Senior Director of Visual Design

Drive a unified, donor-centered visual communications approach for Vanderbilt University’s Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) division.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a cohesive visual identity for DAR that aligns with Vanderbilt brand identity and guidelines.
• Continuously evolve the division’s visual identity to keep communications fresh for the community.
• Set artistic strategy for DAR and translate concepts into executed creative materials supporting Vanderbilt initiatives and messaging.
• Conceive, develop, and produce visually engaging, data-centered designs across print and digital channels.
• Design print materials such as brochures, one-pagers, and mailers.
• Create digital assets including social media graphics, web/email banners, and PowerPoint presentations.
• Oversee video development to help tell Vanderbilt’s story, coordinating internal and external resources as needed.
• Provide direction on photography for materials and events.
• Collaborate with the central Communications and Marketing team to support brand and creative cohesion.
• Partner with Donor Relations colleagues to develop and maintain resources for impact reporting, acknowledgement, and event materials.
• Collaborate with Donor Relations colleagues and other university partners to develop creative, unique gifts and packaging that support stewardship efforts.
• In coordination with the Director of Internal Communications, supervise development of internal communication materials for DAR staff.
• Supervise meeting collateral including presentations and takeaways, plus strategy slides and resources that bring DAR values and leadership principles to life.
• Create, promote, and monitor an innovative graphic design program by defining and achieving standards for engaging communications with a partnership and service-delivery focus.
• Create images, charts, and infographics that communicate key messages for use in digital presentations, print, and web.
• Present visual concepts and ideas clearly, effectively, and thoughtfully.
• Partner with DAR leadership, development and alumni engagement teams, and Advancement Information Services to visually communicate priorities and progress.
• Collaborate on development and implementation of communication strategies for campaign communications and evolving DAR initiatives.
• Ensure consistency across all platforms and compliance with Vanderbilt brand guidelines, design, and content standards.
• Stay current on changing regulations, procedures, innovations, trends, and emerging communications and design technologies; communicate business implications of new standards.
• Use available project management systems to build and maintain a workflow that leverages design team expertise and maximizes productivity while supporting team professional growth and satisfaction.
• Lead, mentor, and support a high-performing team.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) required.
• 8 years of relevant experience (or equivalent) required.
• Proven ability to use computer graphics effectively.
• Knowledge of technical printing and production scheduling.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Strong proofreading and editing skills with attention to detail preferred.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Discretion and good judgment required.
• Ability to perform and manage multiple projects regularly.
• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), Canva, and other design tools.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of AI tools available for visual design, such as ChatGPT image creation.
• Strong project management skills, including managing multiple creative projects in a fast-paced, complex environment and aligning resources to strategic goals.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating design versatility and polished execution.

Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Canva
• Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
• AI tools for visual design, including ChatGPT image creation

Supervisory Relationships

• Supervisory responsibility for 2-3 visual design positions.
• Reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Development Communications.

Work Environment

• Location: Nashville, TN area.
• Hybrid role with expectation of being in the office about one day per week or more based on business needs.

About the Work Unit

• Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) secures philanthropic and volunteer support to advance Vanderbilt University’s mission.
• DAR leads identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations aligned with Vanderbilt’s strategic priorities.
• DAR strengthens lifelong engagement among alumni, families, donors, and partners.
• More information: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/