Assistant Director of Brand and Design (Hybrid) - McKelvey School of Engineering

Washington University in St. Louis; United States; Remote; USD 58,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an innovative Assistant Director of Brand and Design to lead visual communications for a prestigious engineering school. This role involves developing captivating designs for print and digital platforms, managing creative services, and ensuring brand consistency across all communications. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in both print and digital design, a strong command of Adobe Creative Suite, and a passion for fostering a vibrant visual identity. Join a collaborative environment that values creativity and supports professional growth while making a significant impact on the school's marketing and communications efforts.

Benefits

Up to 22 days of vacation

Competitive health insurance

Free Metro transit U-Pass

Defined contribution retirement plan

Mental health resources

Tuition coverage for employees and family

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in conceptualizing and designing printed materials.
• Proven experience in managing creative services and executing digital projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead design operations for print and digital marketing materials.
• Supervise design staff and manage external vendors for projects.

Skills

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Photoshop

Brand Identity

Deadline Management

Digital Designs

Graphic Design

Interpersonal Communication

Problem Solving

Written Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Apple Mac OS

Job description

Scheduled Hours 37.5 Position SummaryThe Assistant Director of Brand and Design is the school’s lead designer and is responsible for developing visual concepts, designs, layouts, graphics and other artwork for McKelvey School of Engineering’s print publications and websites, social media and other digital communications and directs creative services for all marketing, advertising, and communications in the engineering school. This work supports marketing and communications for the school, for the dean and for individual departments and supports advancement initiatives, alumni communications and recruitment of undergraduates, master’s students and PhD students.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manages visual aspect of creative services and directs the development of print and digital marketing, advertising and other communications that support the school’s strategic goal:
  • Designs print projects, including the alumni magazine, school and departmental brochures, event invitations and other projects, including marketing collateral for recruitment of undergraduate, master’s and PhD students;
  • Leads design operations, such as print production, press checks, and the print-on-demand system;
  • Coordinates photography and video shoots;
  • Assists in the development and execution of strategy and tactics for new products and initiatives.
• Designs and creates layouts, graphics, animation and other visual content for school and departmental websites, social media accounts, digital signage and other digital media.
• Manages processes for designing and producing projects:
  • Defines project requirements, visualizing and brainstorming options, soliciting feedback, coordinating production schedules and managing print process with external vendors/printers, including identifying vendors, obtaining bids and negotiating contracts.
  • Manages projects with freelance photographers and illustrators, which includes providing art direction for freelancers. Serve as design liaison when working with outside design services partners on projects.
  • Designs and optimizes visual assets and manage the process with vendors in producing promotional products such as shirts, pens, mugs, etc.
• Supervises additional design staff in developing designs and other visual content for some print and digital projects.
• Develops presentations for the dean and other members of school leadership, including designing slides, selecting and placing photos and creating charts and graphics.
• In collaboration with the director of communications and marketing, establishes and maintains brand standards across departments and programs while advancing the school’s visual identity:
  • Creates and updates branded templates in PowerPoint, Word and other platforms for use by faculty and staff.
  • Designs and optimizes visual assets and manage the process with vendors in producing promotional products such as shirts, pens, mugs, etc.
  • Develops as needed logo lockups, email headers and other brand resources.
• Creates technical graphics based on grant proposals and research manuscript, and faculty feedback.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions

• Normal office environment

Physical Effort

• Typically working at desk or table
• Occasional lifting
• Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement
• Ability to move on and off campus locations

Equipment

• Office equipment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Professional Conceptualizing, Designing, And Producing Printed Materials (5 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Design experience – print and digital -- and creative services management with proven experience with InDesign or other Adobe Creative Suite software and with execution of digital and print projects.
• Previous work experience in higher education or science-related industry.
• Experience in nonprofits or higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

Visual Strategy And Execution (5 Years)

Skills:

Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Apple Mac OS, Brand Identity, Deadline Management, Desktop Publishing (DTP), Detail-Oriented, Digital Designs, Digital Photo Manipulation, Email Marketing, Graphic Design, Interpersonal Communication, Oral Communications, Printing Techniques, Problem Solving, Process Management, Professional Etiquette, Public Relations (PR), Service Oriented, Team Collaboration, Typography, Website Design, Website Operations, Written Communication

Grade G12 Salary Range $58,400.00 - $99,700.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [e-mail] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.