Senior Graphic Designer

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Reports to: Director of Policy & Engagement

Line reports: None

Contract terms: 21 hours over three days, one of which should be Thursday

Salary: £44,727 (£26,836 part-time equivalent)

Location: London-based, with hybrid working

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists is a membership organisation and the voice of the profession, with 4,500 members in the UK and overseas. Our role is to champion the specialty, set standards of training and practice, and influence change to make a difference to the lives of patients with eye conditions.

Job purpose

We are looking for a talented, self-sufficient Senior Graphic Designer to take full ownership of the organisation’s visual identity. As the sole design specialist within the College, you will be responsible for shaping and delivering all branded visual content — from strategic brand development to day-to-day execution across digital, print, and merchandise.

This is a unique opportunity for a proactive and versatile designer to lead on design thinking while producing impactful assets that support the College’s strategic aims and strengthen engagement with members, partners, and the public.

Main responsibilities

Strategic brand management

• Lead the development and evolution of the College’s visual identity to ensure it is modern, professional and fit for purpose across all communications.
• Act as a brand guardian, ensuring consistent application of visual standards across all departments.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive brand guidelines and templates (including Canva, Excel, InDesign, PowerPoint and Word).
• Ensure that all designs and materials adhere to accessibility and inclusivity standards.

Design execution

• Be solely responsible for the design and production of all College visual outputs, including but not limited to branded collateral, case studies, certificates, course materials, infographics, merchandise, promotional materials, newsletter/email templates, position statements, presentations, reports, social media posts, videos, wall art and website content.
• Redesign and typeset College News, our quarterly membership magazine.
• Contribute to major organisational projects, including the upcoming website redevelopment, providing creative input from concept through to delivery.
• Liaise with external suppliers where needed to ensure high-quality production.

Content creation and ideation

• Generate fresh, engaging design concepts that elevate the College’s voice and enhance visual storytelling.
• Keep up-to-date on design trends, tools and best practice, incorporating these as appropriate to improve quality and engagement.

Project and workflow management

• Own the full design workflow from briefing to delivery – managing priorities, timelines and stakeholder input independently.
• Liaise with colleagues across departments to understand their needs and advise on effective visual communication.
• Lead on procuring and rolling out a digital asset management solution/photo library, and keep this up-to-date and well-organised.

Other

• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the College.
• Work outside normal hours as necessary to support the delivery of key organisational events.

Person specification

Knowledge, qualifications and experience Demonstrable expertise in graphic design, with a professional qualification or evidence of learning in the field

• Proven experience in a sole or lead design role, with a strong portfolio covering both digital and print design
• Excellent proficiency in using graphic design and video editing platforms and tools, particularly the Adobe Creative suite
• Solid experience of Excel, InDesign, PowerPoint and Word template development
• Experience of overseeing brand consistency and acting as a brand steward
• Working knowledge of accessible and inclusive design best practice
• Knowledge of emerging design trends

Skills and abilities

• Ability to generate original ideas, take initiative and problem solve
• Demonstrable ability to translate complex information into visual products
• First-rate layout and storytelling skills
• Outstanding attention to detail and solid design proofing skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders and t communicate design decisions to non-designers
• Ability to manage a high volume of design requests independently, with strong prioritisation and time management skills.
• Comfortable working under pressure and pivoting quickly to meet changing needs

Personal qualities

• Natural curiosity and creative flair
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and understanding of how this applies to own area of work
• Commitment to own continuing professional development
• A positive, ‘can do’ attitude and a matter-of-fact approach when ideas or designs are rejected