Associate Director of Design & Creative Strategy

Associate Director of Design & Creative Strategy

The Associate Director of Design & Creative Strategy will oversee and drive the creative vision, strategy, and execution of multimedia content across EDGE, managing a team of video producers, multimedia specialists, and content creators. This role combines high-level creative direction with team leadership, strategic planning, and collaborative innovation to deliver outstanding educational and marketing media content that aligns with EDGE's mission and goals.

The Associate Director will serve as the media design lead, responsible for shaping EDGE's digital media strategy, contributing to discovery and ideation processes, prototyping new approaches to media and learner messaging, and ensuring creative outputs align with institutional priorities and partner expectations. Working in close collaboration with the Senior Director of Learning and Digital Strategy, Enrollment Management, and our marketing vendor partners, this position provides creative leadership and operational oversight for multimedia production, product storytelling, and emerging media innovation.

The Associate Director will champion innovation in multimedia design, guide the implementation of emerging technologies (e.g., AR/VR, motion graphics, interactive video), and contribute to a culture of experimentation and excellence in content creation. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong expertise in video production and developing educational media content, exceptional cross-functional leadership skills, and the ability to balance multimedia and design team management with big-picture strategic planning.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of video production theory, techniques, and equipment, especially educational and marketing media.
• Strong portfolio showcasing skills in digital content development, including graphics, video, animations, and interactive media.
• Advanced level of proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite with an emphasis on Premiere Pro, After Effects, Media Encoder, and Audition.
• Proficiency with Photoshop and Illustrator or other design applications is a plus.
• Experience writing, editing, and optimizing content for diverse audiences and platforms (web, email, social media, print).
• Ability to translate complex educational topics into accessible, engaging visuals and narratives.
• Skilled in creative direction, storytelling, and multimedia production across a variety of formats.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, project management, and client relationship skills.
• Experience mentoring and leading creative teams; ability to coach and develop staff and on-camera talent. Strong management skills.
• Confident presenting ideas and creative work to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Ability to take initiative, manage multiple projects independently, and maintain high standards of quality and efficiency.
• Experienced in scriptwriting, storyboarding, visual storytelling, and supporting inclusive, brand-aligned content development.
• Expertise in color correction, audio mixing, and advanced editing techniques.
• Strong understanding of studio setup, lighting design, camera work, and on-location production.
• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, graphic design, multimedia, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• 6 to 8 years of experience of professional experience in content creation, digital marketing, or creative direction—preferably in higher education or online learning environments.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities:

1) Team Management Manage Video Production team, graphic designers, and Production Specialists in delivering the highest quality, innovative multimedia products and supporting their individual growth.

• Works closely with learning design, business intelligence, and program management teams to ensure seamless integration of creative production with strategic objectives.
• Manages and works closely with the Senior Multimedia Specialist to ensure consistent policy and design procedures are followed by the graphic design and animation team.
• Contributes to positive team culture. Acts as effective liaison with other teams within EDGE to produce exemplary results.
• Takes…