Manager of Creative Design Services
Onward Search

Job Info

One of our Not Profit clients is searching for a Design Manager that remains hands-on while also being the go-to for branding, communications, recruitment, etc. This is a unique role that will allow you to have a hand in all of the design and communications surrounding branding!

Under general supervision from the Director of Marketing, the Manager of Design and Creative Services will lead overall visual branding and collaborate on the design and creative services on all projects, as well as participate in the design work. This includes evaluating and providing guidance to internal stakeholder/s needs, conceptualizing creative ideas, data visualization, managing multiple projects, leading branding efforts, and creating advanced and visually compelling designs in multiple mediums including print, web, photography and videography, presentations, social media, and post-production graphic design. The position supervises the work of the graphic designer, digital media specialist, external freelancers/vendors, and is the lead proponent of cohesive branding identity.


Responsibilities:


 Acts as the creative manager for the department. Provide leadership and oversight to the creative team including, graphic design, digital media specialists, and student worker/s.
Ideate, design, and implement digital-first creative solutions for integrated campaigns, including, but not limited to social, web, events, photography and videography, collateral, email, presentations, and internal communications.
Guides and advises internal and external stakeholders about both the creative process and client management systems to foster stronger working relationships and solutions that support the college’s strategic plan, mission, vision, and values.
Partner with marketing, web, and communications teams to ensure design and content works in harmony across print and digital channels and meet design and brand standards.
Meets with internal stakeholders to initially determine needs, budget and deadlines; meets subsequently to discuss changes and finalize the project. Provide subject matter expertise on brand standards, visual communication design, production, and digital and print best practices.
Lead for the digital asset management system
Assign work to the team, manage overall team workload, communicate with internal stakeholders, ensure all project details are accurate from initial requests through completion within the creative workflow system.
Provides quality graphic design control over design outputs and production of the design and creative team.
Oversees the graphics production schedules to ensure that projects meet deadlines established by the director and client departments. Ensure projects are well-planned and delivered on time and within budget.
Serve as liaison to the in-house copy center and external vendors to provide project instruction (including print specifications for quotes) and print-ready digital files. Review and approve proofs. Ensure print piece meets the brand standards and delivery deadline.
Consult and communicate with the Procurement office and as needed for quotes, bid reviews, invoice processing, and payments; and Receiving/mailroom for delivery inquiries and indicia.
Consult with outside vendors for artwork approval on promotional items.
Stay current on external design trends and best practices; share with the team inspiring and motivational insights.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Functional supervision is exercised over the creative team: graphic designer, digital media specialist, and vendors/freelancers.


Qualifications:


A Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable skills and abilities can be obtained is required. Master’s degree preferred.
Five years of professional graphic design experience. Seven years of experience preferred.
Two years of supervisory experience.
Advanced expertise using Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign). Working knowledge of MS Office and Google Suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Strong data visualization experience.
Illustration expertise is a plus.
Art direction experience is a plus.
Mastery of layouts, graphic fundamentals, color, grid systems, typography, and limitations of print and digital design work.
Proven experience interpreting, applying, and consulting on brand standards.
Knowledge of video production, motion design, and editing.
Expert in web, digital design, and print.
Knowledge of pre-press, print process, and AP style.
Exceptional project management skills. Must be able to work with tight deadlines and manage various timelines. Experience with project management or creative workflow systems preferred.
Excellent time management and organizational skills.
Leadership skills include the ability to give and receive feedback and delegate tasks when necessary. 
Ability to anticipate needs, establish and be flexible to changing priorities.
Ability to independently take on tasks from inception to implementation.
Ability to collaborate with colleagues, clients, and management while communicating effectively.


If this sounds like the hands-on opportunity to put your influence on all things creative, please don't hesitate to introduce yourself by applying below!
Employer Details:
Onward Search is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in an employment with regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws and ordinances. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
Onward Search offers medical, dental, vision benefits, as well as a 401k program, for all eligible full time temporary assignments.
Onward Search is unable to support 1099 / Corp-to-Corp or Independent Contractor arrangements at this time. All freelancers will be paid as W2 employees.
Onward Search is a drug-free workplace.