Junior Graphic Designer
18-month FTC - 1FTE
Who We Are
UCC Academy is the internal partner for accelerating the delivery of University College Cork’s priorities. We bring targeted professional capabilities and deep institutional knowledge to every engagement, enabling the University to achieve its strategic and operational goals.
We uniquely collaborate, innovate, advise, and operate with flexibility—ensuring our work is aligned with UCC’s evolving needs.
Mission
We harness our talent and best practices to support the delivery of UCC priorities, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. As part of the UCC group, we collaborate and operate flexibly and cost effectively to realise our mutually aligned goals.
Our Values
At UCC Academy, our values shape how we work, collaborate, and grow together.
Delivering Excellence and Value
We uphold high professional standards and deliver impactful, client-focused solutions.
We:
· Strive for excellence in every task and interaction
· Take ownership and continuously seek improvement
· Foster innovation through collaboration and curiosity
Success and Growth
We invest in our people to develop the skills needed in a dynamic environment.
We:
· Embrace lifelong learning and personal growth
· Share knowledge and mentor one another
· Future-proof our capabilities through agility and efficiency
Wellbeing and Balance
We prioritise the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our people.
We:
· Promote flexible and sustainable work practices
· Support wellness and inclusivity
· Respect and value everyone’s time
Trust and Collaboration
We build a respectful and supportive environment where productivity thrives.
We:
· Lead with empathy, kindness, and authenticity
· Encourage open communication and shared accountability
· Focus on outcomes, not presenteeism
Role Overview
The Junior Graphic Designer supports the delivery of high-quality visual communications across UCC Academy and UCC. Working within our team, the role contributes to the creation and production of engaging visual content across print, digital and multimedia channels, while developing professional design expertise and supporting project and stakeholder objectives.
The Junior Graphic Designer combines creative design, production and stakeholder collaboration responsibilities to support the successful delivery of a diverse range of projects and campaigns.
Key Responsibilities
Service Delivery
- Support the design and development of creative concepts across brand campaigns, marketing initiatives and relevant projects.
- Assist in the creation of visual assets, layouts, presentations, reports and promotional materials across print and digital channels.
- Support image selection, retouching, typography and layout refinement to enhance the overall quality of design outputs.
- Manage assigned tasks across multiple projects and deadlines, seeking guidance where appropriate and ensuring timely delivery.
- Adapt and roll out existing creative concepts across multiple formats and platforms while maintaining consistency and quality.
- Work closely with relevant stakeholders to develop ideas and execute design tasks.
- Prepare artwork files for print, digital publication and production, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail.
- Work collaboratively with project teams to deliver high-quality design outputs that meet stakeholder requirements.
Stakeholder Management
- Build positive working relationships with colleagues, clients and project stakeholders.
- Liaise with internal teams to ensure design deliverables meet requirements and project objectives.
- Communicate clearly and professionally regarding project progress, timelines and deliverables.
- Incorporate feedback from stakeholders and senior team members constructively into design work.
- Represent UCC Academy professionally when working with internal and external stakeholders.
Creative Development
- Contribute actively to brainstorming sessions, creative discussions and collaborative project activities.
- Seek opportunities to expand technical skills, creative capability and understanding of design best practice.
- Stay current with design trends, tools, cultural insights and technologies to continuously improve service delivery.
Individual & Team Contribution & Continuous Improvement
- Promote a collaborative and inclusive team environment, supporting colleagues and contributing to shared goals and deliverables.
- Identify and share suggestions that support improvements in processes, workflows, tools and service delivery.
- Demonstrate accountability for personal performance and growth, aligning with UCC Academy’s values and contributing positively to team and organisation.
Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Ensure adherence to data protection, governance frameworks, and other compliance requirements across assigned tasks.
- Ensure design outputs align with organisational quality standards, accessibility considerations and brand requirements.
- Support quality assurance processes and undertake revisions as required to meet agreed standards.
- Contribute ideas and feedback to improve design processes, tools and ways of working, supporting continuous improvement across the team.
- Maintain accurate records, files and version control practices where required.
- Maintain consistency with brand and visual identity guidelines across all deliverables.
Other Duties
- Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned, contributing flexibly to team and organisational objectives.
This list is not exhaustive, and the Junior Graphic Designerwill undertake other duties as appropriately requested.
Essential Criteria
- 2 years of professional design/creative experience in a studio, agency, or
- in-house team.
- A relevant third-level qualification (e.g. Visual Communications/Graphic Design) or relevant equivalent experience.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Understanding of design principles, typography, layout and visual communication.
- Understanding of brand consistency and visual identity principles.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively and follow established processes.
- Attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining records and documentation.
- Proactive and willing to learn.
- Adaptable and able to manage multiple tasks.
- Strong interpersonal skills and a team-oriented mindset.
- Awareness of new trends and openness to exploring new tools (including AI).
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working in or with higher education institutions or public sector organisations.
- Animation skills.
- Knowledge of data protection and compliance considerations in visual communications.
Conditions of Employment
- Employment Type: The post is full-time. A six-month probationary period will apply.
- Eligibility: You must be eligible to work in Ireland to be considered for the role.
- Salary on commencement: Level 2: €38,000– €52,006 per annum. New entrants to UCC Academy will likely be appointed onto one of the first three points of the scale, subject to experience.
- Term: 18-month fixed term contract.
- Annual Leave: 25 Days plus up to 5 discretionary Company Days.
- Pension: Company Defined Contribution Pension Scheme available after 6 months in post.
- Location: Our place of work is the Western Gateway Building, UCC. Onsite presence is required, with opportunities for flexible working when organisation and client needs allow.
How to Apply
In order to be considered for the post, we ask you to submit a 2-page CV and cover letter outlining how you meet the requirements. A portfolio of work (under 10mb), or a link to your website must be submitted as part of the application process to [email protected] . Applications that are submitted without a portfolio or link to a website will not be considered. Deadline for applications is 9am, Wednesday, 22 July 2026.
UCC Academy is an equal opportunities employer
By submitting your CV you are deemed to give your consent to UCC Academy to share your CV and personal details with the University and individual departments within the University for the purposes of recruitment.
Pay: €38,000.00-€52,006.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bike to work scheme
- Company pension
- Employee assistance program
Application question(s):
- Have you submitted your portfolio of work (under 10mb), or a link to your website to [email protected]? Applications that are submitted without a portfolio or link to a website will not be considered.
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cork City, County Cork
