Assistant/Associate Director of Creative Strategy - Hybrid/Remote

Assistant/Associate Director of Creative Strategy \- Hybrid/Remote

Vice Pres External Rel \& Comm

• Hybrid/Remote

Posting Category: Sponsorship for Work authorization is not available for this position.

This position serves as a key contributor to the creative strategy and visual identity of the University of Illinois System. The role is responsible for developing and maintaining creative assets and visual communications that support System initiatives and ensure consistent application of brand standards. Responsibilities include designing and producing presentation decks, campaign concepts, social media graphics, motion graphics, and video content that effectively represent the University of Illinois System and its three universities. Working closely with the Director of Brand and Marketing, who establishes the overall creative vision, this position translates that vision into high\-quality visual materials across multiple platforms and initiatives. The role coordinates with printers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely production and consistent quality, and regularly supports senior leadership and high\-priority initiatives that communicate the System's work to students, legislators, donor

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development and execution of visual communication strategies that support the University of Illinois System's communications, marketing, and public information initiatives. Oversee the design and production of presentation decks, campaign graphics, social media visuals, motion graphics, and video content that effectively communicate key messages to internal and external audiences.
• Oversee the application and evolution of brand standards and visual guidelines across communication platforms and materials. Provide guidance to internal partners and collaborators to ensure consistent and effective representation of the University of Illinois System's visual identity.
• Provide creative leadership and coordination across the University of Illinois System, collaborating with communications and creative teams at Chicago, Urbana\-Champaign, and Springfield to align visual communications with System messaging, priorities, and strategic initiatives.
• Direct the production and dissemination of visual materials by managing relationships with printers, vendors, freelancers, and internal stakeholders. Establish design specifications, review deliverables for quality and accuracy, and ensure projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with communication objectives.
• Evaluate and integrate emerging trends, technologies, and tools in visual communication, including motion graphics, digital media platforms, and design technologies. Recommend and implement enhancements to strengthen the effectiveness and reach of System communications.
• Oversee the planning and execution of creative communication projects, managing multiple initiatives simultaneously while coordinating workflows, timelines, and deliverables from concept development through final production.
• Advise and support senior leadership on visual communication strategies for high\-priority initiatives. Develop presentation materials and communication assets used for executive briefings, public presentations, and external engagement.
• Perform other duties appropriate to the position of Assistant/Associate Director of Creative Strategy as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Assistant Director of Creative Strategy Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, graphic design, digital media, advertising, journalism, or a related field.
• Four (4\) or more years of professional experience in graphic design, visual communications, marketing, or a related creative field.

Associate Director of Creative Strategy Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, graphic design, digital media, advertising, journalism, or a related field.
• Seven (7\) or more years of professional experience in graphic design, visual communications, marketing, or a related creative field.

Preferred:

• A strong professional portfolio demonstrating experience in visual communication, multimedia design, and creative campaign development.
• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, marketing, advertising, or a related field.
• Experience with project management platforms such as Airtable, Asana, Monday.com, or Basecamp
• Print production experience, and a background in web, mobile, or app design
• Previous experience working in higher education
• Experience across diverse environments, including agency, in\-house, or client\-side work
• Experience with illustration, digital design, or related creative techniques that enhance visual storytelling and communication materials.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrated creativity and adaptability, with the ability to thrive in collaborative environments, respond to shifting priorities, and contribute to innovative communication solutions.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and related design tools such as Canva.
• Strong experience in video production and motion graphics, including the use of tools such as Premiere Pro, After Effects, or comparable platforms.
• Knowledge of creative direction and visual storytelling, with the ability to translate strategic communication goals into compelling visual campaigns and communication assets.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and stakeholder expectations simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate design concepts, provide constructive feedback, and explain visual communication decisions to audiences without design backgrounds.
• Knowledge of brand management and visual identity systems, with the ability to ensure consistent application of brand standards across a wide range of communication materials.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross\-functional teams, external vendors, freelancers, and institutional stakeholders to produce high\-quality communication deliverables.
• Understanding of how to balance creative innovation with institutional priorities, accessibility standards, and communication objectives within a large and complex organization.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies and tools in visual communication, including AI\-assisted design platforms such as Adobe Firefly, Midjourney, or similar tools, and an understanding of their responsible and effective use.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a Full Time academic professional position. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Sponsorship for Work Authorization is not available for this position. System Office jobs such as this one are not eligible for the Referral Program.

The budgeted salary range for the position is $90,000\.00 \- 100,000\.00\. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability \& AD\&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES \& DEADLINE INFORMATION

For full consideration, please click APPLY NOW on this page to submit an application, references and cover letter through our job board by 6 pm on 5/10/2026\.

System HR Talent Contact: Bree Smith at cbsmith@uillinois.edu is available for further information on this specific search.

System Human Resource Services

(217\) 333\-2600

erhr@uillinois.edu

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non\-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E\-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008\) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the System Human Resource Services, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at 217\-333\-2600, or by emailing ADAaccessibility@uillinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 9000955

Job Category: Academic Professional

Campus Location: Chicago

\#LI\-BS1