San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is hiring: Creative Design Manager i

Mantaining efficiency and economy in operations management requires flexibility in job assignments. While each employee shall have a primary responsibility for the job in which that employee has been hired or later promoted to, each employee may be expected to perform other jobs from time to time.

SUMMARY:

Under direction of the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Creative Design Manager is responsible for the art direction, design and production of all print and digital graphic communication content. The MTS Marketing & Communications Department is a fast‑paced, high‑energy working environment. The team is tight‑knit and works across various disciplines at times to help the agency succeed. The Creative Design Manager works with all Marketing & Communications team members and also works directly with most departments at MTS. The Creative Design Manager acts as the lead designer for all MTS creative projects, manages and directs design staff and implements creative design strategies to meet the strategic goals and objectives of MTS while ensuring brand quality.

Application Review: Priority will be given to applications received by November 28, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.

Essential Functions

• Manages a design team to implement the creative design strategies of the agency.
• Manages and directs design staff, delegates projects as necessary from conceptualization to design completion and reviews/approves design staff work.
• Utilizes a thorough knowledge of design, typography, paper stocks, reproduction methods, photography and printing processes to create quality marketing materials and design projects.
• Acts as the lead designer for all MTS graphic design projects including print and digital media, while incorporating the MTS brand guidelines.
• Acts as the lead designer for integrated marketing campaigns, public information projects, specialty programs, partnerships, and internal communications.
• Acts as the lead designer and manages production of fare media, newsletters, brochures, reports, banners, displays, shelter displays, presentations, flyers, ads, campaign materials, signage, video projects and other various marketing materials.
• Manages the art direction and design of all digital design projects including the MTS website, advertising, signage and social media assets.
• Oversees brand management and consistency, monitors usage of brand in different environments (e.g., on vehicles, at stations, social media, corporate materials) to ensure consistency in usage.
• Updates agency brand style guidelines to ensure collateral is in line with industry best‑practices and consults on branding of materials and signage.
• Manages and updates the design standards manuals for both the MTS corporate brand and MTS bus and trolley station signage.
• Makes budgetary recommendations based on the needs of the marketing department design team and maintains oversight of budget on design projects.
• Makes recommendations for design staff hardware and software needs.
• Obtains cost estimates for printing, production, and photograph purchases.
• Assists in contracting a variety of services and products to third‑party vendors and contractors, including stations signage, vehicle wraps and photography.
• Manages, reviews and approves work performed by outside vendors and contractors to ensure that MTS standards are followed, as well as for accuracy, quality and visual effectiveness.
• Researches, analyzes and implements new communications concepts for maps, timetables, and other graphic communication design projects.
• Completes minor copy writing for marketing materials.
• Directs the maintenance of the computer file retrieval system, resource and purchase order files, and project sample files.
• Acts in place of the Director of Marketing and Communications when directed.

Duties May Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations; ability to read, understand and apply MTS policies, regulations and union labor contracts; knowledge of government procurement process; ability to write letters, memoranda and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct English; ability to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively in person‑to‑person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy; ability to coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities to appropriate personnel; ability to establish and maintain priorities in order to complete assignments by deadlines without detailed instructions; skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports; knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn and use other software that MTS might have or acquire; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups, managers, customers and the general public; ability to represent MTS in a positive way while working with the public; knowledge of the principles and theories of graphic design; ability to conceptualize, design, develop and produce creative designs with a variety of media; in‑depth knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator); exceptional knowledge of printing processes; knowledge of local printing companies.

Physical Requirements

The successful candidate must be able to fulfill the physical demands of the job such as walking, stooping, sitting, bending, reaching for overhead files and occasional lifting (must be able to lift up to 15 pounds). Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such as use of a computer and 10‑key. Work will at times require more than 8 hours per day or an irregular work week to perform the essential duties of the position. Duties will be performed primarily in an office type environment and may require travel to external locations and agencies.

Experience/Education/Certificates/Licenses

Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in graphic design or related discipline. Requisite knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted for the degree requirement. A minimum of ten years of full‑time design experience managing graphic design projects is required. Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver License or be able to utilize alternative transportation when needed to perform job‑related essential functions.

GENERAL:

Must satisfactorily pass all applicable post‑offer examinations, including but not limited to a pre‑employment physical conducted by an independent medical provider, a comprehensive criminal background check, and, when applicable, a pre‑employment drug test as required by MTS Board Policy 35.

SALARY GRADE:

Salary offers are based on factors such as knowledge, skills, abilities, and relevant experience of the successful candidate, while taking into account internal equity, budget constraints, and other market factors. This position is in salary grade #11, which has a minimum of $90,979 and a maximum of $129,190. Salary grades are typically adjusted annually to ensure they remain market competitive.

DISCLAIMER: The above‑described job elements are intended to indicate the general nature and levels of work being performed by employees assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required of employees so classified. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

EEO is The Law - Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

MTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an ongoing commitment to treat all people, including customers, co‑workers and the public at large, with dignity and respect. As a public transportation agency, MTS is committed to providing an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities in which we work and live.

MTS supports and promotes an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. MTS recruits, hires, trains and promotes individuals without regard to race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, marital status, medical condition, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation and military status, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

MTS encourages veterans, military spouses and people from different backgrounds to apply for open positions for which they are interested. Additionally, MTS employees are encouraged to refer qualified candidates from all backgrounds and age groups. At MTS, we are committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Marketing and Design

Industries

Rail Transportation and Ground Passenger Transportation