Associate Director of Design & Creative Strategy

Northeastern University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 87,885 - 123,998; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University in Boston seeks an Associate Director of Design & Creative Strategy to oversee the creative vision and execution of multimedia content across EDGE. You will lead a team of video producers, multimedia specialists, and content creators, shaping digital media strategy in collaboration with senior leaders and marketing partners.

The role combines high-level creative direction with team leadership, strategic planning, and innovation in media technologies (AR/VR, motion

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, graphic design, multimedia, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Strong knowledge of video production theory, techniques, and equipment for educational and marketing media.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite focusing on Premiere Pro, After Effects, Media Encoder, and Audition.
• Experience mentoring and leading creative teams; ability to coach staff and on-camera talent.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and client relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage Video Production team and production specialists to deliver high‑quality multimedia products.
• Collaborate with learning design, business intelligence, and program management to align creative output with strategic objectives.
• Lead media discovery, ideation, and prototyping for new programs and digital learning innovations.
• Present concepts, product vision, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and external partners.
• Develop and execute comprehensive product storytelling and learner engagement strategies for EDGE programs.

Skills

Video production

Storytelling

Project management

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (marketing/communications/graphic design/multimedia)

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Premiere Pro

After Effects

Media Encoder

Audition

Photoshop

Illustrator

Job description

Associate Director of Design & Creative Strategy

About the Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY

The Associate Director of Design & Creative Strategy will oversee and drive the creative vision, strategy, and execution of multimedia content across EDGE, managing a team of video producers, multimedia specialists, and content creators. This role combines high-level creative direction with team leadership, strategic planning, and collaborative innovation to deliver outstanding educational and marketing media content that aligns with EDGE's mission and goals.

The Associate Director will serve as the media design lead, responsible for shaping EDGE's digital media strategy, contributing to discovery and ideation processes, prototyping new approaches to media and learner messaging, and ensuring creative outputs align with institutional priorities and partner expectations. Working in close collaboration with the Senior Director of Learning and Digital Strategy, Enrollment Management, and our marketing vendor partners, this position provides creative leadership and operational oversight for multimedia production, product storytelling, and emerging media innovation.

The Associate Director will champion innovation in multimedia design, guide the implementation of emerging technologies (e.g., AR/VR, motion graphics, interactive video), and contribute to a culture of experimentation and excellence in content creation. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong expertise in video production and developing educational media content, exceptional cross‑functional leadership skills, and the ability to balance multimedia and design team management with big‑picture strategic planning.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong knowledge of video production theory, techniques, and equipment, especially educational and marketing media.
• Strong portfolio showcasing skills in digital content development, including graphics, video, animations, and interactive media.
• Advanced level of proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite with an emphasis on Premiere Pro, After Effects, Media Encoder, and Audition.
• Proficiency with Photoshop and Illustrator or other design applications is a plus.
• Experience writing, editing, and optimizing content for diverse audiences and platforms (web, email, social media, print).
• Ability to translate complex educational topics into accessible, engaging visuals and narratives.
• Skilled in creative direction, storytelling, and multimedia production across a variety of formats.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, project management, and client relationship skills.
• Experience mentoring and leading creative teams; ability to coach and develop staff and on‑camera talent. Strong management skills.
• Confident presenting ideas and creative work to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Ability to take initiative, manage multiple projects independently, and maintain high standards of quality and efficiency.
• Experienced in scriptwriting, storyboarding, visual storytelling, and supporting inclusive, brand‑aligned content development.
• Expertise in colour correction, audio mixing, and advanced editing techniques.
• Strong understanding of studio setup, lighting design, camera work, and on‑location production.
• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, graphic design, multimedia, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• 6 to 8 years of experience of professional experience in content creation, digital marketing, or creative direction‑preferably in higher education or online learning environments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

Team Management

Manage Video Production team, graphic designers, and Production Specialists in delivering the highest quality, innovative multimedia products and supporting their individual growth.

• Works closely with learning design, business intelligence, and program management teams to ensure seamless integration of creative production with strategic objectives.
• Manages and works closely with the Senior Multimedia Specialist to ensure consistent policy and design procedures are followed by the graphic design and animation team.
• Contributes to positive team culture. Acts as effective liaison with other teams within EDGE to produce exemplary results.
• Takes feedback from team members and clients and finds the best ways to address concerns and provide new solutions.
• Acts as a team player and pitches in wherever help is needed across learning products, including supporting management of media production, studio set up and break down, coaching faculty, staff, and students, and communication across teams.
• Leads and mentors a diverse design team with specialized capabilities in video production, digital media, visual design, animation, and emerging technologies to deliver exceptional multimedia content.

• Leads professional development for team.

Multimedia Design Management

• Leads the Video Production, Virtual Production, and Creative Digital Media team to deliver best‑in‑class video and digital media production experiences.
• Leads media discovery, ideation, and prototyping processes for new programs, partnership opportunities, and digital learning innovations.
• Establishes product vision, design standards, and quality benchmarks across all EDGE media design outputs, ensuring consistency and excellence in learner‑facing materials
• Provides leadership, inspiration, and innovative creative thinking to all productions to deliver exceptional work throughout the entire multimedia production process.
• Coordinates all elements of production.

• Manages multiple, concurrent projects and workflows, ensuring efficiency and clear communication across EDGE teams and with our external vendors.
• Provides creative content expertise and operational support for B2B partnerships, program development, and innovation initiatives.

Product Design, Media Strategy, and Relationship Management

• Collaborates with the Assistant Director of Video Production to ensure the Studio is maintained as a showcase space and meets short‑ and long‑term objectives.
• Presents creative concepts, product vision, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, academic partners, and external stakeholders. Leads the production of compelling educational media assets for high impact projects and marketing assets. Builds digital media assets and components to be reused, scaled, and optimised across different learning management systems and distribution channels.
• Collaborates with Senior team members, including the Senior Director, Sr. Learning Designer, and Sr Graphic Designer/Animator on prototype ideation and strategy for video production.
• Leads digital media development vision and strategy, scope within timeline, and expectations of quality after identifying the media scope of products.
• Collaborates with our marketing partners to analyse marketing performance metrics and audience engagement data to inform content strategy refinement and optimisation.
• Collaborates with the design teams and faculty to brainstorm, identify, and create digital media asset types, features, and development strategies that achieve product quality, time, and budget expectations.
• Leads the development of Virtual Production and Video Exemplars.
• Establish best practices for media content development and learner messaging, ensuring consistency in quality, voice, and brand alignment across all digital touchpoints. Supports media and the design team to scope out projects at the suite and individual product level and make recommendations on assignments
• Develops and executes comprehensive product storytelling and learner engagement strategies for EDGE programs, B2B partnerships, and institutional initiative

Position Type

Marketing and Communications

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, colour, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

111S

Expected Hiring Range:

$87,785.00 - $123,998.75

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly‑situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.