Creative Director

$85,000 - $90,000/Yr

University at Buffalo - Buffalo, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

Buffalo, NY

Educational Services

About the position

The Creative Director at the University at Buffalo (UB) is responsible for overseeing the visual expression of the university's brand across all communications channels. This role involves leading a team of visual communications professionals, providing mentorship, strategic direction, and creative guidance to ensure that all communications meet high standards of design excellence and brand consistency. The Creative Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity of UB and enhancing its reputation as a leading public research university.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the university's expert on design and the visual expression of the institutional brand, providing consultation to campus colleagues.
• Conceptualize and design solutions for high-visibility communications needs across print, digital, and environmental media.
• Lead and mentor the Visual Communications team, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Provide creative direction on divisional projects, review and refine team output, and ensure quality standards are met.
• Collaborate with the AVP and Project Manager to balance workloads and manage deadlines.
• Oversee the integration of freelance talent when necessary, ensuring alignment with UB's design standards.
• Lead the hiring and evaluation of visual communications staff and advise on administrative decisions.
• Identify and coordinate professional development opportunities for the team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in visual communications, graphic design, or related field.
• Three years of full-time work experience in a creative/design leadership role, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Superior management skills, including the ability to lead personnel and build teams.
• Knowledge of design industry standards and studio operations.
• Significant experience managing the visual components of a large-scale institutional brand.
• Experience overseeing the development of publications, brand campaigns, and graphic design collateral.
• Advanced skills with graphics applications such as InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

Nice-to-haves

• Leadership experience in higher education.
• Supervisory experience.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Retirement plan