Director of Brand Management and Content Creation

University Communications (UC) translates ECU's message into strategic and compelling communication and campaigns through the university website, news releases, official social media accounts, East magazine, storytelling and videos along with brand building, campaign strategy and execution, print and digital collateral creation and distribution, and paid advertising media. The purpose of the unit is to provide strategic communication and marketing guidance and support to increase the knowledge, understanding, appreciation and support of the University and its work with broad and varied constituencies, from prospective students to identified thought leaders to prospective donors. UC comprises the News Services, Creative Services and Marketing units.

Through the Creative Services unit, UC works with all university departments to conceptualize, design, develop, and produce written, digital and print projects to brand, communicate and market their messages to appropriate audiences. Creative Services works with Marketing to support strategic marketing programs for the university, including advertising buys, campaign strategy and execution.

The Director of Brand Management & Content Creation in University Communications shapes the creative direction of the university's brand identity.

This position serves as the university's brand champion, overseeing the editorial, design and web development teams and ensuring that their work aligns with the university's objectives, brand guidelines, and reputational management, as well as industry standards. Working closely with the Chief Communications Officer/Director of University Communications and the Marketing Director, this position will develop creative strategies to advance the university's strategic initiatives and goals.

This position reports to the Chief Communications Officer/Director of University Communications.

30% Brand Management

Serve as the university's lead brand manager, overseeing creative teams and ensuring work aligns with the university's objectives, brand guidelines and industry standards. Play a vital role in developing and maintaining a cohesive visual identity that aligns with ECU's mission, vision, values, and strategic framework. Establish and enforce brand and identity standards university wide.

Lead ideation and execution of innovative and impactful design projects including marketing campaigns, digital publications and print publications. Oversee creative teams and ensure the teams' work aligns with the university's objectives, brand guidelines and industry standards. Ensure all designs meet the highest standards of quality, accuracy and brand consistency. Set and maintain a creative vision that ensures brand consistency across all visual assets including advertising, digital, print, social media, web and other communication channels. Lead and manage the creative team including providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure the delivery of high-quality work. Determine appropriate assignments for creative team members and manage team bandwidth to ensure timeline delivery of priority projects. Develop, execute, monitor and adjust project plans, resources and strategies to meet the needs of stakeholders and to ensure the deliverables are on time, and within budget. Oversee the Creative Services department personnel, resources and processes.

20% Provide Creative Vision and Leadership

Stay up to date on industry trends in higher education including the latest design trends, techniques, and best practices in the field of visual design and higher education marketing. Foster a collaborative and creative environment through encouraging a culture of creativity, collaboration and continuous improvement. Advise the Chief Communications Officer and senior leadership on cohesive brand management and marketing strategies and implementation.

Contingent upon availability of funds.

Master's degree with an emphasis in graphic design, visual communications, marketing or related field with 5 years of related professional experience, or a Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in graphic design, visual communications, marketing, or related field with 7 years of related professional experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

None

* 5 years of creative team leadership or related experience.

* Art direction, marketing campaign and brand management background is highly desirable.

* Strong portfolio highlighting skills and experience in leading a team of design and editorial.

* Proficient with industry standard design software and tools, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.) and with Microsoft Office Suite.

* Experience in effectively managing individuals, creative teams and projects.

* An in-depth understanding of best practices in content development and delivery of print and digital collateral.

* Extensive knowledge of traditional and emerging communication technologies and promotional mediums and the creative capacity to adapt and develop on-brand creative content across all channels.

* Extensive experience managing, maintaining and reinforcing brand standards across a complex, multifaceted organization.

* Demonstrated ability to concept, develop and produce effective comprehensive, multichannel creative campaigns that are responsive to client needs and organizational priorities with a focus on brand and brand messaging.

* Extensive experience in visual branding, journey mapping, and audience identification, segmentation and motivation.

* Extensive experience in message and communication plan development.

* Strong project management skills with the ability to identify short- and long-range goals and contribute to effective and measurable outcomes.

* Ability to analyze market research data, translate complex concepts, ideas and attributes into accessible and engaging creative communications and materials.

* Experience leading teams in highly collaborative environments requiring interpersonal communication competence, initiative, active listening and emotional intelligence.

* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

* Demonstrated commitment to education, creativity and innovation, with a keen eye for detail.

East Carolina University requires applicants to submit a candidate profile online in order to be considered for the position. Candidates must also submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references, including contact information, online.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable.

East Carolina University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer who is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care, belonging and opportunity for our faculty, staff and learners and all stakeholders. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, or veteran status.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act ( ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/ TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.