Senior Director of Visual Design

Socket.dev; Nashville (TN); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Director of Visual Design at Vanderbilt University leads a growing DAR visual communications program, delivering donor-centered, strategic design across print and digital media. The role partners with DAR and MarComm to elevate the university’s brand and storytelling.

Responsibilities include shaping visual strategy, guiding a team of designers, and producing engaging materials that inspire philanthropy and demonstrate impact.

Qualifications

• Eight years of design experience in higher education or nonprofit context.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced design degrees are a plus.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating strategic visual systems and branding.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to lead multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and design tools; production timelines experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a cohesive visual identity aligned with Vanderbilt brand.
• Lead artistic strategy and design concepts for divisional initiatives.
• Produce visuals across print and digital media; oversee video direction.
• Collaborate with DAR partners and MarComm to ensure cohesion.
• Mentor a small team and manage multiple projects and resources.
• Ensure brand compliance across all communications and campaigns.

Skills

Adobe Creative Suite

Visual design

Leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Data visualization

Portfolio development

Brand strategy

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Visual Design serves as a key leader within Vanderbilt University’s Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) division, responsible for advancing a unified, strategic and donor-centered visual communications approach. This is a new position on a growing team focused on delivering a top-notch donor experience with creativity and meaningful personalization. This role partners closely with internal DAR teams and collaborates with the university’s division of Communications and Marketing (MarComm) to develop and execute visual communications across a variety of media that inspire philanthropy, steward key donors, deepen engagement and demonstrate impact. The Senior Director will guide visual strategy, develop a DAR-focused visual look within the university’s brand, manage priorities and resources, and ensure consistency and excellence across targeted philanthropic and alumni visual communications efforts.

About the Work Unit

Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) secures the philanthropic and volunteer support required to advance Vanderbilt University’s mission. DAR leads the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose goals align with Vanderbilt’s strategic priorities. DAR strengthens lifelong engagement among alumni, families, donors and partners.

You can find more information here: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/ [https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/]

Key Functions and Expected Performance

• Develop and maintain a cohesive visual identity for the division that inspire engagement from our audiences while remaining aligned with the overall Vanderbilt brand identity and guidelines. Continue to evolve that identity as needed to maintain a fresh approach for our community.
• Establish artistic strategy for the division; develop and design concepts and execute creative material to support Vanderbilt initiatives and messaging.
• In collaboration with key internal DAR partners, conceive, develop and produce visually engaging and data-centered designs across a variety of media, including print (brochures, one-pagers, mailers), and digital (social media graphics, web/email banners, PowerPoint presentations). In partnership with DAR team members, oversee the development of videos to help tell Vanderbilt’s story, using both internal and external resources as needed. Provide direction on photography for materials and for events. Collaborate with the central Communications and Marketing team as appropriate to ensure brand and creative cohesion.
• Partner with Donor Relations colleagues to develop and maintain resources for impact reporting, acknowledgement and event materials.
• In collaboration with Donor Relations colleagues and other university partners, develop the production of creative and unique gifts and packaging that will play a role in ongoing stewardship efforts .
• In coordination with the Director of Internal Communications, supervise the development of compelling internal communication materials to inform and inspire DAR staff members. Materials will include meeting collateral (presentations, takeaways), strategy slides and resources to bring DAR’s values and leadership principles to life.
• Create, promote and monitor an innovative graphic design program by defining and achieving standards for engaging communications while focusing on partnership and service delivery.
• Create images, charts and infographics which effectively communicate key messages and can be incorporated into digital presentations, print and web projects.
• Present visual concepts and ideas in an organized, effective and thoughtful way.
• Partner with colleagues including DAR’s leadership team, development and alumni engagement teams, and DAR’s Advancement Information Services team to visually communicate (or just communicate) university priorities and progress.
• Collaborate in the development and implementation of communication strategies for all campaign communications projects and evolving DAR initiatives.
• Ensure consistency across all platforms and compliance with Vanderbilt’s brand guidelines, design and content standards.
• Participate in meetings and stay abreast of changing regulations, procedures, innovations, trends and emerging technologies pertaining to the field of communications and design; communicate business implications of new regulations and standards.
• Using available project management systems, build and maintain a workflow that utilizes design team expertise and maximizes productivity while encouraging team professional growth and satisfaction.
• Lead, mentor and support a high-performing team.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships

This position will have supervisory responsibility of 2-3 visual design positions.

This position reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Development Communications.

Work Environment

This position will be located in the Nashville, TN area.

It will be hybrid with an expectation of being in the office about one day per week or more depending on business needs.

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is required.

Experience and Skills

• 8 years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is required
• Experience in higher education communication is preferred
• Proven ability to effectively use computer graphics, knowledge of technical printing, and production scheduling
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Strong proofreading and editing skills with attention to detail a plus
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Discretion and good judgment necessary
• Ability to perform and manage multiple projects on a regular basis
• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), Canva, and other design tools. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point. Knowledge of AI tools available for visual design, such as ChatGPT image creation.
• Strong project management skills, including experience managing multiple creative projects in a fast-paced, complex environment, managing workflows and aligning resources to strategic goals.
• Strong portfolio showcasing design versatility and polished execution.

At Vanderbilt University [http://www.vanderbilt.edu] , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville [https://www.nashville.gov/], Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum [https://www.vanderbilt.edu/trees/] dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who …

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.