Associate Creative Director

Job Summary

The Associate Creative Director is a key member of Purdue University’s Marketing and Communications Creative Services team, responsible for executing creative visual direction that aligns with our mission to position and promote Purdue. This role combines artistic expertise with effective team leadership skills to create and oversee compelling and enchanting visual content that resonates with diverse audiences. This individual must be an experienced designer themselves with the ability to lead and inspire a team of graphic designers and photographers. This individual will ensure visual brand identity is applied across all projects and mediums and will lead the way in evolving visual brand guidelines. This person will also lead processes, procedures and programs around asset planning, management and sharing. The Associate Creative Director will also be responsible for coaching and reviewing the work of team members. Must be able to communicate ‎clear art direction, feedback and ideas.

This is a hybrid position, but you must live within driving distance of the West Lafayette campus.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership

• Lead and mentor a diverse team of creative graphic designers and photographers, fostering a creative and collaborative teamwork environment.
• Provide advanced expertise to projects and mentor other professionals on creative design and branding.
• Provide clear and thoughtful art direction, mentorship, and coaching.
• Review team member work, providing clear and thoughtful feedback and notes.
• Champion and evolve visual identity and guidelines across the portfolio of brands, ensuring consistency across all design elements.

Art Direction

• Lead large-scale photoshoots that capture the essence of campus life, academic achievements and special events.
• Concept art direction, in addition to bringing together all necessary team members, campus partners and talent.
• Author and/or oversee detailed shoot production book that outlines art direction, locations, talent, wardrobe/hair/make up direction, props, etc.
• Create and/or oversee the creation of detailed, thoughtful shot lists and shoot schedules.
• Work alongside Senior Creative Director to obtain creative objectives and leadership alignment.

Trend Awareness:

• Stay up to date with design trends, industry best practices and emerging technologies like AI to bring innovative and fresh ideas to the team.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communication design, or related field
• Six (6) years of related experience with a strong design portfolio and at least four (4) years of experience in creative leadership
• Equivalent combinations of related education and experience may be considered.
• Superior design, typographic ability, and an ability to work with visual art that speaks to a diverse audience.
• Proven ability to effectively lead and inspire a creative team, with the ability to provide constructive feedback and mentor junior designers.
• Proficiency in design software and tools, particularly Adobe Creative Suite.
• Excellent understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and composition.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present design concepts.
Time management skills to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Additional Information:

• To learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions immediately
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply