Associate Design Director

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University • Prescott, AZ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Design Director plays a key role in advancing the university’s visual communications by supporting the development and execution of high-quality creative work that aligns with institutional marketing and branding strategies. This full-time, on-site administrative and professional staff position reports to the Director of Creative and Brand Strategy and works closely with the Creative Director, within the university's Marketing department, to help guide the design direction and production of marketing materials across the university. The Associate Design Director combines strong design expertise with leadership and operational insight. This role helps ensure that the creative vision established by the Creative Director is effectively executed across a wide range of print and digital communications. The position frequently serves as lead designer on complex or high-visibility projects and contributes hands-on design work while helping maintain the overall quality, consistency, and effectiveness of the university’s visual communications. As a supervisor within the creative team, the Associate Design Director provides day-to-day leadership for design staff, including mentoring team members, reviewing work, and supporting professional development. The role helps foster a collaborative, creative environment while ensuring projects move forward efficiently and meet established deadlines, brand standards, and quality expectations. The Associate Design Director also contributes to the ongoing refinement of creative team processes, procedures, and workflows in partnership with the Director of Creative and Brand Strategy and the Creative Director. This includes supporting efficient production practices and strengthening collaboration between the creative team and campus partners to ensure the successful delivery of high-impact marketing communications. Please note that the position is based in Prescott, AZ and will be in-person

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Graphic Design, Communication, and Arts
• 5–10 years of professional experience in creative, marketing, or design roles.
• Ability to work in a complex university environment that is fast-paced, deadline-driven and collaborative.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategic communication goals into effective visual design solutions.
• Ability to execute and reinforce established creative direction while maintaining a high level of design quality and consistency.
• Ability to supervise, mentor, and provide constructive feedback to design staff while fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, accurate work.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships across the university community.

Responsibilities

• Execute and reinforce creative direction established by the Creative Director across a wide range of projects and campaigns.
• Serve as a lead designer on complex projects, guiding work from concept through final production.
• Ensure that all creative deliverables align with established design direction, brand standards, and project objectives.
• Supervise and mentor members of the design team, providing guidance, feedback, and support for professional development.
• Foster a collaborative, creative, and supportive team environment.
• Work with the Creative Director and campus partners to translate communication objectives into effective visual strategies.
• Participate in creative planning and the development of design approaches that support university priorities.
• Ensure consistent application of brand guidelines across all creative deliverables.
• Contribute to the development of templates, design systems, and visual resources.
• Assist the Director of Creative and Brand Strategy in refining creative team processes, procedures, and workflow standards.
• Support improvements to collaboration practices and production efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to streamline design production and strengthen internal creative operations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Wellness programs that include preventive care and fitness memberships
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree
• Discounted tuition rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26
• ERAU contributes an annual 6% gift of your base salary to your retirement plan
• ERAU offers a 4% matching contribution to your retirement plan, with no vesting period
• 18 days of personal leave in your first year
• 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager