This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Associate Creative Director, Design based in United States.
This role sits at the intersection of brand storytelling, design leadership, and strategic marketing within a highly competitive and emotionally driven education landscape. You will shape creative direction across institutional branding, campaigns, and visual identity systems that directly influence how prospective students discover and connect with universities. The position blends hands-on creative craft with leadership responsibilities, requiring someone who can both elevate design quality and guide multidisciplinary teams. You will lead concept development, oversee production across digital, print, and video, and ensure all creative output aligns with strategic enrollment goals. The environment is collaborative, fast-moving, and mission-oriented, with a strong emphasis on storytelling, innovation, and measurable impact. This is a leadership role for a designer who thinks in systems, narratives, and audience journeys rather than isolated deliverables.
Accountabilities:
- Lead the development of brand identity systems and creative campaigns across institutional branding, enrollment marketing, and advancement initiatives.
- Oversee end-to-end creative production including concept development, storyboarding, video direction, photo shoots, and post-production execution.
- Guide and mentor a team of designers, art directors, and video producers, fostering a culture of craft excellence, collaboration, and continuous growth.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing strategists, copywriters, media, and client stakeholders to define creative direction and execution plans.
- Present creative concepts and campaign strategies to partner institutions, acting as a senior creative advisor and trusted point of contact.
- Establish and optimize creative workflows, production pipelines, and team processes to improve efficiency, consistency, and scalability.
- Leverage audience insights, performance data, and market trends to inform creative decisions and optimize campaign effectiveness.
Requirements:
- 7+ years of experience in marketing or creative roles, preferably within agency or higher education environments.
- 5+ years of experience managing and mentoring design or creative teams.
- Bachelor’s degree in Design, Visual Communications, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of brand systems, visual storytelling, and higher education marketing principles.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, with strong design and typographic skills.
- Experience leading video production, including concepting, directing shoots, and managing production logistics.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders and clients.
- Strong strategic thinking ability with a balance of creative vision and executional discipline.
- Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations is a plus.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Benefits:
- Flexible remote-first work environment or option to work from a New York City office.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, including mental health support.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match and additional equity opportunities.
- Generous paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
- Paid parental leave and family support benefits.
- Annual education and wellness stipends to support continuous learning and well-being.
- Home office and technology support including equipment provided.
- Access to employee assistance programs, wellness resources, and subscription benefits.
- Strong culture of inclusion, professional growth, and creative development opportunities.