Visual Communications & Design Consultant, Office of Strategic Initiatives

Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSIN) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC).

The Visual Communications & Design Consultant serves as a strategic partner to researchers and UMKC departments/institutes by transforming complex concepts, technical content, and preliminary graphics into clear, compelling, and visually refined outputs.

The Visual Communications & Design Consultant role goes beyond traditional graphic production. The position functions as a collaborative translator - working iteratively with researchers to interpret rough sketches, dense technical information, and evolving ideas into polished visuals, presentations, and web experiences that communicate effectively to varied audiences.

The position requires strong visual storytelling ability, design expertise, and the capacity to guide stakeholders through an iterative refinement process from concept to final delivery. Projects may include research proposals, presentations, infographics, digital assets, and front-end website design aligned with university branding and accessibility standards.

Roles

1. Visual Communication Translator
2. Collaborative Design Partner
3. Graphic Designer & Visual Storyteller
4. Front-End Website Designer
5. Design Strategy & Brand Steward

Responsibilities

1. Visual Translation & Design Development. Responsible for transforming complex research concepts and technical information into clear, compelling visual communications that support research proposals, presentations, and institutional initiatives.
2. Iterative Collaboration & Co-Creation. Responsible for working collaboratively with researchers and internal/external stakeholders to develop visual materials through an iterative design process that ensures clarity, accuracy, and alignment with project goals.
3. Website & UI Design. Responsible for designing and maintaining user-centered website interfaces that communicate research initiatives effectively while meeting accessibility and university standards.
4. Strategic Alignment & Brand Stewardship. Responsible for ensuring visual materials align with university branding, design standards, and communication strategies.
5. Security & Compliance. Responsible for maintaining the security, confidentiality, and compliance of project materials and digital assets.
6. Other Duties as Required. Responsible for supporting additional design, communication, or digital needs that advance the mission of the research units served.

Duties

• Design & Visual Development
  • Create graphics for research proposals, presentations, and communications materials
  • Design infographics, diagrams, charts, posters, and other visual assets
  • Develop wireframes, storyboards, mockups, and prototypes for visual projects
  • Refine existing graphics and presentations to improve clarity and visual impact
• Collaboration & Iteration
  • Meet with researchers and stakeholders to understand project goals and communication needs
  • Translate technical concepts into visual formats suitable for varied audiences
  • Revise designs through multiple feedback cycles until final approval
  • Manage multiple concurrent design requests and deadlines
• Website Design & Maintenance
  • Design front-end website layouts and user interfaces
  • Update and maintain website content and design elements
  • Ensure websites meet ADA, Section 508, and WCAG accessibility requirements
  • Coordinate with university departments for website approvals and technical compliance
• Standards & Asset Management
  • Apply university branding and design standards to all materials
  • Maintain organized design files, templates, and digital assets
  • Follow best practices for file management and project archiving
• Security & Compliance
  • Handle sensitive research information appropriately
  • Follow university data protection and cybersecurity protocols
• Other duties as assigned.

Expectations

1. Adapt quickly to proposal-driven deadlines and shifting priorities
2. Balance workload equitably across supported units
3. Meet agreed-upon deliverables and timelines
4. Exercise sound judgment in the use of AI tools, ensuring quality, originality, and compliance with university standards
5. Maintain a high level of responsiveness and professionalism throughout iterative collaboration

NOTE: This position is grant funded and contingent on continued grant funding.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

Strongly Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Web Design, or related field
• Strong portfolio demonstrating:
• Visual translation of complex information
• Data visualization
• Iterative design refinement
• Website UI design
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
• Working knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Experience collaborating with clients or stakeholders through multi-stage design processes

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Graphic Design, Scientific Illustration, Visual Communication, or related field
• Experience designing for technical or research-focused audiences
• Familiarity with AI-assisted design tools
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python with Matplotlib, or similar)
• Understanding of web analytics and performance metrics
• Background in scientific or research environments
  

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $53,973 - $68,161 annually.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: GGS 9E
University Title: STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT
To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Job posting will remain open until filled.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.