Assistant/Associate Director of Creative Strategy - Hybrid/Remote

Vice President External Relations & Communications

Hybrid/Remote: As a key contributor to the creative strategy and visual identity of the University of Illinois System, this role develops and maintains creative assets and visual communications that support system initiatives and ensure consistent application of brand standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of visual communication strategies supporting the system’s communications, marketing, and public information initiatives.
• Oversee design and production of presentation decks, campaign graphics, social media visuals, motion graphics, and video content to communicate key messages to internal and external audiences.
• Implement and evolve brand standards and visual guidelines across communication platforms, providing guidance to internal partners for consistent representation of the system’s visual identity.
• Coordinate creative work across Chicago, Urbana‑Champaign, and Springfield, aligning visual communications with system messaging and strategic initiatives.
• Manage relationships with printers, vendors, freelancers, and internal stakeholders, establishing specifications, reviewing deliverables, and ensuring timely, budget‑constrained completion.
• Evaluate emerging trends and technologies in visual communication, recommending and implementing enhancements to strengthen message reach.
• Plan and execute multiple creative communication projects simultaneously, coordinating workflows, timelines, and deliverables from concept through final production.
• Advise senior leadership on visual communication strategies for high‑priority initiatives and produce materials for executive briefings and external engagement.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

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

Preferred Experience

• Strong professional portfolio demonstrating visual communication, multimedia design, and creative campaign development.
• Experience with project‑management platforms such as Airtable, Asana, Monday.com, or Basecamp.
• Print production experience and background in web, mobile, or app design.
• Previous work in higher education.
• Experience across agency, in‑house, and client‑side environments.
• Illustration or digital‑design skills that enhance visual storytelling.

Knowledge and Experience

• Creativity and adaptability within collaborative settings.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and tools such as Canva.
• Strong video production and motion‑graphics skills, including Premiere Pro and After Effects.
• Knowledge of creative direction, visual storytelling, and brand management.
• Project‑management and organizational skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities for explaining design concepts.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies such as Adobe Firefly, Midjourney, and AI‑assisted design platforms.
• Understanding of accessibility standards, institutional priorities, and communication objectives.

Appointment Information

This is a full‑time academic professional position with an expected start date as soon as possible. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available. The salary range is $90,000.00 to $100,000.00. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life, disability, a defined‑benefit pension, paid leave, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Application Procedures

Submit applications, references, and a cover letter through the job board by 6 pm on 5/10/2026.

Contact Information

Bree Smith, System HR Talent Contact: [email protected]

System Human Resource Services: (217) 333‑2600, [email protected]

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Illinois System is an equal‑opportunity employer, including disability and veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal mandates. We provide required employment notices and posters, background checks, sexual‑harassment disclosures, and E‑Verify eligibility review. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request reasonable accommodation through the portal or by contacting [email protected] or 217‑333‑2600.

Requisition Information

Requisition ID 9000955. Campus location: Chicago.