Associate Creative Director, Design

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Spearhead brand and identity initiatives across various projects — ranging from institutional rebranding and advancement campaigns to athletic identity systems — while advocating for typographic precision, layout aesthetics, and visual hierarchy at every level, whether the outcome is a digital advertisement or a full-fledged brand system.

• Infuse storytelling into all video and photography projects — overseeing productions from initial concept to post-production, including narrative crafting, storyboarding, and on-site direction, while managing the logistical aspects of location shoots: coordinating schedules, obtaining permits, and securing all necessary talent and location releases. Each production should genuinely reflect the essence of a partner institution and connect with their target audiences' aspirations.

• Direct the comprehensive development of creative campaigns — from initial brainstorming and internal assessments to client previews and final production — delivering insightful, innovative campaigns and experiences that resonate.

• Actively monitor design trends, cultural changes, and competitor movements — translating these insights into creative strategies that keep partner institutions at the forefront, while promoting the adoption of modern tools, including AI-driven workflows, to enhance efficiency and unlock new creative avenues.

• Guide, mentor, and motivate a team of designers, art directors, and video producers — nurturing a culture of creative exploration, accountability, and ongoing development by offering regular, constructive feedback that aids team members in honing their skills, expanding their expertise, and progressing toward their individual career objectives.

• Establish the standard for team engagement and output — leading by example with enthusiasm, purpose, and a commitment to quality, inspiring the team to produce work that is intelligent, strategic, and brand-focused, delivered on time and within budget, without compromising creative vision.

• Work closely with cross-functional marketing colleagues — including media managers, editors, copywriters, and strategists — to clarify project objectives, agree on creative specifications, and develop the mutual understanding necessary to advance work efficiently and cohesively.

• Create and continuously enhance team workflows, processes, and production pipelines — establishing the operational framework that enables the creative team to consistently perform at their best, at scale, and without unnecessary obstacles.

• Collaborate with marketing strategists and client stakeholders — gaining a thorough understanding of each institution's brand identity, audience insights, and enrollment objectives, and transforming that context into creative strategies that are not only compelling but also measurably successful.

• Confidently present concepts, campaigns, and proposals to partner institutions — nurturing trusted relationships with client contacts, participating in meetings as a senior creative representative, and demonstrating a deep comprehension of each institution's mission, competitive landscape, and student demographics.

• Utilize data, performance metrics, and market insights to guide creative choices — providing actionable recommendations for campaign enhancement and new concept development, ensuring the team continuously strives toward work that excels in both performance and aesthetics.

• Employ a practical understanding of higher education recruitment marketing — ensuring that creative strategies align with enrollment processes, critical decision points, and the unique sensitivities of the educational market to produce work that encourages prospective students to move from awareness to action.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 7 years of marketing experience; experience in higher education is preferred.

• More than 5 years of experience leading a design team, ideally within an agency setting.

• Bachelor’s degree in design or a related field.

• Familiarity with higher education recruitment and marketing best practices.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; fluent in English.

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.

🏝️ Benefits

• Flexible work options from our beautiful NYC office or the comfort of your home office!

• We provide a computer and charger!

• 401(k) with company matching, plus equity opportunities.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family (including mental health benefits like Headspace and Talkspace).

• Employer-sponsored life and disability insurance.

• Optional voluntary coverage for supplemental life, accident, critical illness, and hospital insurance.

• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and commuter benefits.

• Pre-tax benefit options that help you save on eligible healthcare, dependent care, and commuting expenses.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Paid parental leave.

• Wellness initiatives and resources.

• Free subscription to the Calm app.

• Employee discount program.

• 4 weeks of paid vacation plus 10 paid holidays and paid sick leave.

• Monthly stipend for mobile connectivity.

• Annual education stipend for ongoing learning.

• Opportunities for growth — we take pride in fostering environments where employees can be themselves and develop within and around the company.