Creative Services Specialist

smartdept. is searching for a Creative Services Specialist for a higher education client located in Irvine, CA. The ideal candidate will come with 2–4 years of experience. This is a full-time, onsite opportunity. Compensation for this position is expected to be $70,000-$75,000 per year.

The Creative Services Specialist supports the Marketing Department by producing compelling creative assets across digital, social, print, and video channels. This role partners closely with the Director of Creative Services and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, brand-aligned materials that support marketing campaigns and student engagement initiatives. This role is designed for someone motivated, resourceful, and able to take initiative, with long-term growth potential into a management role.

• Develop and refine layouts and concepts for marketing materials, including flyers, social graphics, digital ads, email templates, websites, presentations, and video content
• Prepare final production files for print and digital distribution
• Assist with photo and video shoots, including planning, capturing content, and post-production editing
• Produce static and video social assets (short-form and long-form)
• Manage multiple creative projects simultaneously, ensuring on-time delivery
• Coordinate workflows with internal teams and external freelancers
• Maintain organized project files and manage the Digital Asset Management (DAM) system, including audits and reporting
• Oversee freelance designers and creative contractors to ensure brand consistency and quality
• Ensure all creative materials align with brand guidelines, messaging, and compliance standards
• Contribute to content strategy and assist with marketing copywriting and storytelling initiatives
• Partner cross-functionally to support web, paid media, social, and campus marketing efforts
• Support creative materials through compliance and legal review processes

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in graphic design, interactive media, graphic communications, or related field
• 2–4 years of experience in graphic design and/or creative project management
• A relevant portfolio showcasing a variety of media is required

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Express, Firefly)
• Experience with Figma
• Experience with photo and video editing software (Final Cut Pro X, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere, Lightroom)
• Knowledge of print production and ability to set up print-ready files
• Experience using Asana or similar project management tools
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with shifting deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills