Associate Director for Visual Communications

$86,100 - $101,295/Yr

University of Minnesota - Minneapolis, MN

Full-time

Hybrid - Minneapolis, MN

Educational Services

About the position

The Associate Director for Visual Communications serves as the design leader and creative strategist to elevate the University's research impact as a vital component of Research and Innovation Office (RIO)'s external affairs strategy. As a strategic leader, the Associate Director will develop and manage the visual identity for RIO, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and brand standards. This position is responsible for designing presentations, annual reports, electronic newsletters, magazines, infographics, and photography that communicate complex research topics to diverse internal and external audiences. Working closely with RIO leadership, administrative units, and external partners, the Associate Director will shape creative solutions that enhance UMN's research reputation and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead visual strategy and design to elevate the visibility and impact of UMN's research enterprise.
• Develop and manage RIO's cohesive visual identity that aligns with UMN's brand standards and accessibility guidelines.
• Design technical content that supports data-driven communications and decision-making.
• Work with the RIO Communications team to translate complex scientific topics into accessible, engaging visual and written communications.
• Drive creative concept development, ensuring visual content effectively communicates research narratives and strategic messages.
• Proactively identify design opportunities and challenges, providing creative direction and solutions to support RIO goals.
• Collaborate with the RIO Communications team, leadership, and stakeholders to deliver visually impactful materials.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to RIO leadership, providing visual design expertise.
• Assist in planning and leading creative brainstorming sessions for RIO stakeholders.
• Help manage and evolve brand standards for RIO and University of Minnesota Technology Commercialization.
• Mentor and guide team members on design best practices and effective visual communication strategies.
• Train colleagues on basic graphic editing tools and workflows.
• Stay at the forefront of design trends, tools, and technologies.
• Pursue professional development opportunities to enhance skills in data visualization, digital media, and creative leadership.
• Take on special projects and other responsibilities aligned with the role's objectives.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree in communications, journalism, marketing, art or related field or non-communication related degree with additional two years of professional communications experience.
• At least six years of professional communications experience.
• Experience working in higher education or research institutions.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, InDesign), Canva, Google Office Suite and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Skills in data visualization, photography and photo editing, videography and video editing.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience designing graphics for science communications or technical content.
• Strong portfolio showcasing expertise in publication design, infographic creation, and branding.

Benefits

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs.
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• University HSA contributions.
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance.
• Employee wellbeing program.
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
• Financial counseling services.
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.