Designer (Maternity Cover UK Visa Sponsorship Available)

Job Description

About the Role

The University of Reading’s Creative & Print Services team is seeking a talented and proactive Graphic Designer to join their dynamic, fast-paced environment on a fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and creative individual with strong design and communication skills, who is passionate about delivering engaging, high-quality visual content across print and digital media. You will work on a wide range of projects that promote the University’s brand and enhance engagement across diverse audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and produce creative materials for both print and digital channels, ensuring all outputs align with the University’s brand identity and accessibility standards.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal clients to understand their needs and translate briefs into effective visual solutions.
• Prepare design files for print production and digital publication.
• Create accessible PDFs in line with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
• Stay informed on current design and social media trends to keep content engaging and relevant.

Essential Skills & Experience

• A degree in Graphic Design or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven experience producing high-quality, user-centred design work.
• Strong understanding of typography, layout, and visual hierarchy.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to work effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat).
• Experience preparing materials for print production.
• Familiarity with digital design and social media formats.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and meet tight deadlines.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within a marketing or higher education environment.
• Understanding of branding principles and accessibility in design.
• Ability to contribute to creative concept development and brand evolution.

Additional Information

Applicants are required to submit an online portfolio link or PDF portfolio via email as part of their application.

Visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Visa Route may not be available for this position due to role classification. Applicants requiring sponsorship are strongly advised to check eligibility on the UK Home Office website before applying. The University can only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.

We welcome applications from both internal and external candidates. Internal applicants are encouraged to discuss the possibility of a secondment with their line manager prior to applying.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The University of Reading is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. We proudly support the Athena SWAN Charter, the Race Equality Charter, and are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2).

Applications for part-time, flexible, or job-share arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.