Creative Director

The Opportunity

As MacDowell embarks on our next chapter of growth and engagement, we’re looking to hire a Creative Director (CD). This newly created position will play a crucial role in connecting MacDowell with artists, external stakeholders, and the public through the development and strategic placement of engaging narrative content. The CD will ensure that MacDowell maintains a compelling and cohesive visual identity, develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan, and oversee the production of graphic and design elements for all print, digital, and marketing materials.

The CD will join the organization at a time of evolution and intentional change, and will partner closely with the Executive Director (ED) and Director of Development & Communications (DDC) to oversee MacDowell’s visual identity and to enhance our national and international reputations through new approaches to published media. A successful CD will be an effective collaborator who can work with leadership and cross-departmentally to ensure high production value for editorial content, digital media, and external events. The ideal candidate will possess outstanding creative and organizational skills, feel at ease working in a deadline-driven environment, demonstrate the ability to oversee multiple projects and deliverables, and be excited to envision the future of this new position.

The CD reports to the DDC and could be based in either New York City or Peterborough, NH, with some remote work flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

COMMUNICATIONS

• Working closely with the ED and DDC, defines MacDowell’s visual identity and maintains an aesthetic/branding standard of excellence throughout the organization.
• Creates campaign concepts and oversees digital content creation for website, email communications, social media, print/digital advertising, presentation slides, event invitations and related marketing collateral.
• Supports the DDC in managing an annual marketing and PR strategy, editorial calendar, and communication plan to support long-range strategic goals.
• Oversees the design and production of print and electronic communications, including the bi-annual newsletter, monthly e-newsletter, annual report, and regular announcements.
• Manages each phase of the internal and external approval process of all creative projects.
• Collaborates with Communications team members to establish reasonable schedules to meet due dates, identify project priorities, and manage workflows.
• Manages MacDowell’s website, including projects related to increased digital accessibility and SEO optimization.
• Maintains the MacDowell stylebook with an eye toward evolutions in inclusive language and accessible design.
• Working within budget, hires and manages MacDowell’s roster of external vendors (photographers, videographers, graphic designers, AV services, and printers) to ensure that their work aligns with strategic goals and meets standards for creative content and production.
• Manages budgets related to marketing/communication materials, external contracts, and software/technology to support creative assets.

ORGANIZATIONAL

• Works with Department Heads to support creative campaign goals related to Development and Admissions outreach.
• Works with Events and Public Programming to design the look and feel of MacDowell events.
• Creates and advises on external communications and presentation materials for staff and board leadership, as requested.
• Attends staff and Board committee meetings as requested.

Qualifications and Skills

Required:

• 5+ years proven experience in a creative leadership role, preferably within the non-profit or arts sectors
• Exceptional interpersonal ability, including demonstrated journalistic or marketing experience with written, verbal, and visual storytelling skills
• Keen aesthetic eye with a portfolio that showcases a range of marketing campaigns, branding, and digital media projects
• Demonstrated success in managing editorial calendars and creative projects from concept through execution
• Experience working with and leading teams of designers, content producers, writers, and other communications staff members
• Expertise with different types of content creation software and communications platforms; interest in pursuing new technologies and media outlets
• Proficiency in data analytics and using data to drive strategic decision making
• Extensive knowledge of the national arts media landscape
• Strong alignment with MacDowell’s mission to serve artists

Strongly preferred:

• Prior experience managing a comprehensive visual identity audit and upgrade
• Prior experience working with and managing distributed teams
• Proven ability to center diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in communications strategies and storytelling
• Familiarity with and passion for the artistic disciplines represented at MacDowell

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand at a computer workstation for up to 40 hours/week
• Ability to maintain physical records and files by bending, reaching, and occasionally lifting up to 10 pounds
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders by email, phone, virtually and in person
• Regular travel between New Hampshire and New York is required
• Valid driver’s license
• Some travel, evening, and weekend work required