Creative & Brand Lead Job Rochester area,Minnesota USA,Creative Arts/Media

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…