Manager Graphic Design
Summary of Job:
We’re looking for a talented and motivated graphic design manager to join our growing creative team. This position will work closely with designers, copywriters and multimedia experts on the creative team; brand marketing; marketing analytics; and various other teams within the organization to design and art direct marketing collateral for multiple 2U partner programs. This position manages a team of designers and is responsible for the quality of work as well as the overall visual creative strategy for his or her team.
In order to be considered for this position, you must submit a link to your digital portfolio with your resume and application.
Key Role and Responsibilities:
- Manage a team of designers with diverse backgrounds and experience levels.
- Provide art direction, strategic insights and context as well as constructive feedback to designers.
- Direct and manage the design and visual systems across all programs within a vertical.
- Manage and oversee new program launches and the creation of brand identity guides.
- Direct and design a wide variety of marketing assets for our higher education partners, including websites, advertising, emails, presentations, print collateral and brand identity manuals.
- Design stunning, cohesive marketing assets for our partner programs, including brand identity manuals, websites, advertising, emails and digital advertising.
- Ensure visual differentiation by actively exploring new visual solutions for 2U partner programs.
- Establish and maintain the visual identities for our partner programs and ensure consistent and powerful application of identities across channels.
- Design with a mobile-first approach.
- Manage multiple project deadlines across multiple programs.
- Collaborate with cross-team and creative stakeholders on conceptual and strategy-driven projects.
- Partner with front-end developers to create innovative solutions to help propel our web designs forward.
- Initiate new creative ideas and approaches that strengthen our communications and solve for specific marketing challenges.
- Understand the unique needs of a specific vertical and take the lead on higher-level projects that drive strategy.
- Strategically analyze creative briefs to create work that aligns with marketing stakeholder needs.
- Take direction from creative briefs, documented channel-specific best practices and previous performance data to produce and direct high-performing creative.
- Present work to stakeholders with powerful written or verbal rationales that speak to the creative decisions and marketing strategies.
- Actively participate in the growth and evolution of the creative team.
- Hire and retain talent, contribute to and lead various special projects, and uphold the team’s mission and values.
- Vet portfolios and conduct interviews with graphic designer candidates.
- Train and onboard new designers.
- Work closely with creative team leadership to establish new processes and efficiencies across the creative team.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s in relevant field a plus
- Minimum 5–7 years of industry experience
- Minimum 2 years of management experience
- Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite
- Demonstrate breadth of experience and solid design skills with a strong portfolio
- Exceptional interpersonal communication and presentation skills
- Experience delegating, art directing and providing feedback to other designers
- Experience designing and leading productive creative strategy sessions
- Experience presenting work, insights and strategy to a wide variety of marketing stakeholders
- Experience working with photographers, drafting shot lists and art directing shoots on location
- Experience creating and maintaining brand guidelines across multiple channels
- Experience working with copywriters, multimedia designers, animators and video editors
- A discerning eye for branding aesthetics and meticulous attention to detail
- Ability to find creative, unorthodox solutions when needed
- Must be able to prioritize and manage multiple projects and programs simultaneously
- Must be open to feedback and able to take direction while also driving projects without a lot of oversight
- Calm, flexible and able to work under pressure or with tight deadlines
- Experience working as a designer within an agency (preferred)
- Experience working with sophisticated brands (preferred)
- Experience in higher education (preferred)
Working Conditions
Occasional travel may be required.
About 2U Inc. (NASDAQ: TWOU)
We believe there should be no back row in higher education. For more than a decade, 2U, Inc., a global leader in education technology, has been improving lives by powering the world’s best digital education. As a trusted partner and brand steward of great universities, we build, deliver, and support online graduate programs and certificates for working adults. Our industry-leading short courses, offered by GetSmarter®, are designed to equip lifelong learners with in-demand career skills. To learn more about 2U and No Back Row®, visit 2U.com.
2U Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At 2U, we are committed to creating and sustaining a culture that embodies diverse walks of life, ideas, genders, ages, races, cultures, sexual orientations, abilities and other unique qualities of our employees. We strive to offer a workplace where every employee feels empowered by the ways in which we are different, as well as the ways in which we are the same.
Why It’s Great to Work at 2U
2U offers a high-energy work environment that’s both challenging and fun. We work hard, but our offices are casual and social places. We wear jeans to work and fuel brainstorming sessions with snacks and seltzer.
Benefits
2U offers a comprehensive benefits package:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Life insurance, disability and 401(k)
- Unlimited snacks and drinks
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Generous paid leave policies including a PTO allowance for your vacation, personal, or sick days
- Additional time off benefits include:
- time off to volunteer for non-profit organizations
- parental leave after 12 months of employment
- holidays that include a winter break from Christmas through New Year and more!
Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position, and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
2U is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against applicants or employees and ensures equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship, military or veterans’ status, or any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. 2U’s equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, job benefits, pay and dismissal.