content, formatting, image quality, and layout integrity before final release.
Organize and maintain design files and assets to ensure efficient retrieval, version control, and cross team usability.
Collaborate effectively with internal teams and project managers to clarify goals, manage feedback, and meet milestones.
Track assignments and deadlines using project management tools (e.g., Asana) and communicate progress proactively to senior team members.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

At least one year of professional graphic design experience, with a portfolio demonstrating strong execution and attention to detail across digital and print.
Bachelor's degree (preferably in graphic design or related field), or equivalent experience (including two additional years of professional experience in lieu of a degree).
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop); comfortable using Canva and PowerPoint to produce clean, on brand, presentation ready materials.
Strong understanding of brand systems and the discipline required to apply them accurately across multiple channels and asset types.
Demonstrated experience producing high volume, production ready deliverables, including marketing collateral, presentations, internal communications, and digital assets.
Demonstrated knowledge of print production and file preparation best practices, with an eye for quality control and error prevention before handoff.
Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent requests, prioritize effectively, and deliver polished work on deadline with minimal supervision.
Clear, professional communicator who can take direction, incorporate feedback efficiently, and collaborate smoothly with marketing, communications, and cross functional partners.

Preferred Qualifications

Basic familiarity with HTML/CSS, with an understanding of how design translates in web and email environments.
Experience working in content management systems (e.g., Drupal) and digital asset management platforms (e.g., Bynder or similar).
Working knowledge of email design best practices, including layout, accessibility considerations, and handoff for email marketing platforms.
Familiarity with motion or animation tools (e.g., After Effects); experience creating simple motion assets is a plus.

Additional Details

About University Relations
University Relations tells the impressive story of UMass Amherst: their faculty and their global research, their students who are preparing to lead, the hundreds of thousands of alumni who make the world a better place every day. The broad portfolio of University Relations includes marketing and communications, media relations, government relations, community relations, event planning, economic development, and regional partnerships, and New England Public Media (NEPM)-the region's premier public radio station. University Relations harnesses the resources and expertise of these distinct entities in a coordinated and strategic way to ensure that the powerful message of the University of Massachusetts Amherst reaches all its varied audiences, both internal and external.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade:PSSAP Grade 26

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for Applicants

Please include a cover letter, resume and portfolio with your application. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.