University of Chicago
Department
ADV Communications
About The Department
The Advancement Office engages alumni (~220k), current students, parents, and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. Advancement raises $600 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute.
The Communications team works with Advancement partners to shape and brand communications to engage, steward, and inform alumni, donors, and friends of the University of Chicago. The design team, which supports this group, utilizes communications and design best practices to shape impressions for signature events and other programming that supports Advancement philanthropic goals and strengthens the University’s identity in the world.
Job Summary
The Creative Director serves as chief design officer for Advancement, providing creative leadership and brand stewardship for major institutional initiatives, campaigns, and communications. This role leads and provides expertise to the development of programs in a wide range of design projects. Develops design standards and concepts for University advertising and communications materials. Completes assignments and facilitates the work activities of others.
Responsibilities
Elevates institutional storytelling and brand identity across channels, championing bold, cohesive, and consistent creative work that inspires philanthropy and deepens relationships with alumni, donors, and friends of the institution. Translates fundraising strategies into emotionally resonant and visually cohesive narratives that motivate giving and build lasting engagement. Serves as a brand steward and thought partner to Advancement leaders, offering creative insight that enhances communication impact. Provides high-level creative input on concept development, messaging, and design execution across print, digital, video, and event experiences. Works collaboratively with Advancement and University partners, freelancers, and external partners, to translate strategic objectives into compelling creative concepts that align with the brand’s visual and verbal identity. Designs, conceptualizes and creates complex graphic artwork, such as charts, graphs, and illustrations, for various publications, gift proposals, and donor stewardship materials. Ensures consistency and impact of brand assets aligned with University strategy. Oversees the development and evolution of brand guidelines as appropriate; ensures creative assets reflect current standards and innovations. Stays informed about best practices in fundraising communications and creative storytelling for donor audiences and attuned to trends in design, culture, and communications to inform and inspire creative strategy. Leads, mentors, and inspires a team of design professionals, fostering a collaborative, high-performing environment that encourages creativity, professional growth, and accountability. Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance including attending webinars, seminars, building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions. Designs, conceptualizes and creates complex graphic artwork, such as charts, graphs, and illustrations, for various publications, advertising materials and/or customers by hand or using a computer. Prepares final layouts for print. Coordinates production support with outside vendors. Negotiates contracts with vendors. Ensures that graphic projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the user's satisfaction. Performs other related work as needed.
Education:
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s or advanced degree.
Experience:
Minimum seven years of professional experience in creative leadership, preferably in higher education. Background with data analysis and communicating complex topics to non-technical people. Managing cross-team projects.
Technical Skills Or Knowledge:
Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to Advancement, including Phoenix, the University's Donor Relationship Management System. Proficient in a Microsoft Windows computer environment, especially with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, content platforms. Portfolio showcasing integrated campaigns and branding.
Preferred Competencies
Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively. Explain complex ideas clearly and simply. Manage confidential information with discretion and tact. Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality. Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting. Self-motivated and take initiative. Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.
Working Conditions
This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence. Standard office environment. Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business. Work evenings and weekends as needed. This position is located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.
Application Documents
Resume/CV (required) Cover Letter, addressed to the Hiring Committee (preferred)
When applying, the document(s)
MUST
be uploaded via the
My Experience
page, in the section titled
Application Documents
of the application.
Job Family
Communications
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled
Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$110,500.00 - $130,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. #J-18808-Ljbffr
ADV Communications
About The Department
The Advancement Office engages alumni (~220k), current students, parents, and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. Advancement raises $600 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute.
The Communications team works with Advancement partners to shape and brand communications to engage, steward, and inform alumni, donors, and friends of the University of Chicago. The design team, which supports this group, utilizes communications and design best practices to shape impressions for signature events and other programming that supports Advancement philanthropic goals and strengthens the University’s identity in the world.
Job Summary
The Creative Director serves as chief design officer for Advancement, providing creative leadership and brand stewardship for major institutional initiatives, campaigns, and communications. This role leads and provides expertise to the development of programs in a wide range of design projects. Develops design standards and concepts for University advertising and communications materials. Completes assignments and facilitates the work activities of others.
Responsibilities
Elevates institutional storytelling and brand identity across channels, championing bold, cohesive, and consistent creative work that inspires philanthropy and deepens relationships with alumni, donors, and friends of the institution. Translates fundraising strategies into emotionally resonant and visually cohesive narratives that motivate giving and build lasting engagement. Serves as a brand steward and thought partner to Advancement leaders, offering creative insight that enhances communication impact. Provides high-level creative input on concept development, messaging, and design execution across print, digital, video, and event experiences. Works collaboratively with Advancement and University partners, freelancers, and external partners, to translate strategic objectives into compelling creative concepts that align with the brand’s visual and verbal identity. Designs, conceptualizes and creates complex graphic artwork, such as charts, graphs, and illustrations, for various publications, gift proposals, and donor stewardship materials. Ensures consistency and impact of brand assets aligned with University strategy. Oversees the development and evolution of brand guidelines as appropriate; ensures creative assets reflect current standards and innovations. Stays informed about best practices in fundraising communications and creative storytelling for donor audiences and attuned to trends in design, culture, and communications to inform and inspire creative strategy. Leads, mentors, and inspires a team of design professionals, fostering a collaborative, high-performing environment that encourages creativity, professional growth, and accountability. Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance including attending webinars, seminars, building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions. Designs, conceptualizes and creates complex graphic artwork, such as charts, graphs, and illustrations, for various publications, advertising materials and/or customers by hand or using a computer. Prepares final layouts for print. Coordinates production support with outside vendors. Negotiates contracts with vendors. Ensures that graphic projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the user's satisfaction. Performs other related work as needed.
Education:
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s or advanced degree.
Experience:
Minimum seven years of professional experience in creative leadership, preferably in higher education. Background with data analysis and communicating complex topics to non-technical people. Managing cross-team projects.
Technical Skills Or Knowledge:
Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to Advancement, including Phoenix, the University's Donor Relationship Management System. Proficient in a Microsoft Windows computer environment, especially with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, content platforms. Portfolio showcasing integrated campaigns and branding.
Preferred Competencies
Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively. Explain complex ideas clearly and simply. Manage confidential information with discretion and tact. Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality. Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting. Self-motivated and take initiative. Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.
Working Conditions
This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence. Standard office environment. Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business. Work evenings and weekends as needed. This position is located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.
Application Documents
Resume/CV (required) Cover Letter, addressed to the Hiring Committee (preferred)
When applying, the document(s)
MUST
be uploaded via the
My Experience
page, in the section titled
Application Documents
of the application.
Job Family
Communications
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled
Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$110,500.00 - $130,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. #J-18808-Ljbffr