Brand & Design Specialist

Position Summary
The Brand & Design Specialist leads the NC Collaboratorys visual identity ensuring complex research is translated into engaging accessible and high-impact materials across print digital video and web platforms. Through graphic design video production editorial judgment and strategic communication the position strengthens stakeholder engagement and communicates research impact to policymakers academic partners and the public. Reporting to the Director of External Impact & Strategic Communications the Specialist collaborates with Communications Research and Leadership teams to maintain a cohesive and professional visual presence. Deliverables include branded reports digital collateral video projects website updates and the quarterly newsletter with an emphasis on consistency accessibility and audience alignment. Established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2016 the Collaboratory connects UNC System research expertise with the practical needs of policymakers and communities. It conducts both directed and discretionary research across areas such as natural resource management environmental quality and public health managing more than 250 active projects supported by over $250 million in appropriations. The Brand & Design Specialist produces strategic visual and video content that supports these research priorities and upholds consistent high-quality branding across all communications. Branding & Graphic Design: Develop the Collaboratorys visual branding by creating high impact digital and print materials that support research priorities elevate leadership visibility and ensure consistency across all public facing assets. Combine strategic design thinking with hands on creative execution managing collaborative design projects producing print and digital assets creating editorial aligned graphics and overseeing brand and asset management. Video Production: Lead the Collaboratorys video storytelling by producing dynamic content that communicates research leadership and organizational impact. Apply creative direction and technical execution across formats to translate complex research into clear compelling and accessible stories. Duties include concept development storyboarding filming and editing video content creating motion graphics and other enhancements to produce videos ranging from short clips to long form features. Website Development & Content Management: Manage and optimize the Collaboratorys website to keep content current accurate and aligned with strategic goals. The position integrates technical updates content management and user experience enhancements to maintain a dynamic research driven web presence. Responsibilities include content publishing and optimization coordinating technical updates with IT reviewing and refreshing site pages improving navigation and user experience and integrating regular research updates.

Required Qualifications Competencies And Experience
Professional experience in visual communications graphic design video production or related creative fields. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop Illustrator InDesign) or comparable design software and video editing tools such as Premiere Pro Final Cut Pro or After Effects for producing and editing short and long form video content for web social media and events. Familiarity with web content management systems such as WordPress. Ability to translate complex research into clear visual and video storytelling while maintaining consistent branding across digital print video and social media. Strong attention to detail creative problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple projects priorities and deadlines. Ability to collaborate effectively with research teams leadership and external stakeholders and to contribute to both independent and team-based video production including pre-production filming and postproduction. Demonstrated ability to create high quality design assets including reports presentations infographics social media graphics and video content. Proven ability to manage multiple creative projects from concept through delivery while maintaining brand consistency.

Preferred Qualifications Competencies And Experience
Knowledge of best practices in video production workflows including lighting sound and editing techniques for professional quality output. Ability to weave visual and video storytelling into organizational narratives that maximize policy impacts and public visibility. Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite including experience with motion graphics animation and video editing in tools like After Effects or Premiere. Strong understanding of design theory including typography color layout and composition with the ability to apply it across diverse platforms. Familiarity with search engine optimization ( SEO ) and web analytics tools to optimize content performance and audience engagement. Experience designing and leading integrated multi format communications or visual campaigns that align with strategic messaging. Ability to manage complex multi channel projects with multiple stakeholders with tight timelines. Ability to anticipate communications needs and proactively create solutions that strengthen institutional visibility. Experience designing visual assets for research academic or policy-focused audiences at the state national or international level. Progressive experience producing and editing videos for academic research or policy contexts including interviews event coverage and explainer videos. Prior experience in higher education nonprofit or government settings with an ability to adapt design and messaging for varied stakeholders.