Position Title: Director of Digital Design and Creative Services
FLSA: Exempt
Job Type: Full-Time
Staff Term: Other
Staff Work Schedule (hours/dates): Monday - Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
Academic Year Schedule (dates):
Faculty Term:
Position Type: Staff
Department: Marketing & Communications
Job Summary/Basic Function: The Director of Digital Design and Creative Services will be a strategic and hands-on leader, skilled at bringing forth a compelling vision that will elevate the brand of Wheaton College. The position will report directly to the Vice President for Marketing and Communications.
This role will be responsible for overseeing the strategy, development and hands-on execution of creative projects that enhance the institution’s brand and support its strategic goals, with a primary focus on digital design and video storytelling. We’re passionate about community, have an engaged student body and proud alumni. This is an opportunity to bring our brand to life in a way that resonates with our audience and further strengthens our identity. The role requires a deep understanding of design principles for digital media, visual art and video across various digital channels, traditional print mediums to craft content that will engage and inspire. The ideal candidate will also have excellent project management skills, be adept at sharing the brand vision, and collaborating effectively across departments.
Creative Leadership and Execution (30%)
Serve as the institution’s creative director and lead digital designer, conversant with motion graphics, UI design, etc.
Provide creative direction and ensure all design projects align with the institution’s brand guidelines and objectives.
Lead and manage two full-time staff members and a creative bench of external resources including designers, writers, and multimedia professionals.
Execute and directly produce digital design projects and tasks as initiatives require.
Foster a collaborative and innovative environment within the creative team.
Stay current with industry trends, tools, and technologies.
Provide continuous learning and professional development within the team.
Brand Management
Evolve and maintain the institution’s brand identity, elevating the visual appeal and flexibility of the brand to reach and inspire diverse audiences, predominantly through digital channels.
Ensure consistency across all communications and channels.
Develop and enforce brand guidelines and standards.
Monitor market trends and competitor activities to keep the brand current and competitive.
Project Management
Oversee the planning, development, and execution of creative projects, including print, digital, and multimedia materials.
Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Coordinate with internal clients, including academic and administrative departments, to understand their needs and deliver effective creative solutions.
Hands on experience with collaboration tools such as Wrike or Asana to optimize for high productivity.
Collaboration and Communication
Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to develop integrated marketing campaigns.
Serve as a liaison between the creative team and other departments, ensuring clear communication and alignment of goals.
Present creative concepts and strategies to senior leadership and stakeholders.
Quality Control
Review and approve all creative work, ensuring it meets the institution’s standards and objectives.
Provide constructive feedback and guidance to team members to help them grow and improve their skills.
Budget Management
Manage the creative services budget, including resource allocation and cost control.
Identify and implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality.
When prompted within the application, please provide a link to a portfolio or any relevant media links.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Creative Arts, Digital Marketing, or a related field.
7-9 years of experience in a creative services role, with at least 3 years in a leadership position.
Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in digital design, branding, and multimedia production.
Excellent project management and organizational skills. Experience with Wrike, Asana a plus.
Advanced experience in graphic design, motion graphics (CGI a plus) and video software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Animate, Adobe Premiere Pro, Cinema 4D, DaVinci, Figma, etc.
Strong communication and presentation skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in higher education is not required, but a plus.
Compensation and Benefits: To attract and retain the most talented individuals, Wheaton College maintains a flexible and competitive staff compensation and benefits program.
When determining and establishing hiring rates or recruitment ranges for a position, the College considers a number of factors including the budget for the position, the range of the grade, the external market for the position or similar positions, level and scope of responsibilities, required education, skills and relevant experience as well as internal equity. All salary offers must have the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
The salary for this position will be commensurate with the qualifications, education and experience.
Physical Demands: Office environment/no specific or unusual physical or environmental demands.
ADA Statement:
Individuals must possess these knowledges, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Eeo Statement: Wheaton College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability. In a continuing effort to maintain and enrich an intellectually diverse learning environment, the Department and the College actively encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented groups. Wheaton’s core belief is that valuing diversity is pivotal to personal development, intellectual expansion, and societal equity. Our community is united by a shared dedication to equity and access that is essential to providing a transformative education in the Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Posting Date: 10/18/2024
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled: No
Contact(s): Office of Human Resources
Contact Phone/Extension: 508-286-8206
Contact Email: careers@wheatoncollege.edu
Contact Fax:
Special Instructions to Candidates: The federal government and the state of Massachusetts have made the decision to end the COVID-19 public health emergency. Effective June 1, 2023, the college will no longer require COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for members of our community. Rather, we strongly recommend that everyone stay up to date on their vaccinations, including boosters, as recommended by their health care provider. While we will no longer require COVID-19 vaccinations, we strongly encourage members of our campus community to adhere to public health recommendations for vaccination to protect against COVID-19, as well as influenza and other diseases.
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