Assistant Director​/Design & Visual Media

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR / DESIGN & VISUAL MEDIAPlease see Special Instructions for more details.

Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU’s mission, vision, and leadership standards.

Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.

* This position is available in Mt. Pleasant, Troy, Grand Rapids, or Traverse City. The work location for this position is negotiable based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, business needs, and operational requirements. Flexible work arrangements, including remote, hybrid, or on-site work, may be considered where appropriate. The accompanying salary offer will be determined based on candidate’s work location.

Posting Number S-3930

Position Number 00370

Type of Recruitment External

Position Title ASSISTANT DIRECTOR / DESIGN & VISUAL MEDIA

Position Summary The assistant director of design and visual media for CMU Online is a design-focused role responsible for creating and delivering high-quality visual and multimedia assets that support integrated marketing efforts for online and adult learners. This position produces audience-centered creative across digital channels (web, social, email, and video) and print materials (brochures, flyers, and recruitment collateral), ensuring consistent, engaging design execution across all platforms.

In close collaboration with CMU Online’s director of marketing, this role leads the visual expression of the unit’s campaigns, maintaining brand cohesion and elevating the effectiveness of marketing initiatives through strong, strategic design.

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, digital media, or visual communication.
• One year of professional graphic or multimedia design experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with vendors and printers to produce branded materials.
• Demonstrated experience designing for multiple channels, including social media, digital advertising, websites, email, video, and print publications.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Strong conceptual design skills with a demonstrated ability to translate messaging into clear, visually compelling assets across formats.
• Demonstrated understanding of typography, color theory, layout, photography, and visual hierarchy.
• Demonstrated understanding of prepress processes and print production workflows.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain consistency across campaigns and assets.
• Working knowledge of accessibility standards ( WCAG 2.1 AA) and inclusive design practices.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams across the university.

• Two years of progressively advanced experience in a creative role.
• Demonstrated experience creating motion graphics, animations, reels, and short-form video content.
• Demonstrated experience working within established brand guidelines.
• Familiarity with project management tools.
• Demonstrated experience working in a higher education, non-profit, or mission-driven marketing environments.

• Designs and produces high-quality visual and multimedia assets for marketing campaigns across digital and print channels, including social media, web, email, video, and recruitment collateral.
• Translates marketing content and messaging into visually compelling creative assets in collaboration with CMU Online’s marketing team.
• Supports the execution of integrated marketing campaigns by delivering creative assets that align with campaign goals, timelines, and audience needs.
• Develops graphics, layouts, illustrations, animations, motion graphics, and other visual elements that enhance campaign performance and engagement.
• Collaborates closely with the University Marketing and Communications office to ensure alignment with institutional brand standards and quality expectations.
• Works cross-functionally with CMU Online teams and other…