Creative & Brand Lead

About the Job
The Creative & Brand Lead serves as the principal visual designer and creative production lead for the College of Science and Engineering (CSE). This position is responsible for creating high-quality visual communications that advance the college's strategic priorities while ensuring alignment with University of Minnesota brand standards.

The Creative & Brand Lead develops and produces print, digital, environmental, and promotional materials; translates institutional brand standards into scalable resources for college stakeholders; and provides creative expertise across a wide range of communications initiatives. Success in this role requires advanced design expertise, strong visual storytelling skills, exceptional attention to detail, technical production knowledge, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Location and Work Environment
Location: Twin Cities Campus, University of Minnesota

Work Environment: Hybrid

Expected Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Minimum of three days per week in the office - Monday and Wednesday expected as on‑campus collaboration days

Up to two days per week remote, consistent with department and University policies

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support campaign launches, reporting deadlines, college initiatives, or time‑sensitive matters

Primary Responsibilities

50% Create Visual Communications and Design Assets

Design and create a wide range of print and digital communications materials that support recruitment, reputation, advancement, research, and engagement goals.

Develop original visual assets including logos, icon systems, illustrations, infographics, and branded graphics for academic departments, research centers, and college initiatives.

Lead design and production of major publications including recruitment materials, fundraising collateral, annual reports, magazines, brochures, and strategic communications pieces.

Create graphics and visual assets optimized for websites, social media platforms, email campaigns, presentations, digital displays, and event environments.

Manage print production workflows including file preparation, vendor coordination, proofing, quality control, and final delivery.

Ensure technical accuracy in typography, layout, color management, image preparation, and production specifications.

25% Develop Brand Resources and Design Systems

Translate University and college brand standards into practical, scalable resources for internal stakeholders.

Create and maintain libraries of templates, design assets, presentation materials, and self‑service creative resources.

Serve as a subject matter expert on visual identity standards, typography, color systems, logo usage, and design best practices.

Review and provide guidance on creative materials developed across the college to support brand consistency.

Conduct accessibility reviews of visual communications and ensure compliance with University and digital accessibility standards.

Maintain and organize digital asset management systems and creative resource libraries.

15% Collaborate on Strategic Storytelling and Marketing Initiatives

Partner with a variety of stakeholders to develop effective visual solutions that support strategic objectives.

Collaborate with writers, photographers, videographers, and digital communicators both internally throughout CSE and the University as well as externally to create integrated storytelling campaigns.

Translate complex scientific, engineering, and research concepts into compelling visual narratives, graphics, and data visualizations.

Support college‑wide campaigns, events, recruitment efforts, and reputation‑building initiatives through creative strategy and design execution.

Ensure visual communications align with institutional messaging and audience needs.

5% Mentor Design Contributors and Support Creative Operations

Assist in training, mentoring, and supporting student employees engaged in graphic design and creative production activities.

Provide guidance on design standards, software tools, workflows, and production processes for embedded communicators within CSE, as well as student workers.

Participate in project planning activities within the CSE MarCom department and with embedded communicators, including estimating design timelines, evaluating project scope, and identifying resource needs.

Collaborate with faculty and staff to prioritize projects and maintain efficient creative workflows.

5% Support Professional Development and Department Initiatives

Represent CSE on University design, communications, and branding committees and working groups.

Maintain expertise in emerging design technologies, accessibility standards, creative software, and industry best practices.

Explore and evaluate emerging tools, including artificial intelligence‑assisted creative technologies, within University guidelines.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field.

Four (4) years of professional experience in graphic design, visual communications, or a related creative field.

Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience creating professional print and digital communications materials from concept through final production.

Experience developing templates, design systems, or brand resources for broad organizational use.

Knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices for visual communications and digital content.

Strong visual design, typography, layout, and production skills.

Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management abilities.

Experience working within a large university, research institution, or complex organizational environment.

Experience implementing and maintaining brand standards across multiple stakeholder groups.

Familiarity with Canva, Adobe Express, Figma, or other collaborative design platforms.

Experience creating digital assets for websites, email marketing, social media, and multimedia campaigns.

Experience with Drupal, WordPress, or other content management systems.

Experience designing publications, recruitment materials, fundraising collateral, or high‑volume marketing campaigns.

Experience mentoring student employees, interns, or junior designers.

Experience creating data visualizations, scientific illustrations, or research communications materials.

About the Department
The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) is ranked among the top engineering and science academic programs in the country. The college includes 12 academic departments offering a wide range of degree programs at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels.

Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $74,000 per year - $91,000 per year, depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off

Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program

Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts

University HSA contributions

Disability and employer‑paid life insurance

Employee wellbeing program

Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity

Financial counseling services

Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022‑2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work‑life flexibility.

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