Temporary Freelance Surface Pattern Design Jobs in Minnesota

Responsibilities and Hours: This is a flexible, 15 hours per week, freelance hybrid position beginning mid-September 2026 through late-January 2027 (20 weeks). Scheduled hours will take place between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday with the ability to work in-person at Northrop at least one day per week.
Overview: The Temporary Graphic Designer services the Business Development & Customer Support team, dedicated to elevating Northrop's brand by designing captivating print and digital materials. The freelancer collaborates with the Creative Director to uphold branding standards and deliver high-impact marketing, education, engagement, fundraising, and operational assets. The freelancer will manage and organize multiple projects, have an acute eye for detail, and have expertise in both typography and layout.
What you'll do:
Design and Produce Print and Digital Northrop Materials

• Using Adobe Creative Suite software, design print and digital materials for all Northrop marketing, fundraising, ticketing, engagement, operations, and other initiatives. This includes (but is not limited to) brochures, posters, ads, direct mail, videos, social media content, signs, newsletters, performance programs, stationery, promotional items, web and email graphics, etc. Strong knowledge and experience using Adobe InDesign and
  Illustrator is preferred.
• Create and modify images using Photoshop.
• Edit and produce videos using Adobe After Effects and Premiere programs.
• Design materials that adhere to Northrop and University branding and editorial standards, as well as artist and promoter guidelines.
• Seek out alternative imagery, photography, video, or design techniques to promote Northrops programming in the best possible way.
• Follow timelines and work with Northrop staff and partner organizations to route pieces for proofing and make revisions promptly.
• Use the Asana project management tool for all projects.
• Participate in collaborative and independent creative ideation of design solutions and options for Northrops business objectives.
• Work collaboratively with teammates and other stakeholders, with a proactive willingness to assist other colleagues and departments in the spirit of teamwork.

Administrative Functions

• Maintain shared server structure and adhere to the server style guide.
• Keep organized files for all materials produced, as well as files of all Northrop photography, logos, and branding standards using naming conventions.
• Source inventive methods of printing and production within the designated budget.
• Attend meetings and provide creative input on marketing and publicity strategies and design techniques.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and quality of design techniques and adjust as needed based on outcomes.
• Uphold the mission and vision of Northrop and the University of Minnesota at all times, while maintaining a positive and professional attitude.

What you'll need:

• BA/BS or BFA in Graphic Design plus 2 years of work experience in graphic design; or a combination of relevant education and graphic design experience to total 4-6 years.
• Established access to Adobe Creative Cloud programs
• A computer with internet access
• Expert knowledge and advanced creative skills with InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects, and other relevant programs.
• Ability to design and produce original print and digital pieces creatively and independently.
• Experience following a brand/style guide.
• Pre-press and print production experience.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and learn new areas quickly.
• Proven track record of seeing projects through to completion.

The Organization:
Northrop shapes Minnesotas rich cultural environment through arts presentations and commissions that celebrate excellence and innovation, community engagement, and creative exchange. Considered a Minneapolis architectural treasure, Northrop is an enduring symbol of the University of Minnesota, and the focal point of the Twin Cities campus and community.

Since opening in 1929, Northrop has served as the University's primary gathering place for the performing arts, concerts, lectures, academic ceremonies, and major civic events. Our performances and engagement activities reach far beyond the student body and University community to citizens all across Minnesota. Programming has focused on bringing world-class dance, music, film and conversations to Northrop, where the arts are incorporated into the student experience and shared with regional audiences.

Mission:
Rooted in the belief that the arts are essential to the human experience, we are committed to cultivating intersections between performing arts and education for the benefit of all participants now and for generations to come.

Vision:
Directly aligned with the teaching, research and service mission of the University, Northrop is a catalyst that uses the boundless power of arts and education to ignite transformation in each individual, inspiring positive change in our world.

Organizational Values:
INSPIRATION: We embrace a culture that ignites discovery, bold creativity and transformation.
EXCELLENCE: We deliver programs of the highest quality that advance arts, education and cultural enrichment.
CONNECTIVITY: We foster and illuminate connections that bring meaning and value to our lives.
INCLUSIVITY: We invite, welcome and respect everyone, honoring and celebrating the richness inherent in our differences.
COLLABORATION: We cultivate relationships that create unique opportunities for exponential impact.

Staff Values:
INTEGRITY: We each act according to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct and serve as positive advocates for Northrop.
RESPECT: We uphold a workplace culture that is collaborative, encouraging and fulfilling.
EMPOWERMENT: We value and trust the skills of our colleagues and empower each individual to do their job, while upholding the mission and furthering the goals of the organization.
ACCOUNTABILITY:  We are an outcome based, impact driven, data informed organization.  Goals are transparent and each individual has ownership in successes and challenges.
BALANCE: We recognize the ebb and flow of our workloads and are committed to helping one another find and maintain sustainable work / life balance.

Pay Range: $29.66 a hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications.  Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.