Principal Designer Jobs in California

INTRODUCTION

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff. As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic, and social value. We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW

University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR) increases support for and enhances knowledge of UC Berkeley through communications, public outreach, and fundraising. The department is responsible for centralized fundraising and donor engagement and works to strengthen unit development offices by consulting and partnering with campus fundraisers. UDAR also handles a range of central activities and services encompassing events, communications, stewardship, prospect development, gift management, database management, and more.

A full-service professional team, External Relations and Marketing Communications (ERMC) supports these activities with videos, websites, events and programming, email campaigns, slide decks, printed and digital collateral, and more.

Position Summary

The Principal Designer serves the design and production needs of the University Relations and Alumni Relations (UDAR) division and the campus fundraising community. This role supports partner-client groups including Alumni Relations, Annual Programs, Donor Relations, External Relations, Gift Planning, and Major and Principal Gifts, as well as the 14 schools and colleges and other fundraising units. The Principal Designer creates visual communications that inform, instruct, and/or influence perceptions of the university by using knowledge of graphic design, digital and web trends and technologies, communications strategy, research, environmental design, and/or illustration.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The First Review Date for this job is June 29, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.

Responsibilities

• Conceives, produces and approves files, graphics, and/or illustrations for visual media, including print, digital, and multimedia.
• Consults with partner-clients to plan and design presentation of visual information effectively and appropriate to target audiences and to the selected visual medium; products may include print and/or digital formats of publications, brochures, displays, slide decks, proposals, websites, and other visual communications.
• Develops and produces visual presentations and proposals, devising visual themes that strengthen the communication of ideas and information.
• Assesses complex or otherwise challenging written material and data and devises the best ways to present it visually to enhance its clarity and impact.
• Works closely with project managers, editors, and partner-clients to understand communication requirements, determine most appropriate media, and create cost-effective products.
• Using advanced understanding of printing and other production processes and of computer software for publishing, images, web sites, and various other media; provides high level guidance on design and publishing technology, services for web design, or expertise on printing and other production processes for final products.
• Effectively meet budget and time constraints.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of seven years of experience applying advanced knowledge of design and communications concepts and applicable software applications within a large, complex organization.
• Minimum of seven years of experience demonstrating advanced knowledge of production processes for a variety of media and knowledge of vendor requirements for a variety of products (such proposals, reports, event collateral, and books).
• Minimum seven years devising broad design ideas, presenting them to partner-clients, and producing results on time and within budget.
• Proven ability to advise and consult on all aspects of visual communications, ranging from digital and multimedia to print and environmental collateral.
• Advanced interpersonal communications skills, including active listening skills and skills to work effectively within teams and to effectively provide advanced design advice and consultation to partner-clients on all aspects of visual communications.
• Critical thinking skills, advanced organizational skills and proactive problem-solving/problem resolution skills.
• Knowledge of and/or ability to learn about the campus, including its vision, mission, goals, and objectives.

EDUCATION / TRAINING

Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

SALARY & BENEFITS

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $115,000.00 - $121,000.00. Salary is commensurate with experience and equity, aligned with Berkeley's Salary Placement Guidelines.

This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.