Creative Director

Stanford University
Stanford, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 1/31/2023 CLOSED ON 2/10/2023

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Creative Director position at Stanford University?

Stanford’s Office of Development is seeking a uniquely talented and ambitious individual to join our team as Creative Director. Through hands-on work and direction of internal resources and outside agency partners, the Creative Director will lead visual storytelling and creative strategy for Stanford’s comprehensive campaign brand platform.


As the trusted creative advisor for senior leaders and partners across the university, the Creative Director will deliver solutions that inspire audiences through bold, dynamic and original brand executions.


Job Purpose:

Develop and execute work in the field of visual communication. Lead broad design projects across mediums, demonstrating skills and understanding of contemporary visual communication. Manage design team workload, collaborate with key clients, and evaluate staff performance.


Core Duties:

  • Complete design assignments and influence organizational design direction with individual execution
  • Manage workflow for design team and set team priorities; negotiate deadlines and budgets with key clients.
  • Supervise and review all new design work produced by staff designers before release to clients; ensure adherence to branding and style guidelines.
  • Effectively present project layouts to clients/colleagues and communicate design rationale and process.
  • Serve as a strategic partner for clients and colleagues. Play an active role in planning and advising clients to produce highly creative work within the time and cost constraints of client.
  • Manage complex, highly creative projects involving abstract or technical content requiring extensive subject matter/client knowledge.
  • Determine overall themes for multi-faceted projects as well as individual design concepts.
  • Oversee production process; develop and write printing and/or other production specification, and select appropriate production media and materials.
  • Perform complex design using job-required software applications and in-depth knowledge of principles and practices of graphic design.
  • Collaborate with key contacts outside own area of expertise. Manage and develop vendor relationships.
  • Provide direction for team in terms of new skills and expertise individual designers need to develop, as well as overall direction for the design program. Oversee recruitment, selection, training, and performance evaluation of staff.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to promoting and supporting an environment of diversity and inclusion.
  • Maintain knowledge of industry standards, trends and state-of-the-art technology to provide and enhance services.

Minimum Education and Experience Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in related field and five years of relevant work and management experience, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work and management experience.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

  • Demonstrated experience leading and developing design staff and managing a design program.
  • Ability to critically evaluate the work performance of design team staff and provide regular, constructive performance feedback.
  • Ability to supervise and critically review all new design work produced by staff designers.
  • Ability to serve as a strategic partner for clients and colleagues.
  • Ability to articulate a vision for the design team to clients/colleagues and communicate design rationale and process.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex, highly creative projects or content requiring extensive subject matter/client knowledge.
  • Ability to present portfolio that reflects extensive creative work and project leadership.
  • Advanced knowledge of job-required software applications.
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to effectively resolve complex problems.
  • Ability to manage changing priorities, deadlines, and customer needs.
  • In-depth understanding and knowledge of industry standards, trends, and technical knowledge.
  • Job Series Matrix
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  • Ability to communicate detailed project specifications, parameters, and client requirements.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan and oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to perform detailed work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work effectively with others as part of a team.

This role is open to candidates anywhere in the United States. Stanford University has five Regional Pay Structures. The compensation for this position will be based on the location of the successful candidate. The expected pay range for this position is $88,000 to $138,000 per annum/hour.


Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.


Physical Requirements:

  • Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
  • Frequently stand/walk, sit, and use a telephone.
  • Occasionally grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, sort/file paperwork, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to ten pounds.
  • Visual acuity required.

Work Standards:

  • Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
  • Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
  • Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu/.

WHY STANFORD IS FOR YOU:

The Office of Development (OOD) advances Stanford’s mission by raising philanthropic support from alumni, parents, families, friends, and institutional funders. Working in concert with volunteers and academic leaders, OOD staff members strive to accelerate Stanford’s purposeful impact in the world. Stanford is committed to a donor-centric approach to development. Every member of the Office of Development staff plays a role in providing the university’s donors with the service and attention that ensures an exceptionally positive and fulfilling philanthropic experience.


Stanford University is one of the world’s premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world. In turn, the university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives. We believe Stanford’s future success will be shaped by the diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture of its community.


Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

  • Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
  • A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
  • A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
  • Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
  • Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.


Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary : $88,000 - $138,000

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