At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning digital designs and build responsive HTML email templates.
- Company: Join the University of Derby, a top-rated institution with a modern outlook.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, flexible working, and wellness support.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic team focused on innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while enhancing your design skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in graphic design and HTML email development is essential.
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better. The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region. We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
The External Relations department brings together student recruitment, marketing, communications, content and development into one dynamic, expert function. The team is responsible for telling the University’s story in the UK and internationally – shaping how we are seen, understood and experienced by our audiences. From creating compelling messaging and content across campaigns, digital channels and events, to building influential partnerships and driving sustainable income, External Relations delivers complex, high-impact work that is central to the University’s success. Our work supports growth, strengthens trust and reputation, and makes a significant contribution to the University’s long-term ambitions.
Design
The Design team are responsible for creating print and digital assets and ensuring brand consistency across the University.
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Digital Creative Developer & Designer to join our External Relations team. You will support wider design activity across social, web, print and other campaign channels, working closely with colleagues in Design, Content and Student Recruitment to deliver integrated, user-focused creative. You will also be a specialist in designing and building high-quality, responsive HTML email templates that perform consistently across all major email clients. You will take the lead on email creative development, producing reusable, modular templates and ensuring all output meets brand, accessibility and best-practice standards. You will manage an email marketing platform, carry out quality assurance and testing, and use insight and performance data to continually improve engagement. This is a hands-on role with no direct line management responsibilities, but you will act as a subject expert, providing advice and support to colleagues. Flexibility is required, including occasional evening and weekend working to support key University events such as Open Days, Clearing and Graduation. The role offers the opportunity to develop specialist expertise in design, email development and digital campaign delivery within a large, collaborative organisation, while helping to shape digital creative standards across the University. This is a fixed term contract for 12 months.
Anticipated interview date: Thursday 3rd September 2026
About You
You will be an experienced graphic designer and bring with you additional expertise in building responsive HTML email templates from scratch using tables and inline CSS. You will have a deep understanding of email client limitations, including Outlook rendering and mobile optimisation, and experience working with email marketing platforms such as Dotdigital or similar. You will bring strong visual and digital design skills, with confidence using Adobe Creative Suite (including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign) to deliver high-quality creative across email and wider digital channels. You will have experience creating reusable, modular email components, carrying out quality assurance testing, and managing multiple projects and deadlines effectively. You will hold a degree in Graphic Design, Web Design or a related discipline (or equivalent experience) and will have proven experience in a similar level role. You will have excellent organisation and communication skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Alice Oliver, Associate Director - Communications.
Important Information
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.
Closing Date: 19 Aug 2026
Salary: £32,260 to £36,251 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £41,689 per annum)
Digital Creative Developer & Designer (0111-26-R) - Derby, DE22 1GB employer: University of Derby
The University of Derby is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in IT service delivery. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to professional growth opportunities and a generous benefits package, all while contributing to a vibrant academic community dedicated to enhancing user systems and maintaining high security standards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Digital Creative Developer & Designer (0111-26-R) - Derby, DE22 1GB
✨Get Your Portfolio Sparkling
For a temporary graphic design role, your portfolio is EVERYTHING! Make sure it showcases your best work, but also tailor it to include pieces that reflect the type of projects University of Derby might need. Consider creating a section dedicated to quick turnaround projects to highlight your ability to deliver under tight deadlines.
✨Tap into Local Creative Networks
Join local design groups or attend creative meetups in your area. These events are a goldmine for finding out about temporary opportunities. You might even meet someone from University of Derby or learn about upcoming gigs that aren't advertised online!
✨Social Media: Your Design Playground
Use platforms like Instagram or Behance to share your designs and connect with the design community. Tagging companies like University of Derby in your posts can grab their attention and show off your flair! Keep an eye on their social channels too; temporary roles often pop up there first.
✨Apply Early, Apply Often
Temporary roles can fill up fast, so don’t wait around! Check University of Derby’s careers page frequently and set up alerts if you can. If you see a position for a temporary graphic designer, jump on it! Remember, we’re here to support your journey, so use our website to help streamline your applications.
We think you need these skills to ace Digital Creative Developer & Designer (0111-26-R) - Derby, DE22 1GB
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Best Work:For a graphic design role like Digital Creative Developer & Designer (0111-26-R) - Derby, DE22 1GB at University of Derby, your portfolio is everything! Make sure to include a variety of your designs that highlight your skills and creativity. Tailor it to reflect the style that resonates with University of Derby’s brand. Don’t forget to include any relevant temporary projects or collaborations – they show adaptability!
Emphasise Design Thinking:In your written application, focus on your design thinking process. Share how you approach a brief, from brainstorming to final execution. If you’ve taken any courses or received certifications related to graphic design, mention those too. This shows you're committed to the craft and eager to grow!
Tailor Your CV for Design:When crafting your CV for a temporary role, highlight specific design software you're proficient in – think Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, etc. Be sure to include any freelance work or internships that demonstrate your relevant skills, as showcasing project diversity can make you stand out in a short-term role.
Express Your Availability:Since the role is temporary, it's crucial to mention your availability clearly in your cover letter. Let University of Derby know when you can start and how flexible you are with hours. Being upfront can help them see you as an ideal candidate who’s ready to jump right in!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Derby
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Let’s be honest, in graphic design, your portfolio is your magic wand! Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with the style and needs of University of Derby. Bring physical copies if possible or have a tablet ready to show off your designs in action.
✨Familiarise with Design Tools
Be prepared to chat about the design tools you’re comfortable with, like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma. As it’s a temporary role, demonstrating your flexibility with various tools can give you an edge—don’t forget to mention any previous projects where you've used these skills!
✨Understand the Brand's Aesthetic
Take a good look at University of Derby’s branding before the interview. Understanding their visual identity and being ready to discuss how you can contribute to or enhance it will not only show that you’re interested, but also give you plenty to talk about during the interview!
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary gig, make sure to emphasise your adaptability and ability to work under tight deadlines. Share examples from past experiences where you've jumped in on projects quickly and delivered quality work—a must-have in the fast-paced world of graphic design!
