Senior Creative Director
Clark University

Job Info

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Category:: Staff and Administrators
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Department:: MKT-Marketing and Communications 7100
Locations:: Worcester, MA
Posted:: Jul 3, 2024
Closes:: Open Until Filled
Type:: Full-time - Exempt
Position ID:: 178438

About Clark University:

Founded in 1887, Clark was one of the first all-graduate institutions in the United States. Today the University is a highly-ranked, student-centered institution educating approximately 2,350 undergraduate and 1,150 graduate students to be imaginative and contributing citizens of the world and to advance the frontiers of knowledge and understanding through rigorous scholarship and creative effort. This commitment to scholarship and inquiry reflects the University's commitment to "challenge convention and change our world" and to address issues of critical importance to society. It is also reflected by Clark's many national and international distinctions, including recognition for its diversity and inclusion efforts, innovation, community engagement and impact, as a top green campus, and for having a distinguished geography and international development program. Clark has also been included in the groundbreaking Colleges that Change Lives guide since it was first published in 1996.

Clark is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a dynamic, diverse city "on the rise." The second largest city in New England, Worcester is home to 11 institutions of higher learning and is increasingly recognized for its growing healthcare and biotechnology communities, its thriving cultural scene, and as a vibrant food hub.

Job Description:

Under the energized leadership of President David Fithian, '87, and his senior leadership team, there is significant momentum and opportunity to build on the quality and reputation of Clark University and raise our profile through strategic marketing communications. We are seeking an innovative Senior Creative Director to lead this charge.

This is a rare opportunity to be a key player in shaping the future of an institution with over 100 years of history. As the Senior Creative Director, you will be at the forefront of building our brand, enhancing our reputation, and driving strategic marketing communications.

Partnering closely with the Vice President of Marketing and Communications, you will lead our creative team, overseeing the production of print, digital, and environmental graphic design. Your role is pivotal in crafting the visual and content direction that will elevate Clark's profile, attract prospective students, engage donors, and connect with alumni.

In this role, you will manage a talented in-house team and collaborate with freelance and agency partners, ensuring our creative output is cutting-edge and impactful. As both a leader and hands-on designer, you will foster a culture of creativity and excellence, driving the continued evolution of Clark's image.

Join us and make your mark on Clark University's journey, leveraging this incredible momentum to build a brighter, more renowned future for our institution.

• Together with the VP of marketing and communications, protect, steward and evolve the expression of the Clark University Brand -- and its sub brands -- working collaboratively across the university to ensure a cohesive, consistent brand architecture, design and messaging across all platforms.
• Develop, determine, design, present and execute integrated creative strategies and solutions that evolve and advance the visual identity of all facets of the university through a range of media including print, digital, and environmental (at the intersection of communications and the built environment).
• Propose, recommend, and use research to inform creative strategies.
• Lead development of strategies for the effective and timely delivery of high-quality creative services to a diverse set of campus partners within a decentralized university structure, including Undergraduate Admissions and Advancement.
• Further build and empower the University's creative team. Evaluate and nurture team performance including ongoing skills assessment of in-house and freelance staff to ensure desired quality and quantity of output. Cultivate an environment in which people are inspired to take risks, achieve creative excellence, and become leaders.
• Continually seek new resources in the areas of talent, ideas, and services. Study the creative marketplace to ensure work maintains or exceeds industry standard.
• Effectively promote the overall creative capabilities of the Office of Marketing and Communications. Share best practices to benefit all creative staff/communications professionals at Clark University.
• Recommend improvements in the creative team's processes and procedures to ensure best practices, cutting edge techniques, and utilization of new technologies. Manage the evolution of the team's project management, workflow, and tracking processes.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.

Requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree with progressive responsibility in the area of creative services. Proven experience leading creative services teams (design and content) preferably at an agency and/or in-house at a brand and/or in the non-profit or education space. Advertising, public relations, or creative services agency experience a-plus.
• A creative, self-starter with demonstrated experience directing a variety of integrated creative projects, including branding, websites, social media, video, print, audio, email, and digital advertising, across both creative and content elements.
• Experience in brand identity development; hands on print and digital design experience.
• Management experience and demonstrated ability to lead the evolution of an internal (or agency) creative team.
• Understanding of how to strategically marry environmental graphics with architecture.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a range of communications and non-communications professionals to help them articulate messages that move audiences to action and then translate these messages into compelling copy and creative elements.
• Superior listening, questioning, writing, presentation, and financial management skills.
• Energizing work style that inspires confidence and productivity.
• Ability to judge creative concepts and copy, and clearly communicate creative direction to others.
• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback in a professional manner.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, as well as Microsoft Office products including Power Point, Word, and Outlook.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with colleagues at every level; commitment to collaboration, a product/goal-focused orientation, and the ability to work as a member of a team.
• The ability to thrive in an intellectually challenging, immensely complex and frequently unpredictable academic environment. High tolerance for ambiguity.
• Experience working in higher education and/or nonprofit. Private sector experience a-plus.
• Demonstrated initiative and creative energy; collegial and service-oriented; highly organized and able to balance multiple deadlines throughout the year.

Additional Information:

As of June 1, 2023 Clark University no longer requires employees or students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, Clark urges all community members to follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination, which recommend that everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines including booster doses. This is important for your own personal health as well as the health of our community.

At Clark University, we are dedicated to building a workplace that celebrates diversity and fosters inclusion. We believe that diversity of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to a more innovative and productive work environment. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in our hiring practices, employee development programs, and campus culture. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to join our team and contribute their unique ideas to help us achieve our goals.

Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here.

To review the Clark University Police Department Annual Security and Fire Safety Report visit here.

Application Instructions:

To be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a Clark University Careers Account by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration:

• Resume
• Cover letter

See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

Already have a Clark University Careers Account? Login to your account to add documents or update your account.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

A successful background check is required upon acceptance.

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