Senior Director of Visual Design

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Position Summary:

The Senior Director of Visual Design serves as a key leader within Vanderbilt Universitys Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) division responsible for advancing a unified strategic and donor-centered visual communications approach. This is a new position on a growing team focused on delivering a top-notch donor experience with creativity and meaningful personalization. This role partners closely with internal DAR teams and collaborates with the universitys division of Communications and Marketing (MarComm) to develop and execute visual communications across a variety of media that inspire philanthropy steward key donors deepen engagement and demonstrate impact. The Senior Director will guide visual strategy develop a DAR-focused visual look within the universitys brand manage priorities and resources and ensure consistency and excellence across targeted philanthropic and alumni visual communications efforts.

About the Work Unit:

Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) secures the philanthropic and volunteer support required to advance Vanderbilt Universitys mission. DAR leads the identification cultivation solicitation and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose goals align with Vanderbilts strategic priorities. DAR strengthens lifelong engagement among alumni families donors and partners.

You can find more information here: Functions and Expected Performance:

• Develop and maintain a cohesive visual identity for the division that inspires engagement from our audiences while remaining aligned with the overall Vanderbilt brand identity and guidelines. Continue to evolve that identity as needed to maintain a fresh approach for our community.

• Establish artistic strategy for the division; develop and design concepts and execute creative material to support Vanderbilt initiatives and messaging.

• In collaboration with key internal DAR partners conceive develop and produce visually engaging and data-centered designs across a variety of media including print (brochures one-pagers mailers) and digital (social media graphics web/email banners PowerPoint presentations). In partnership with DAR team members oversee the development of videos to help tell Vanderbilts story using both internal and external resources as needed. Provide direction on photography for materials and for events. Collaborate with the central Communications and Marketing team as appropriate to ensure brand and creative cohesion.
• Partner with Donor Relations colleagues to develop and maintain resources for impact reporting acknowledgement and event materials.
• In collaboration with Donor Relations colleagues and other university partners develop the production of creative and unique gifts and packaging that will play a role in ongoing stewardship efforts .
• In coordination with the Director of Internal Communications supervise the development of compelling internal communication materials to inform and inspire DAR staff members. Materials will include meeting collateral (presentations takeaways) strategy slides and resources to bring DARs values and leadership principles to life.
• Create promote and monitor an innovative graphic design program by defining and achieving standards for engaging communications while focusing on partnership and service delivery.
• Create images charts and infographics which effectively communicate key messages and can be incorporated into digital presentations print and web projects.
• Present visual concepts and ideas in an organized effective and thoughtful way.
• Partner with colleagues including DARs leadership team development and alumni engagement teams and DARs Advancement Information Services team to visually communicate (or just communicate) university priorities and progress.
• Collaborate in the development and implementation of communication strategies for all campaign communications projects and evolving DAR initiatives.
• Ensure consistency across all platforms and compliance with Vanderbilts brand guidelines design and content standards.
• Participate in meetings and stay abreast of changing regulations procedures innovations trends and emerging technologies pertaining to the field of communications and design; communicate business implications of new regulations and standards.
• Using available project management systems build and maintain a workflow that utilizes design team expertise and maximizes productivity while encouraging team professional growth and satisfaction.

• Lead mentor and support a high-performing team.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position will have supervisory responsibility of 2-3 visual design positions.

This position reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Development Communications.

Work Environment:

This position will be located in the Nashville TN area. It will be hybrid with an expectation of being in the office about one day per week or more depending on business needs.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelors degree or the equivalent is required.

Experience and Skills:

• 8 years of relevant experience or the equivalent is required
• Experience in higher education communication is preferred
• Proven ability to effectively use computer graphics knowledge of technical printing and production scheduling
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Strong proofreading and editing skills with attention to detail a plus
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Discretion and good judgment necessary
• Ability to perform and manage multiple projects on a regular basis
• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite(InDesign Illustrator Photoshop) Canva and other design tools. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word Excel Outlook and Power Point. Knowledge of AI tools available for visual design such as ChatGPT image creation.
• Strong project management skills including experience managing multiple creative projects in a fast-paced complex environment managing workflows and aligning resources to strategic goals.
• Strong portfolio showcasing design versatility and polished execution.