Creative Director - Marketing and Communications

About ArtCenter Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, ArtCenter College of Design is a global leader in art and design education and has had an international reputation for its rigorous, transdisciplinary curriculum, faculty of professionals, strong ties to industry, and commitment to socially responsible design. ArtCenter is a private nonprofit fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Every position at ArtCenter plays an important part in carrying out the cultural values, goals, strategic vision, and mission of the College. This includes upholding and cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. The Marketing and Communications division leads the development and execution of ArtCenter College of Design’s brand, marketing, and communications initiatives. Through strategic storytelling, creative content, and integrated marketing efforts, the division promotes awareness of ArtCenter’s distinctive educational experience, creative excellence, and impact. Working collaboratively across the College, the division develops and delivers compelling communications, campaigns, and experiences that support institutional priorities and engage key audiences, including prospective and current students, alumni, donors, trustees, faculty, staff, and educational and industry partners. The division serves as a steward of the ArtCenter brand, ensuring that communications and visual expressions are consistent, effective, and aligned with the College’s mission and values. Reporting to the Interim Lead Marketing and Communications/AVP, Communications and Media, the Creative Director leads the creative vision, visual identity, and brand expression of ArtCenter College of Design while serving as a hands-on creative practitioner responsible for developing and producing high-quality creative work. This role provides strategic leadership for the College’s brand and creative initiatives while actively contributing to the design and execution of marketing and communications materials across print, digital, social, video, environmental, and emerging media channels. As the College’s lead creative authority and brand steward, the Creative Director establishes and evolves creative standards, leads integrated campaign development, and ensures all visual communications advance institutional priorities and reflect ArtCenter's reputation for creativity and excellence. Essential Functions Creative Leadership, Brand Stewardship and Design Execution — 55% Lead the creative vision and visual expression of the College’s brand across all marketing and communications initiatives Serve as the College’s lead creative authority and brand steward, establishing, evolving, and governing visual identity standards, design systems, and creative frameworks Develop integrated creative concepts, campaigns, and visual solutions that support enrollment, advancement, fundraising, institutional reputation, and strategic priorities Design and produce creative assets and marketing materials across print, digital, social media, environmental, presentation, and emerging channels as needed Provide creative leadership for ArtCenter website, ensuring web content, user experience (UX) and visual design align with College brand identity and strategic priorities Lead major brand and marketing initiatives from concept through implementation and evaluation Provide creative direction and quality oversight for all visual communications to ensure consistency, accessibility, and alignment with institutional objectives Collaborate with writers, strategists, photographers, videographers, and campus partners to develop integrated storytelling and audience engagement initiatives Present creative concepts, recommendations, and rationale to leadership and stakeholders Strategic Partnership and Project Leadership — 25% Serve as a strategic advisor on brand strategy, creative direction, audience engagement, and market positioning Partner with Marketing, Communications, Enrollment, Advancement, and institutional leaders to align creative efforts with organizational priorities Manage multiple concurrent projects, balancing strategic initiatives, production demands, timelines, and available resources Champion creative processes, workflows, and project management practices that improve efficiency, quality, and stakeholder experience Leverage audience insights, research, and performance data to evaluate effectiveness and identify opportunities to strengthen brand engagement through innovative storytelling and creative problem-solving Team, Vendor and Administrative Leadership — 15% Provide leadership and oversight for assigned staff including hiring, onboarding, guiding performance effectiveness, coaching, and learning and professional development Provide mentorship, guidance, and creative leadership to design staff, student workers, freelancers, and external creative partners as applicable Manage relationships with external vendors, agencies, and production partners, including oversight of scope, budget, and quality Participate in departmental planning, budgeting, hiring, and resource allocation Contribute to divisional initiatives, committees, and special projects as assigned Follow and enforce ArtCenter policies, including safety protocols. Implement policies and procedures as needed to guide effective practices Non-Essential Duties — 5% Monitor and stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices across design, branding, marketing, and creative leadership to continually strengthen the College’s creative presence and effectiveness Participate in professional organizations, conferences, and development opportunities as appropriate Serve on College committees, task forces, and special initiatives as requested Other duties as assigned This is a full-time position with a schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. The position is eligible for flexible scheduling and can be performed, remotely, hybrid or combination or required as a condition of employment.