Job Description: Visual Designer
Reports to: Director of Communications
Department: Communications
Classification: Exempt, 12-month
Position Summary
The Visual Designer (VD) is responsible for developing integrated, innovative design solutions that align with the school's strategic communications goals and objectives, effectively promoting the Winsor brand to diverse audiences across a variety of print and digital media. The VD supports a team of in-house stakeholders through a high volume of creative projects with shifting priorities. Key to success in this role will be the ability to develop and foster internal and external relationships in support of delivering accurate, creative, and timely projects that adhere to brand guidelines and are reflective of a high-caliber design aesthetic. Client-focused and customer-service oriented, they will be highly skilled at presenting, sharing, and explaining design directions and their rationale in a thoughtful and compelling manner, demonstrating an outstanding sense of design and a positive attitude in their interactions. In accordance with our Core Principles, they will have a strong commitment to supporting and promoting a diverse and inclusive environment across the institution.
Reporting directly to the Director of Communications (DC), the VD will work closely with the DC, members of the Communications team, senior leadership, faculty, and other key stakeholders to advance institutional goals, with special attention to advancement, enrollment, and faculty and staff recruitment
Essential Functions
Strategy and Execution of Integrative Design
In collaboration with the Director of Communications, the Visual Designer develops and implements innovative design strategies to advance Winsor’s goals to enroll the most qualified students, engage donors and alums, and attract talented faculty and staff
Collaborates with members of the Communications team and key campus partners to translate objectives into creative strategies to deliver materials that successfully align with and support stakeholder needs and the Winsor brand
Develops concepts and manages the creative process through production and delivery for projects of varying complexity and timelines—from discrete jobs for internal audiences to multi-channel external campaigns
Supports production of the Winsor Bulletin, Winsor’s biannual print and digital magazine that aims to engage our alum population as well as current and prospective students, parents, and donors by generating a sense of pride and connection to the Winsor community
Designs prototypes for email templates and other digital deliverables, as well as mockups for a variety of print packages—from invites and programs booklets to advancement appeals
Brand Management
Executes the long-term and day-to-day visual identity for Winsor via expertise in design, publishing, layout, typography, photography, video, and illustration
Works with stakeholders across campus to foster understanding of Winsor’s identity
standards and ensure that projects adhere to brand guidelines and are reflective of our high-caliber design aesthetic
Presents creative with enthusiasm to stakeholders—articulates rationale, builds consensus, and manages challenges throughout the creative process
General Communications Responsibilities
Enhances the operational efficiency of Winsor's communications program by working with the DC to develop, implement, and ensure that all systems and processes—from internal design and photography requests to multi-channel external campaign design—result in deliverables that accurately reflect the Winsor brand
Oversees internal and external creative resource availability, timelines, and prioritization using shared team systems for tracking and project coordination
Remains in tune with innovative trends in integrated and design thinking to move projects forward
Requirements and Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or higher in graphic design, or equivalent experience
Minimum of 4 years of creative experience with increasing responsibility over time
Demonstrated experience leading strategic and creative outcomes
Strong knowledge of brand development and the creative process, and experience supporting and/or managing multidimensional brands
Stellar communication, problem-solving, and project-management skills
Highly organized and adept at managing workflow and file management systems
Software expertise in design and creative applications—Adobe Creative Suite; and in PowerPoint, Word, Excel, project management tools; animation, and motion graphics
Understanding of HTML, CSS, and content management systems
Experience managing and interfacing with other creative agencies and web/print vendors to bring large-scale projects to completion
Strong, varied portfolio of creative campaigns showcasing high-quality, cohesive design strategy and execution across various platforms
Demonstrated understanding of the entire creative design process, including methodology, roles and responsibilities, client relationship management, project management, and pricing and contracting models.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Frequent talking, listening, walking, sitting and standing
Ability to perform multiple concurrent tasks and function in a fast-paced working environment
The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
Benefits included as of start date: medical, dental, vision and 403 b retirement plan. Pay range is $80,000- $100,000 per year.
The Winsor School is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic testing, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis protected.