Creative Team Manager

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

HSA Contributions

Dental Coverage

Vision Coverage

Retirement 457(b) match

Tuition Assistance

PTO & Holidays

Winter Break

Job summary

University of Missouri-Columbia seeks a Strategic Communications Senior to lead the Advancement Communications and Marketing creative team. This leader will guide a multi-disciplinary group to produce brand-aligned, high-impact communications that engage alumni, inspire donors, and advance the university's philanthropic mission.

Reporting to the Senior Director, you will lead creative operations, strategic partnerships, and donor engagement initiatives while ensuring timely delivery and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with at least 4 years of experience.
• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, communications, marketing, public relations or related field.
• Experience leading cross-functional creative teams.
• Strong project management skills in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and produce integrated communications projects from concept through completion.
• Provide creative direction and feedback to strengthen storytelling and audience engagement.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and aligned with objectives.
• Use data and insights to measure performance and drive improvement.
• Partner with Advancement leaders to develop communications strategies supporting engagement and fundraising.
• Serve as a communications resource and strategic thought partner across the division.
• Coach and develop creative professionals through mentorship and feedback.
• Foster a collaborative team culture encouraging innovation and accountability.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in graphic design, communications, marketing, public relations or related field

Job description

Hiring Department

Advancement

Job Description

Mizzou Advancement Communications and Marketing seeks a creative and collaborative leader to guide an award-winning team that develops compelling communications that engage alumni, inspire donors and advance the university's philanthropic mission.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Advancement Communications and Marketing, the Creative Team Manager leads the development of high-impact projects across print, digital, social and web platforms. This role combines creative leadership and strategic partnership to ensure Mizzou Advancement delivers thoughtful, effective and brand-aligned communications that strengthen relationships with alumni and donors.

Key Areas of Impact

* Creative Leadership

Lead and develop a team of designers, writers and digital content professionals while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.

* Brand Stewardship

Champion Advancement's creative vision by ensuring communications align with university brand standards, campaign messaging and best practices across all channels.

* Strategic Partnership

Serve as a strategic partner to Advancement colleagues, translating fundraising and engagement priorities into effective communications strategies.

* Project Management & Operations

Partner with the Communications Project Manager to guide project prioritization, workflow management and resource allocation to ensure the timely delivery of high-impact communications.

* Donor & Alumni Engagement

Guide the development of communications that elevate stories of impact, strengthen constituent relationships and inspire philanthropic support for Mizzou.

What You'll Do

Creative Operations

• Lead and produce integrated communications projects from concept through completion
• Provide creative direction and feedback that strengthens storytelling, design quality and audience engagement
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within scope and aligned with strategic objectives
• Use data and insights to measure performance, refine approach and drive continuous improvement

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with Advancement leaders and stakeholders to develop and execute communications strategies that support engagement and fundraising objectives
• Serve as a communications resource and strategic thought partner across the Advancement division

Team Management

• Coach and develop creative professionals through mentorship, feedback and professional growth opportunities
• Foster a collaborative team culture that encourages innovation, accountability and continuous improvement

Shift

Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm with some occasional events

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in marketing, communications or creative services, preferably as part of a creative agency or in-house communications team, including 2+ years of direct supervisory experience leading creative professionals.
• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, communications, marketing, public relations or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional creative teams, including designers, writers, digital content producers and social media professionals.
• Strong project management skills, with experience managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $75,000 - $80,000 per year

Grade: GGS 011

University Title: Strategic Communications Consultant Senior

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

Resume and Cover Letter

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Other Information

Our benefits:
As one of Missouri's largest employers, MU staff members enjoy exceptionally competitive health, PTO and retirement plans. A few highlights:

• Health Insurance -Three plans to choose from, including our Custom Network Plan; a cost-effective insurance option that utilizes our extensive network of MU-affiliated hospitals, clinics and pharmacies.
• HSA - UM provides between $400 - $1200 in contributions to health savings accounts, depending on plans and dependents
• Dental - 100% coverage for preventative care, with no restrictions on network or non-network providers
• Vision - $0 copays on frames and contact lenses along with a $140 allowance, and a $10 copay on yearly eye exams.
• Retirement - UM will match 100% of up to 8% of eligible pay contributed to a 457(b), with a three-year vesting period on University contributions.
• Tuition Assistance - Up to 75% of tuition and supplemental fees waived for employees, and 50% waived for spouses and dependents
• Time Off - Personal time off (PTO) as well as 10 paid holidays.
• Winter Break - The university observes a paid holiday for the period between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.