Creative Director

utoledo.edu; Toledo, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Toledo seeks a Creative Director to guide the institution’s brand and marketing vision, leading creative strategy from concept through execution across marketing and health channels. You will drive innovative campaigns that reinforce brand priorities and excellence.

You will mentor a multidisciplinary team across print, digital, web, social, photography, video, and emerging platforms to deliver integrated campaigns that strengthen UT and UToledo Health’s reputation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communications, fine arts, or a related field.
• Minimum seven years of progressively responsible experience in creative direction, brand leadership, or integrated marketing, including experience leading multidisciplinary creative teams.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated creative campaigns across print, digital, web, social media, video, and emerging platforms.
• Experience building, mentoring, and leading high-performing creative teams while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Higher education, healthcare, or other complex, mission-driven organizational experience preferred.
• Strong, conceptual portfolio demonstrating big idea thinking across print, digital, social and integrated campaigns.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, in-house agency environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary creative team across print, digital, web, social, photography, video and emerging platforms.
• Translate strategy into memorable brand experiences that differentiate the University and UToledo Health.
• Guide creative development from concept through execution reflecting brand and strategic priorities.

Skills

Brand leadership

Creative direction

Campaign development

Team leadership

Portfolio

Integrated campaigns

Education

Bachelor's degree in graphic design/visual communications/fine arts

Job description

Title: Creative Director

Department Org: University Marketing - 104840

Employee Classification: U1 - Unclassified PSA FT

Bargaining Unit: Professional Staff Association

Primary Location: On-Site at the University of Toledo - Main Campus

Shift: 1

Start Time: 8:15 am End Time: 5:00 pm

Posted Salary: $74,000 - $84,000

Job Description:

As a member of the Marketing and Communications leadership team, the Creative Director shapes and advances the creative vision for The University of Toledo and UToledo Health across all marketing and communications channels. Working collaboratively with leaders across marketing, communications, digital, web, and health system partners, this position guides creative development from concept through execution, ensuring every touchpoint reflects the institution's brand, strategic priorities, and commitment to excellence.

The Creative Director leads and mentors a multidisciplinary creative team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This leader oversees integrated creative initiatives across print, digital, web, social media, photography, video, and emerging platforms, delivering compelling work that advances institutional, academic, and healthcare goals while strengthening the reputation of both the University and UToledo Health.

The Creative Director translates strategy into memorable brand experiences that differentiate the University and UToledo Health in an increasingly competitive higher education and healthcare landscape. As the institution's creative champion, this leader inspires bold ideas, strengthens and protects the brand, and balances creativity with measurable marketing outcomes.

Impact on the Organization

• Shapes the visual identity and brand experience of The University of Toledo and UToledo Health, influencing how prospective students, current students, patients, alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and community partners experience and perceive the institution.
• Translates institutional and healthcare strategies into compelling creative that advances enrollment, student success, patient growth, philanthropic engagement, brand reputation, and other strategic priorities.
• Ensures creative excellence, brand consistency, and an integrated visual identity across all marketing and communications channels, strengthening engagement with key audiences and supporting the long-term success of the University and UToledo Health.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/experience/licensing:

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communications, fine arts, or a related field.
• Minimum Seven years of progressively responsible experience in creative direction, brand leadership, or integrated marketing, including experience leading multidisciplinary creative teams.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated creative campaigns across print, digital, web, social media, video, and emerging platforms.
• Experience building, mentoring, and leading high-performing creative teams while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Higher education, healthcare, or other complex, mission-driven organizational experience preferred.
• Strong, conceptual portfolio demonstrating big idea thinking across print, digital, social and integrated campaigns.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, in-house agency environment.

Conditions of Employment

To promote the highest levels of health and well-being, the University of Toledo campuses are tobacco-free. Pre-employment health screening requirements for the University of Toledo Health Science Campus Medical Center will include drug and other required health screenings for the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Toledo is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Toledo does not discriminate in employment, educational programs, or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, disability, familial status, or political affiliation.

The University is dedicated to attracting and retaining the best and brightest talent and fostering a culture of respect.

The University of Toledo provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation to complete this application, or for testing or interviewing, please contact HR Compliance at [e-mail] or 419-530-4747 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. or apply online for an accommodation request.

Computer access is available at most public libraries and at the Office of Human Resources located in the Center for Administrative Support on the UToledo Main Campus.