Assistant Director / Design and Visual Media
Central Michigan University
Position Information
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.
Required Qualifications
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.
Preferred Qualifications
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.
Duties & Responsibilities
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 university stakeholders to support marketing and communication initiatives.
Creates mockups and design concepts to support campaign planning and creative development.
Maintains and organizes creative assets, templates, and design files to ensure consistency and efficiency across campaigns.
Coordinates with external vendors on print production, materials, and specifications as needed.
Stays abreast of current and emerging design trends, tools, and best practices to continuously improve the quality and effectiveness of creative output.
Ensures all visual content reflects the appropriate tone, quality, and audience alignment.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervision Exercised
None.
Message to Applicants
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.
You must submit an on-line application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.
Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.
If there is a work sample you wish to include that is not required, please utilize the Work Sample upload field.
Employee Group Professional & Administrative -Salary
Staff Pay Level
Pay Range $55,000 - $65,000 per year
Division Academic Affairs
Department CMU Online
Position Status Regular
Position End Date
Employment Status Full-Time
FTE 1.00
Position Type 12 month
Weekly Work Schedule Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / weekends and evenings as needed
Location Mount Pleasant, MI
EEO Statement
CMU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and institution. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight.
If you wish to see “Know Your Rights ” posters, please click here.
CMU does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, including admission and employment, and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 not to discriminate in such a matter.
Inquiries about the application of Title IX can be made to CMU's Title IX Coordinator, the US Department of Education's Assistant Secretary, or both.
CMU's Title IX Coordinator can be reached at:
Phone: 989-774-3253
Office: 103 E. Preston St.
Bovee University Center, suite 306
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Email: [email protected]
Posting Ends
Open Until Filled Yes
To apply, visit https://www.jobs.cmich.edu/postings/45202
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