Brand and Design Lead

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, UT

26d•$80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The University’s 19 colleges and schools enroll over 53,000 students and rank among the top 10 public universities in the U.S. Texas Global is the university's global engagement arm and a recognized leader in international education, based on the success of the programs we deliver and the number of individuals we support. We serve more than 9,000 international students and scholars, as well as more than 4,600 students on education abroad programs annually. Texas Global advances UT Austin’s academic mission by leading, supporting, and coordinating the university’s international engagement efforts, fostering strategic partnerships on campus and abroad, welcoming a cadre of impressive international students and scholars to campus, and creating opportunities for students and faculty to engage with peers and institutions around the world. Texas Global is comprised of nine units, home to over 140 staff members, and continued growth of the organization is expected. Your skills will make a difference. You’ll be working for a university that is internationally recognized for our academic programs and research. Your work will make a difference in the lives of faculty and staff, thereby enhancing the student experience. If you’re the type of person that wants to know your work has meaning and impact, you’ll like working in our department and for UT Austin. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, the Brand and Design Lead sets the creative vision and leads the design production process for the graphics team. This role collaborates closely with various Marketing and Communications team members to achieve strategic goals that further the mission of Texas Global and The University of Texas at Austin. As the creative leader of the graphics team, the lead analyzes, plans, ideates, problem-solves, and directs the creation and production of all multimedia materials, including print, digital, and video.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in art, design, or communications field.
Seven years of progressive experience in graphic design, art direction, and/or creative team management.
The ideal candidate will be a strategic, organized leader with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing deadlines, work within budget constraints, and lead a multidisciplinary creative team.
Experience mentoring and supervising junior designers, student employees, or interns is essential, as is a strong background in accessible, user-centered design practices.
The position requires advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as well as strong skills in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and WordPress.
Candidates should have a working knowledge of basic HTML and a strong background in front-end web design, including creating responsive, compliant, and accessible web pages and interactive digital experiences, and the ability to incorporate photography, video, and animation into digital designs.
Advanced understanding of print design, simple animation, interaction design, current industry trends, and the ability to direct photo and video development and production processes.
The role demands excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills, a keen aesthetic sensibility, and the flexibility and problem-solving skills to adapt to evolving visual storytelling tools, print production processes, and new creative methods.
An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Ten or more years of experience in graphic design, art direction, and/or creative management.
Advanced knowledge of production methods for promotional items, as well as digital and offset printing processes.
Familiarity with project management and content tools such as Canva, Asana, and BrightSign software is preferred.
Project management certification or training.
Additional experience in photography and videography is a plus, as is prior international experience gained through studying, working, or living abroad.

Responsibilities

Creative Strategy & Direction Drive the creative direction and design execution of Texas Global’s visual communications, fostering a research-driven, audience-centered, problem-solving design process aligned with the University’s global mission and strategic goals. Partner with leadership, colleagues, and stakeholders to develop an annual plan for priority creative projects, including print, digital, promotional, video, and environmental design. Clarify project objectives, develop creative briefs, analyze potential design solutions, offer strategic recommendations on methods and media, and present concepts clearly. Research and assess emerging design trends, technologies, and higher education marketing strategies to guide decision-making, enhance storytelling, and continuously improve visual communications.
Design Project & Production Management Direct the complete creative production process, from concept to delivery, ensuring projects are completed on time, on brand, within budget, and aligned with strategic goals. Manage multiple, concurrent design projects, including print publications, marketing campaigns, event signage, environmental graphics, presentations, annual reports, microsites, email newsletters, photography and video production, and social media content. Utilizing Asana, organize project assignments, workflows, deadlines, and team performance, maintaining high creative standards while fostering accountability and adaptability. Oversee the procurement, licensing, and inventory management of marketing supplies, branded merchandise, photography, templates, and digital design resources. Manage collaborative relationships with internal and external vendors, photographers, videographers, and printers, ensuring high-quality, brand-aligned outcomes across platforms and formats. Communicate proactively and effectively during each stage of the design and production process, ensuring stakeholders are informed and that projects are on schedule.
Supervisory Responsibilities Supervise, mentor, and provide art direction to a multidisciplinary team of a full-time graphic designer, student workers, and contractors, cultivating a collaborative, innovative, and creative environment. Oversee processes to ensure quality deliverables and the strong performance and development of the team.
Brand Stewardship Champion the UT Austin and Texas Global brand as the lead advocate and innovator of the team’s visual identity, developing and maintaining brand guidelines, templates, and logos for Texas Global and its nine units. Provide strategic brand consultation, creative guidance, and best practice recommendations to Texas Global staff, campus partners, and external vendors, ensuring consistency and excellence across all media. Direct brand education initiatives, offering training, resources, and feedback to stakeholders across Texas Global. Advocate for accessible and user-centered design principles in all visual communications.

Benefits

UT Austin provides an outstanding benefits package including but not limited to:
Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds
Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
Tuition assistance
Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card