Junior Graphic Designer

About UCC Academy

UCC Academy works as an internal delivery partner that helps University College Cork accelerate key priorities. By combining specialist professional capability with strong institutional understanding, the team supports the university’s strategic and operational objectives with flexibility, collaboration and practical delivery.

The organisation focuses on innovation, advisory support and agile delivery so that its work stays aligned with UCC’s changing requirements.

Mission and Values

UCC Academy aims to use its expertise and proven methods to support the delivery of UCC’s priorities while encouraging a culture of excellence and ongoing improvement.

Its values centre on:

• delivering high standards, strong client focus and meaningful value
• encouraging learning, capability-building and knowledge sharing
• supporting wellbeing, balance and sustainable ways of working
• building trust through respectful collaboration and open communication

Role Overview

The Junior Graphic Designer will contribute to the development and production of visual communications for UCC Academy and University College Cork. The position involves creating engaging content for print, digital and multimedia use, while also building professional design capability and supporting project and stakeholder needs.

This is an 18-month fixed-term, full-time position.

What You Will Do

• Support the development of creative ideas for brand campaigns, marketing activity and related projects.
• Create visual assets, layouts, presentations, reports and promotional materials for print and digital channels.
• Assist with image selection, retouching, typography and layout improvements to strengthen design quality.
• Handle assigned work across several projects and deadlines, asking for guidance when needed and delivering on time.
• Adapt existing creative concepts across different formats and platforms while keeping consistency intact.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to shape ideas and complete design tasks.
• Prepare artwork files for print, online publishing and production with accuracy and care.
• Work with project teams to produce design outputs that satisfy stakeholder expectations.
• Develop positive relationships with colleagues, clients and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate with internal teams so deliverables match project goals and requirements.
• Provide clear, professional updates on progress, timelines and outputs.
• Use stakeholder and senior-team feedback constructively in design revisions.
• Represent UCC Academy professionally in interactions with internal and external contacts.
• Participate in brainstorming, creative reviews and collaborative project work.
• Build technical and creative capability by staying current with design practices, tools, trends and technologies.
• Contribute to a supportive, inclusive team culture and share ideas that improve processes, tools and workflows.
• Take responsibility for personal performance and development in line with team and organisational goals.
• Follow data protection, governance, accessibility, quality and brand standards in all assigned work.
• Support quality checks, revisions, version control and accurate file management where required.
• Take on other duties as reasonably assigned to support team and organisational objectives.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of professional experience in design or creative work, ideally in a studio, agency or in-house setting.
• A relevant third-level qualification such as Visual Communications or Graphic Design, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite.
• Good command of Microsoft Office.
• Solid understanding of design fundamentals, including typography, layout and visual communication.
• Understanding of brand consistency and visual identity principles.
• Strong organisational ability and time management skills.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• Ability to work well with others and follow established processes.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping and documentation.
• A proactive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Comfort working across multiple tasks and priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a team-focused mindset.
• Awareness of new trends and openness to trying new tools, including AI.
• Desirable: experience in or with higher education institutions or public sector organisations.
• Desirable: animation skills.
• Desirable: understanding of data protection and compliance in visual communications.
• A 2-page CV and cover letter are required.
• A portfolio under 10 MB, or a website link, must be included with the application.

Perks and Conditions

• Salary range: €38,000 to €52,006 per year.
• New hires are likely to start on one of the first three salary points, depending on experience.
• 25 days of annual leave, plus up to 5 discretionary company days.
• Company defined contribution pension scheme available after 6 months in post.
• Full-time employment with a 6-month probation period.
• Work location: Western Gateway Building, UCC, Cork Metropolitan Area.
• Onsite attendance is required, with some flexibility available when organisational and client needs permit.

Eligibility

Applicants must be eligible to work in Ireland. UCC Academy is an equal opportunities employer. By submitting an application, candidates consent to UCC Academy sharing their CV and personal details with the University and relevant departments for recruitment purposes.

Application Notes

To be considered, candidates must submit a 2-page CV, a cover letter explaining how they meet the requirements, and a portfolio or website link. Applications without a portfolio or website link will not be reviewed. The closing date is 9:00am on Wednesday, 22 July 2026.