Independent Contractor Graphic Design Jobs in Kansas

POSITION SUMMARY
The part-time Graphic Design Specialist plays a key role in advancing the KU Memorial Unions brand by developing and executing creative concepts across print and digital platforms. This position collaborates closely with the Marketing and Communications Coordinator to design and deliver full-scale campaigns for the Unions and its partners, while ensuring all outputs are innovative, high-quality, and aligned with brand standards. The Graphic Design Specialist brings strong technical expertise and a broad understanding of design mediums, techniques, and trends to elevate the creative process, while also providing mentorship and guidance to KU student employee designers. The Graphic Design Specialist contributes to both the creative vision and execution of campaigns that engage and inspire the campus community.
DUTIES & REPONSIBILITIES OF ALL KU MEMORIAL UNION POSITIONS:
1. Adhere to University and KU Memorial Union policies and procedures.
2. Support the KU Memorial Unions lines of effort, initiatives, and End State as described by the Executive Director, and work to achieve and uphold the department's mission and core values: community, dignity, empowerment, excellence, innovation, and safety.
3. Follow the 7 Team Principles: competence, creating a cohesive team through mutual trust, creating shared understanding, setting clear leader intent, written/verbal communication, disciplined initiative, and risk management.
4. Demonstrate a positive, solution-oriented attitude in performing job responsibilities and collaborating with colleagues to foster a respectful and productive work environment.
5. Always exhibit professional decorum while representing the KU Memorial Unions and the University, including routine events and meetings that occur outside of the office, around campus, and out in the community.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Develop and execute creative concepts for both print and digital campaigns, with opportunities to lead and contribute to extended, multi-phase branding initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Coordinator to build full-scale campaigns for KU Memorial Unions and its partners.
• Bring a strong working knowledge of diverse design mediums, techniques, and trends to elevate the creative process and final outputs.
• Provide mentorship and creative guidance to KU student graphic designers, as needed, while ensuring high-quality, on-brand deliverables.
• Effectively manage projects independently, including timelines, priorities, internal deadlines, and client communications.
• Use project management tools to track progress and maintain clear communication with internal teams and clients.
• Ensure consistency with brand standards across all materials, while supporting creative evolution where appropriate.
• Participate in brainstorming, conduct design research, and prepare client-facing concept presentations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Marketing Manager or the Marketing and Communications Coordinator.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• Associate's degree in graphic design, visual communications, fine art, or a related field required; bachelor's degree strongly preferred. Equivalent combination of education and relevant certifications may be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in graphic design, preferably within a professional office, agency, or in-house marketing environment.
• A versatile portfolio showcasing a wide range of design work is required.
• Proficiency in Mac OS platform and advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards. Strong understanding of layout, color theory, typography, accessibility and branding principles.
• Skilled in concept development, visual storytelling, and execution of both print and digital designs. Strong attention to detail and ability to translate strategic goals into compelling visuals. Photography skills, including DSLR camera use, are a plus.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, respond to feedback constructively, and work independently.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Certifications in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Adobe Certified Professional) or other relevant design software preferred.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Lightroom and DSLR photography.
• Ability to develop creative concepts independently and collaboratively.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and to actively listen. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. This position may require sitting or standing for extended periods of time, as well as occasional bending, lifting, and carrying materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
Environment
This position operates in a professional office setting and routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers, mobile devices, printers, and copiers. The role requires flexibility and adaptability, including the ability to adjust to changing priorities and respond to job-related needs on short notice. This position may also require travel to multiple on-campus locations to support operational needs.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.