Director of Brand Strategy

Salary

The salary range for this position is $ 72,200 -$96,400 .
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, training, and qualifications. MSU Denver offers excellent benefits that include medical, dental, retirement, tuition benefit, RTD pass, and more. For a brief overview of these options, please visit our Benefits section.

Pay Grade: 20

Department
Communications

The Director of Brand Strategy oversees cohesive and consistent branding efforts for all units within the University structure including: colleges/schools, departments, programs, and offices, ensuring alignment and consistency of brand messaging and visual presentation, as well as proper adherence to established brand guidelines. Additionally, the Director oversees materials created by external vendors to ensure deliverables align with MSU Denver’s overall brand image. The Director of Brand Strategy reports to the Associate Vice President of Marketing and Brand.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct all brand assets to ensure accurate and consistent implementation of MSU Denver brand.
• Work directly with external vendors, including art direction and budget management.
  Manage budgets and vendor bidding processes.
• Work with selected vendor(s) through duration of project(s) to ensure deliverables are accomplished in a timely manner and within budget.
• Serves as art director for the University’s alumni magazine, RED as well as other signature university communications assets which may include high level as well as branded templates, advertising and print publications.
• Supervises Design Specialist and freelance designers. Coaches and trains University Communications and Marketing team and campus partners on brand content, tone and visual style.
• Collaborates with Brand Manager for trademark and licensing initiatives.
• Collaborates with Marketing and Digital Strategy team for branded creative assets in print, out-of-home, digital advertisements and online/website applications to ensure brand standards.
• Review all marketing materials, particularly in transition stages, to ensure they are within brand.
• Providing critical feedback regarding brand consistency, accuracy of brand implementation and overall aesthetics.
• Work with University Communications and Marketing team to ensure that the brand is properly reflected in all University-level marketing and communication platforms, which may include advertising and continues to improve these programs.
• Work with University programs, departments and colleges/schools to provide brand assets and design or templates as needed to ensure that brand is properly reflected in all direct communication campaigns (in all publications) and on the website.
• Continue to manage and improve, evolve and perfect the existing university brand hierarchy, architecture, including updating MSU Denver’s Brand Standards guidelines, brand website (Brand Central) and brand assets for the University as needed.
• Conduct Brand Orientation Meetings for University Departments and design and participate in Brand Trainings for new employees and Marketing Cohorts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in fine arts with a major in communication design or related field.

• Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign.
• Seven to ten years professional experience in graphic design or art direction related to brand development, implementation and management with three years in a director level or higher position.
• Demonstrates knowledge and expertise in brand implementation and management, community relations and strategic partnership/outreach strategy development.
• Experience in leveraging resources with community partners to maximize University reputation and recognition.
• Strong communication, written and verbal and highly developed technical problem-solving and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and develop brand strategies to accomplish established goals.
• Project management skills including developing reports and assessments.
• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and stakeholders in a diverse community.
• Familiarity and comfort in a highly collaborative work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Experience in higher education.
• Proficient in Spanish – both verbal and written. Experience working in Higher Education
• Understanding of and an ability to adapt to a changing marketplace, ability to assess business potential and respond quickly to opportunities with focus on mission of MSU Denver.
• Ability to responsibly and creatively manage a budget.

Work Hours

Monday – Friday 8:00 – 5:00,
Hours may vary during peak periods.
This position may offer a Hybrid (on-campus and Virtual) work option.

Instructions to Apply

Complete applications received by 5/23/2023 at 11:59 PM MST will receive full consideration, but applications will be accepted after this date until the position is filled.

Please provide the following documents in your application:

1.Resume

2.Cover letter,

3.Portfolio of graphic design work

4. References (the names and contact information for three professional references)

All applications must be submitted through the university's online application system, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers/.

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting RepresentativeSophia J Montano

Posting Representative Emailsmontan7@msudenver.edu

Benefits

MSU Denver is pleased to offer our current and potential employees a wide array of benefit options. To learn more, please visit the following link:

Employee Benefits Offerings

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 50% first generation students and over 45% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.