Operational Duties

• Leading graphic design and motion graphics functions within the Digital Marketing and Communications team.
• Leading our design projects from concept through to completion across all physical and digital marketing channels.
• Oversee and contribute to the creation of promotional materials for all of Kent Students’ Union’s commercial and non-commercial services.
• Work alongside the Head of Marketing and Communications to contribute to and support the delivery of strong marketing campaigns and oversee activity from other members of the department when required.
• Develop and manage key relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Prioritisation of design requests and marketing activity in line with the priorities of Kent Students’ Union’s strategy and operating plans.
• To implement and develop Kent Students’ Union’s brands, ensuring supporting guidelines and training is delivered to staff across the organisation.
• Investigate and maintain awareness of marketing trends and technologies, particularly those related to the 18-25 youth and student market.
• Ensure we are constantly identifying and evaluating opportunities to improve our design materials and marketing activity.
• To work alongside commercial and non-commercial departments to evaluate the look and feel of our outlets and facilities.
• To manage and maintain our physical and digital signage.
• Ensure compliance with legal and legislative requirements within marketing and communications, including GDPR and copyright.
• To help in the planning and implementation of key events, including Welcome Week and Summer Ball.
• To ensure proper management and organisation of digital and print design assets.
• Carry out other duties and activities as reasonably required to support colleagues in achieving Kent Students’ Union strategy and operating plans.
• To coordinate the work of external agencies or freelancers.
• To line manage any graphic design student staff.
• To encourage open feedback and debate from team members across all departments and external clients.
• Provide support and training to members of the team, and wider organisation, in using design software and systems as required.
• Ensure design related expenditure is controlled and monitored in line with agreed budgets.
• Ensuring that all Kent Student’s Union financial reporting procedures are followed.
• Support the Head of Marketing and Communications in annual budget setting and reforecasts.
• To ensure value for money is obtained in the purchase and deployment of all design and print.
• Ensure departmental and organisational assets and resources are kept secure and maintained.
• Where possible, ensure we are re-using print materials, rather than single-use items to reduce unnecessary spending and environmental impact.
• To attend training sessions, and appropriate meetings, as and when required by Kent Student’s Union.
• To contribute to the positive image of Kent Students’ Union with students, the University of Kent, the local community and stakeholders.
• To demonstrate understanding of the organisation’s democratic structures.
• To ensure adherence to all systems design to reduce Kent Students’ Union’s impact on the environment.
• To act as an ambassador for Kent Students’ Union and show loyalty to the organisation, abiding by the Union’s constitutions, policies and procedures at all times.
• To undertake other tasks and responsibilities compatible with the level and nature of the post as required by your manager from time to time.

People Responsibilities (if any)

• To coordinate the work of external agencies or freelancers.
• To line manage any graphic design student staff.
• To encourage open feedback and debate from team members across all departments and external clients.
• Provide support and training to members of the team, and wider organisation, in using design software and systems as required.

Financial Responsibilities

• Ensure design related expenditure is controlled and monitored in line with agreed budgets.
• Ensuring that all Kent Student’s Union financial reporting procedures are followed.
• Support the Head of Marketing and Communications in annual budget setting and reforecasts.
• To ensure value for money is obtained in the purchase and deployment of all design and print.
• Ensure departmental and organisational assets and resources are kept secure and maintained.
• Where possible, ensure we are re-using print materials, rather than single-use items to reduce unnecessary spending and environmental impact.

Expected Behaviours

• To attend training sessions, and appropriate meetings, as and when required by Kent Student’s Union.
• To contribute to the positive image of Kent Students’ Union with students, the University of Kent, the local community and stakeholders.
• To demonstrate understanding of the organisation’s democratic structures.
• To ensure adherence to all systems design to reduce Kent Students’ Union’s impact on the environment.
• To act as an ambassador for Kent Students’ Union and show loyalty to the organisation, abiding by the Union’s constitutions, policies and procedures at all times.
• To undertake other tasks and responsibilities compatible with the level and nature of the post as required by your manager from time to time.

Person Specification

Essential requirements should be demonstrated before appointment and maintained in post. Desirable elements should be developed and maintained once in post as needed.

Qualifications

Essential

Desirable

Tested at Interview

Tested at application

GCSE Maths and English or equivalent.

X

X

X

Relevant design qualification.

X

X

X

Experience

Essential

Desirable

Tested at Interview

Tested at application

Extensive experience with print and digital graphics, including motion graphics, as well as brand development and visual identity management.

X

X

X

Experience of working within a marketing department or graphic design team.

X

X

X

Experience of managing stakeholder/external relationships and prioritising workloads.

X

X

X

Experience of managing agreed budgets and following financial processes.

X

X

X

Experience of working across a range of marketing mediums including web, print, video and outdoor signage.

X

X

X

Knowledge

Essential

Desirable

Tested at Interview

Tested at application

Knowledge of design packages including Adobe Creative Cloud and use of InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop, Premier Pro and After Effects.

X

X

X

Knowledge of design concepts and principles to create visually appealing and well-structured designs.

X

X

X

Knowledge of print process and preparing files for print.

X

X

X

Knowledge of image sizing and file requirements of different marketing mediums.

X

X

X

Understanding or interest in the marketing and advertising industry, marketing practice and design trends.

X

X

X

Skills and Abilities

Essential

Desirable

Tested at Interview

Tested at application

Ability to operate effectively in a complex environment and develop positive and productive relationships with a range of stakeholders.

X

X

X

Excellent communication skills with the ability to relate to and communicate effectively with people at all levels.

X

X

X

Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritise workloads in line with organisational strategy.

X

X

X

Sound judgement and ability to handle competing priorities and a challenging workload in a pressurised environment.

X

X

X

Ability to identify opportunities for growth or improvement of our services and activities.

X

X

X

Values & Behaviours

Essential

Desirable

Tested at Interview

Tested at application

Evidence of a personal commitment to continuing professional development.

X

X

X

A commitment to equality of opportunity; someone who builds a culture of inclusivity and removes barriers to diversity.

X

X

X

A team player, who helps others build a successful team, celebrates others’ success and supports others to achieve individual and team goals.

X

X

X

A strong commitment to working in a democratic and membership organisation, with the ability to empower and build constructive relationships with elected student officers.

X

X

X