Director, Creative Strategy, Advancement - University of Rochester : Job Details

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As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.Job Location (Full Address):300 East River Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14623OpeningWorker Subtype:RegularTime TypeFull timeScheduled Weekly Hours40Department100006 Ofc Sr Vice Pres AdvancementWork ShiftUR - Day (United States of America)RangeUR URG 116Compensation Range$108,483.00 - $162,725.00The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.ResponsibilitiesGENERAL PURPOSEProvides strategic oversight and visionary execution for Advancement marketing campaigns and communications initiatives. Considers enterprise-level University creative platforms and design systems to create scalable asset libraries for initiatives that help drive positive perceptions with key internal and external audiences. Works in partnership with the Associate Vice President to manage the implementation of a comprehensive marketing strategy that promotes the University of Rochester brand and elevates the mission, vision, and services of the University for the purposes of engagement and fundraising.This role requires a strong blend of artistic talent, leadership skills, and strategic thinking. Leads efforts to establish, maintain, and manage creative asset libraries and standards for Advancement. Manages resources and relationships across the University to ensure alignment of creative strategies in accordance with university brand guidelines. Proactively identifies areas for greater coordination and partners with stakeholders throughout the University. Leads the development of creative solutions and assists with the rollout of a subset of marketing and advertising campaigns and materials (e.g. Comprehensive Fundraising Campaign, Meliora Weekend) for the purposes of engaging the University's alumni, donors, and friends.A problem-solver, strategic-thinker and leader who translates big-picture marketing vision to implementable, scalable creative strategies. A dot-connector who understands how our creative and marketing efforts work together to build our brand, this role ensures projects stay on-time and on-budget while managing relationships and mobilizing resources to meet goals. Provides counsel and recommendations to the Senior Director and AVP of Marketing Communications and Donor Engagement as needed. This position will oversee a team of graphic designers.Essential FunctionsCreative Strategy, Research, and Leadership

• Partners with Advancement leadership in executing multi-channel creative strategies and platforms to support philanthropic and engagement goals including a $1.75B comprehensive campaign fundraising goal, an initiative which also seeks to engage 250,000 constituents through the year 2030.
• Crafts inspiring and actionable creative briefs that articulate the strategic vision, objectives, target audience, key messages, and desired outcomes for creative development.
• Ensures that all marketing materials and communications, including digital, print, and other media, effectively convey a consistent visual language tailored to various target audiences.
• Continuously researches and explores emerging trends in creativity, marketing, technology, and culture to inform strategic thinking and identify new opportunities for creative innovation.
• Develops templates for campaign materials, supports the coordination of related multimedia, and prepares resources to enhance presentations to internal partners and external stakeholders.
• Leads a team of three graphic designers and provides creative oversight, strategic guidance, and constructive feedback to ensure high-quality, brand-aligned Advancement-centered deliverables.

Art Direction and Design

• Develops visual style, concept, and aesthetic for projects and individual campaigns.
• Creates mood boards, story boards, message maps, wireframes, and guides to communicate the visual direction.
• Determines most appropriate execution method based on audience and project needs.
• Produces impactful creative solutions and marketing materials to support brand efforts, engagement and fundraising campaigns, and special initiatives—focusing on print, digital, and multimedia content that resonates with target audiences.
• Art directs photography, illustrations, motion graphics, and typography provided by internal team members and outside agencies and freelancers as needed.
• Articulates strategic recommendations and creative rationale with clarity, confidence, and persuasive brand-aligned storytelling to internal teams and clients.
• Works closely with Digital, Marketing, and Social Media teams on a consistent visual language and tone.
• Helps lead brainstorming sessions and strategic workshops to generate innovative ideas and align stakeholders on creative direction.
• Responsible for curating inspiration, leading ideation, and pushing boundaries with experimentation.

Project Management

• Owns the design process from concept to completion, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Establishes production schedules, defines project milestones, and follows up with the appropriate internal teams and outside vendors, printers, developers, mail services, and agencies to ensure timely and on-budget project completion.
• Manages multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Designs scalable design systems and toolkits to empower internal teams and partners across the University to operate independently and in keeping with the latest brand guidelines and campaign platforms.

Quality Control

• Oversees, delegates, plans for all work received by the team in coordination with the Senior Director.
• Ensures delivery of highest-quality creative assets, in accordance with production schedules and within defined budgets.
• Continually assesses product and results—identifying and addressing gaps and areas for improvement.
• Consults with freelancers and agency partners, enlisted by our university colleagues, to ensure consistency.
• This may require representing the Advancement Marketing and Communications team in meetings and/or on committees for specific projects and providing guidance to individual units outsourcing creative efforts.

Creative Education and Training

• Builds and maintains positive relationships with key stakeholders, including internal partners and teams in other University departments across the University, aligning creative strategies with enterprise marketing goals.
• Provides guidance on visual identity, messaging, and the consistent application of creative aesthetic, tone, and brand alignment best practices.
• Partners with the Digital team to build accessible digital-first creative experiences.
• Responds to inquiries from internal teams, offering timely and actionable feedback and solutions to enhance campaign effectiveness.
• Foster professional growth and creative expression and innovation among team members.

Other duties as assignedMinimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Business Administration or closely related field Required
• Master's degree or equivalent advanced education Preferred
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant and progressive experience Required
• A minimum of 5 years of direct supervisory experience Strongly preferred
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience. Required
• Experience in higher education. Preferred
• Advertising agency experience. Preferred

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• A deep appreciation for the power of creativity and a keen understanding of what resonates with audiences. Required
• Exceptional creative vision and an understanding of design principles, typography, and color theory. Preferred
• Proficiency in conceptual creative problem solving, strategic integrated design systems, and graphic design. Preferred
• High level of organization, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills. Required
• Knowledge of project management. Preferred
• Ability to execute on multiple campaigns and competing priorities with minimal supervision. Required
• Proficiency in digital marketing strategies, social media management, campaign analytics, and PowerPoint presentations. Preferred
• Ability to manage administrative projects, make sound decisions, and support design and implementation of new programs. Required
• Knowledge of HIPAA privacy rules and HIPAA consent authorization process, and organizational policies for protecting patient privacy and other confidential information. Required
• Experience in creating design systems and assets for strategic marketing and communications campaigns with proven results. Preferred
• Demonstrated proficiency in writing and editing content Required
• Ability to translate strategic plan concepts to creative direction to yield effective and engaging tactical solutions. Required
• Effective, confident communicator and presenter with excellent interpersonal, collaborative, and written and verbal communication skills. Required
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels. Required
• Ability to provide context and/or reshape material as needed Required
• A willingness to embrace change, learn new technologies, and stay curious about the evolving marketing landscape. Required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

Seniority level

• Seniority levelDirector

Employment type

• Employment typeFull-time

Job function

• Job functionOther
• IndustriesHigher Education

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