Director of Branding and Creative Services
Position Summary
Reports to the Executive Director of the University Marketing and Communications within the Division of University Advancement at the University of Central Arkansas. This position is responsible for the innovative and strategic design of core university communications, including the UCA Magazine, advancement and recruitment materials, college and department-level pieces, promotional products, and digital media that support and enhance the university brand. The position is responsible for making decisions regarding merchandising and visual design for the university brand and supervising graphic designers and photographers.
Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive organizational style guides, ensuring consistent brand representation across all communications.
• Conduct in-person and online training sessions on identity and communication brand standards, empowering employees with the knowledge to adhere to guidelines.
• Provide creative direction for digital and print communications, overseeing project briefs, design, photography, writing, editing, and overall production to maintain a cohesive brand image.
• Successfully oversee the production schedule of 1000 creative projects annually, ensuring creative direction while managing each project’s scope, timeline, and budget.
• Design and implement efficient writing, photography, design, and digital asset management workflow procedures.
• Maintain a digital asset database of 30,000 university brand materials, facilitating easy access for all organization employees through the brand portal.
• Manage trademark and licensing materials in the marketplace, ensuring legal compliance by vendors and distributors.
• Cultivate and manage client relationships, strategically utilizing resources to achieve client goals while maintaining brand standards.
• Lead the creative team, setting measurable goals, providing feedback, coaching, and providing creative direction to achieve the organization’s strategic objectives.
• Advocate for and assist the creative team in their professional growth, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with partner organizations, vendors, agencies, and publications.
• Budget management for printing, mailing, promotional materials, and contract freelancers, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Provide design and writing support for overflow projects, demonstrating versatility and a hands-on approach as needed.
• Serve as the creative editor for major organizational publications, including annual reports, magazines, fundraising, campaign, and recruitment materials.
• Develops integrated marketing strategies across multiple mediums, including print and digital platforms. Follows trends and issues in print and digital media.
• Supports and helps manage university branding initiatives and policies.
• Provides creative support for the university marketing agency as needed.
• Manages computer software, hardware and digital production files.
• Responsible for the overall look of advertising and media campaigns as assigned.
• Design and review of creative services products, including publications, writing print pieces, digital materials, and photography

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Applicants should be creative, enthusiastic and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be detail-oriented.
• Has extensive understanding of design, photography, typography, printing and digital production.
• Ability to set and meet long-term project deadlines while adapting to immediate demands.
• Collaborative team member who can manage multiple projects in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud.

Skills Considered Essential for Success

• Knowledge of the organization and administration of higher education.
• Knowledge of state, federal, and university rules, regulations and procedures.
• Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently with common goals as a part of a team.
• Ability to make sound judgments and assist in resolving student concerns.
• Effective interpersonal communication, writing, and organizational abilities.
• Civility in all interactions of a public or confidential nature.
• Demonstrate follow-up contacts and consultations in a timely manner.

Required Education and/or Experience

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field.
• Must have at least five years of comprehensive graphic design experience in an in-house creative department or design firm. Experience must include project management, art direction, publication design and advertising campaign supervision.

Preferred Education and/or Experience

• Previous supervisor experience
• Prior experience in higher education
• Knowledge of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Background Check Statement
This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal, sex-offender registry, financial history background check and drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Job posted for the employer by: Workforce Connections, Arkansas Department of Commerce.

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