Director of Creative Services, Communications and Marketing

The Director of Creative Services drives the creative strategy to support the Universitys mission. This role oversees and inspires the creative team including design and video professionals ensuring alignment with the Universitys objectives. The Director of Creative Services shapes and directs creative efforts across all marketing and communication channels including web social media direct mail out-of-home and email. This position ensures brand consistency and standardization providing guidance and training to campus partners on the universitys brand guidelines.

• Leads the development and execution of creative strategies that align with the Universitys mission enhancing compelling and cohesive storytelling across all channels including web social media email direct mail and out-of-home campaigns
• Responsible for developing brand strategy brand extensions and managing the Universitys comprehensive visual brand identity while guiding the division to ensure consistent and compelling representation across all communications materials and products.
• Partners with internal and external stakeholders to develop innovative campaigns that reflect the institutions goals and resonate with target audiences
• Supervises and inspires a team of creative professionals including designers and video specialists fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation
• Manages relationships with agencies contractors and vendors to supplement the creative teams capabilities and scale to meet divisional needs
• Oversees the contracting process ensuring deliverables align with quality standards and budget requirements
• Provides mentorship feedback and professional development opportunities to team members
• Effectively manages resources timelines and workloads to ensure timely delivery of projects while maintaining high-quality standards
• Serves as a resource and advisor to campus partners providing training and guidance on brand standards creative best practices and strategies
• Advocates for consistent representation of the universitys identity
• Collaborates with partners to ensure alignment with institutional objectives.
• Oversees the approval process for system-wide guidelines including strict compliance with logo usage and branding policies.
• Work with division team for workflow optimization data analytics resource allocation and other priorities as assigned.

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

Knowledge

1. Branding and Creative Processes

• In-depth knowledge of branding principles including visual identity messaging and adherence to brand guidelines
• Understanding of creative processes across communication channels including digital (web social email) print video and out-of-home campaigns
• Familiarity with higher education systems policies and system-wide branding requirements

2. Design and Multimedia Production

• Proficiency in design principles typography layout and industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator Photoshop InDesign Premiere Pro etc.)
• Understanding of video production motion graphics and photography principles

3. Marketing and Project Management

• Knowledge of marketing and communication best practices particularly for academic institutions
• Familiarity with project management tools and processes as well as content management systems (e.g. WordPress Drupal) and analytics platforms

Skills

1. Creative Leadership and Strategy

• Ability to inspire and lead creative teams toward innovative solutions while aligning with institutional goals
• Strategic thinking and decision-making skills to develop and execute marketing and branding initiatives under tight deadlines
• Advanced proficiency with creative and project management tools (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite Figma Trello Asana)

2. Communication and Collaboration

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for articulating creative concepts and providing feedback
• Skilled in navigating stakeholder relationships and resolving conflicts constructively
• Ability to manage relationships with contractors and vendors to ensure quality and budget adherence

3. Team Development

• Skill in fostering talent within teams through coaching professional development and training

Abilities

1. Vision and Adaptability

• Ability to align creative outputs with the Universitys mission and strategic objectives while balancing innovation with institutional standards
• Capacity to adapt to evolving campus needs industry trends and feedback metrics

2. Attention to Detail and Quality

• Keen eye for design quality brand consistency and compliance with system-wide guidelines

3. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

• Analytical abilities to evaluate creative effectiveness and recommend improvements
• Skilled in balancing competing priorities while ensuring strategic alignment

Review of applications will beginOctober 9 2025and continue until the position is received bythis datewill receive priority addition to the application an attached resume is required.

Minimum: Requires a Bachelors degree in Communications Marketing Art Graphic Design or related field; and 5-7 years of professional experience in creative development and leadership; or an equivalent combination of education training and experience.

Preferred:A Masters degree in Communications Marketing Art Graphic Design or related field; 10 years of professional experience; and higher education experience is preferred.