Creative Director

Posting Summary

Logo Posting Number STA00920PO24 Job Family Communications and Marketing Job Function Marketing USC Market Title Marketing Director Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132425 Job Level M1 - Managerial Business Title (Internal Title) Creative Director Campus Upstate Work County Spartanburg College/Division USC Upstate College/Division Level Department UPS University Communications State Pay Band 7 Approved Starting Salary $59,581 Advertised Salary Range $59,581 - $80,000; Salary commensurate with education and experience. Location of Vacancy USC Upstate, Spartanburg, SC Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 37.5 Work Schedule

Monday – Friday; 8:30am – 5pm; Some evenings and weekends as needed are required.

Basis 12 months Job Search Category Communication Services

About USC

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Inclusive Excellence Statement

At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.

Benefits for FTE Positions

The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

Creative Director

University of South Carolina Upstate

STA00920PO24

Spartanburg, SC

The Creative Director for USC Upstate is responsible for elevating and bringing USC Upstate’s brand vision to life through unique and aspirational creative executions that build brand awareness of the university and celebrate its stories. Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice Chancellor of Strategic Marketing and Communications, the Creative Director ideates, designs and produces digital and print materials, moving them from concept to completion. This position works with a variety of constituents including academic departments, university divisions, Office of the Chancellor, donor prospects and alumni.

Job Related Minimum Required Education And Experience

Requires a bachelor’s degree and 5 or more years of experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

A good driving record, valid driver’s license and a successful background check are required.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree and 3 years professional experience related to the development and dissemination of informational material, or bachelor’s degree and 5 years related experience. Degree related to graphic design, experience working in graphic design required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated written and oral skills; success in performing complex tasks; prioritizing multiple projects; investigating, analyzing information and drawing conclusions. Deadline oriented. Knowledge of Associated Press style.
• Excellent presentation skills and communication abilities; capable of representing the department and its work to university leadership.
• Proficient knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, similar graphic design programs and Microsoft Office suite.
• Excellent creativity, graphic design and communication skills. Expertise and demonstrated ability in design fundamentals.
• Ability to translate communications strategies into engaging, authentic, and effective creative work.
• Proven understanding of brand architecture, brand identity and brand positioning.
• Knowledge of current industry trends and techniques, including video production, user experience design, social media trends, and other digital communications approaches.
• Understanding of marketing in print, electronic and online media and how each differs in execution.
• Proven ability to motivate, engage and work collaboratively across teams and departments.
• Proven mentoring and team-building skills, including strong ability to provide clear creative direction and helpful feedback.
• Experience following and improving production processes across creative formats, including brand, print, editorial, digital, and video projects.
• Ability to work with creative staff and provide leadership and direction in a creative team environment.
• Proven ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment with emphasis on collaboration and partnerships.
  
  

Job Duties

Job Duty

Creates comprehensive, original graphic design and layout concepts for marketing needs, including digital and print advertising, print publications, and promotional collateral. Develops guidelines and graphic identity standards for visual designs that support the university’s overall branding philosophy and strategy. Serve as Lead Designer when needed. Designs to follow marketing best practices.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30 Job Duty

Collaborate with campus departmental partners to determine needs and deadlines, and develop and produce promotional materials for print and digital use. Facilitate the planning, creation and timely production of promotional materials that conform to brand standards. Oversee impactful brand experiences and a scalable design system across all university assets. Translate communications strategies and brand positioning into creative approaches that resonate with a range of target audiences. Serve as project manager for all design requests submitted to University Marketing and Communications.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30 Job Duty

Act as brand steward and leading visual identity expert with campus stakeholders and leadership. Uphold and enforce USC Upstate brand guidelines on all campus communications and provide guidance and constructive instruction to faculty and staff on branding best practices. Leads training sessions for campus community on brand guidelines and usage.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10 Job Duty

Supervise a graphic designer, a multimedia content producer and collaborates with Studio Upstate and freelancers as needed.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10 Job Duty

Oversee production of marketing materials, including gathering bids from vendors for printed and promotional items.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 15 Job Duty

Other duties as assigned.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 5

Position Attributes

Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive No Hazardous weather category Non-Essential

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date 03/03/2025 Job Open Date 11/20/2024 Job Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicant

The interview process will begin after January 16, 2025 with an anticipated start date of March 2025. Finalists will be required to submit their creative portfolio via email prior to interview.

The application must be completed including all current and previous work history and education. A resume may be attached, but not substituted for completing work history and education sections of the application.

USC Upstate offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition Program
• Dependent Scholarships
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities
  
  

Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/179289 EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.