Senior Creative Director For Design Services

Senior Creative Director for Design Services

University Communications & Marketing

JOB SUMMARY:

The Senior Creative Director for Design Services serves as the strategic lead of Adelphi University's visual brand identity, including the conceptualization, development and execution of all branded design assets across digital, print and multimedia platforms. This leadership role proactively stewards the university's visual narrative, ensuring seamless alignment between creative execution and institutional brand strategy while driving measurable impact on institutional recruitment, retention and engagement goals.

As the creative authority for the University, the director provides comprehensive visual direction and strategic oversight to internal design and content teams, cross-functional departments, and external creative partners—including photographers, videographers, freelance designers and specialized vendors. Through collaborative leadership and rigorous brand stewardship, this role ensures all university communications maintain exceptional creative standards, reinforce consistent brand messaging, and directly support strategic communications and marketing initiatives that advance Adelphi's mission and competitive positioning.

SALARY INFORMATION:

In compliance with New York's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is $100,000 - $127,000. Adelphi University considers factors such as departmental budgets, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. An annual base salary higher than the range may be warranted in circumstances where a candidate has demonstrable equivalent prior higher education experience at another University.

Adelphi University provides a comprehensive benefit package for faculty and staff employees. For a list of benefits provided to employees, please click here.

REPORTS TO:

Chief Communications Officer

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

Strategic Creative Leadership

1. Lead the research, conceptualization and creative design of all visual assets and marketing materials including but not limited to publications, advertising, video, photography, web/digital and facility interiors and signage. ensuring that they are held to the highest visual and brand standard.
2. Monitor and assess emerging design trends and adopt as appropriate.
3. Provide leadership and inspire internal and external creative team members to deliver inspired, creative, brand-aligned visual communication.

Brand Management & Standards

1. Ensure that all projects developed by UComm, the web team and facilities meet the visual brand standards established by the University, and provide ongoing guidance to internal and external University partners on brand standards.
2. Proactively lead the development, implementation and ongoing management of a comprehensive brand center and visual guidelines to assist the University community to integrate the Adelphi visual brand into their materials.
3. Oversee the University visual assets (photo, video, graphics) library, ensuring that the collection is up to date, relevant and meets brand standards.

Team Management & Development

1. Motivate design team to develop their individual design skills, decision making strategies and art direction skills.
2. Recruit and hire staff as needed.
3. Train, manage, set goals and accountability measures for freelance designers, videographers, and photographers ensuring creative, brand aligned communication.

Project Management & Collaboration

1. Work collaboratively with content team, design team, web team and facilities to develop creative communication solutions, leading visual direction and related decisions.
2. Work with colleagues and outside vendors to ensure that projects stay on schedule, on budget, adhere to brand standards, are consistent across channels and meet University and client priorities.
3. Work with the UComm production staff and print vendors to ensure production of quality materials in the most timely and cost-efficient manner.

Specialized Services

1. Serve as the primary designer for all confidential and sensitive communications, ensuring confidentiality and discretion.
2. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS: (Knowledge, skills and abilities)

Creative & Technical Expertise

1. Exceptional design and creative execution skills with experience interpreting and executing brand standards.
2. Expert knowledge of Adobe CC Design Suite and the latest design software and hardware.
3. Experience producing videos and multimedia projects from concept to completion.
4. Working knowledge of web design and digital platforms including WordPress and social media.

Leadership & Team Management

1. Strong management and mentorship skills, with the ability to lead and motivate creative teams.
2. Strong communication and presentation skills.
3. Ability to be a self-starter and work independently while also having a collaborative mindset.

Strategic & Analytical Skills

1. Ability to problem solve and think strategically.
2. Understanding of marketing and advertising principles.

Project Management & Operations

1. Exceptional multitasking and organizational skills, with an attention to detail and ability to prioritize workload according to volume, urgency, etc.
2. Familiarity working in a complex, fast-paced, high volume/stress, dynamic environment.
3. Ability to work nights and weekends, when necessary.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ability to work on campus/in-person 3 days a week.

EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
2. Advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
3. Minimum of eight years related experience is required.

POSITION(S) SUPERVISED:

1. Full-time, part-time and freelance designers, multimedia artists, illustrators, photographers and videographers (currently in-house team comprises two graphic designers and one videographer).
2. Oversight of vendors/vendor relationships, including printers, fabricators and production houses.

ABOUT ADELPHI:

Adelphi University, New York, is a highly awarded, nationally ranked, powerfully connected doctoral research university dedicated to transforming students' lives through small classes with world-class faculty, hands-on learning and innovative ways to support academic and career success. Adelphi offers exceptional liberal arts and sciences programs and professional training, with particular strength in our Core Four—Arts and Humanities, STEM and Social Sciences, the Business and Education Professions, and Health and Wellness. Recognized as a Best College by U.S. News & World Report, Adelphi is Long Island's oldest private coeducational university, serving more than 7,250 students at its beautiful main campus in Garden City, at learning hubs in Manhattan, the Hudson Valley and Suffolk County, and online. The University offers students 79 undergraduate programs, more than 84 master's degree and doctoral programs, and 63 certificate programs in the liberal arts, the sciences and professional training. With powerful partnerships throughout the New York area, more than 119,000 graduates across the country, a growing enrollment of students from 43 states and 72 countries, and rising rankings from top publications and organizations, Adelphi is a dynamic community that plays a leadership role on Long Island and in the region.