What are the responsibilities and job description for the Managing Director, Creative Strategy position at GMHC?
About GMHC
GMHC is the world's first HIV/AIDS service organization. For over 40 years, we've provided support, advocacy, and education to communities affected by HIV/AIDS — from housing and nutrition assistance to mental health services, legal support, and healthcare navigation. We're seeking a creative leader to join our Communications team and help shape how GMHC shows up visually across every channel.
About the Role
You'll lead creative strategy and brand stewardship for the organization — owning how GMHC's brand is expressed across print, digital, events, and campaigns. This is a strategic leadership role, not a hands-on design role. You'll manage creative resources, vendor relationships, and production workflows while ensuring visual consistency and quality across Communications, Development, and Programs.
A major priority: stewarding our organizational rebrand through implementation. You'll lead the rollout across all touchpoints, manage stakeholder adoption, and ensure the new brand takes hold. You'll assess our creative resourcing needs and recommend a staffing structure within your first 90 days.
This role reports to the VP of Communications & Brand and works across the organization — with program staff, fundraisers, leadership, and external partners.
What You'll Own
- Creative strategy and brand direction across all channels
- Rebrand implementation and rollout
- Vendor and agency relationships (print, outdoor, event production, freelancers)
- Creative production oversight for campaigns, events, and collateral
- Digital asset management (Stockpress, SharePoint, Smugmug)
- Design tools and platforms (Canva, Penji)
- Website visual standards (in coordination with web partners)
- Photo and video shoot direction
What We're Looking For
- 10 years of experience in creative roles, with at least 5 years in leadership or management
- Experience leading or significantly contributing to an organizational rebrand
- Track record managing creative teams, freelancers, and agency partners
- Strong vendor management and negotiation skills
- Ability to evaluate and direct creative work across formats — you don't need to design it yourself, but you need to know what good looks like
- Strategic thinker who can balance big-picture brand vision with high-volume production demands
- Portfolio demonstrating brand development and campaign work across multiple channels
- Nonprofit or mission-driven experience preferred
Nice to Have
- Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud
- Familiarity with project management tools (Asana)
- Experience with web content management systems
Work Environment
- Hybrid role with regular on-site presence in New York
- Reports to VP of Communications & Brand
- Participation in AIDS Walk New York is expected for all staff
Why GMHC
This is a chance to lead creative at an organization with 40 years of history and a brand that's about to evolve. You'll have a seat at the table during a major rebrand, ownership over how it comes to life, and the opportunity to build a team that fits the organization's needs.
GMHC is committed to building a diverse team. We strongly encourage applications from LGBTQIA individuals, people of color, and people living with HIV/AIDS.
Salary Range: $120,000 - $135,000 (DOE)
Salary : $120,000 - $135,000