Director of Creative–Art

Brand Department

United Way of Central Indiana works to bring the resources of philanthropy, government, corporations, the social sector, and neighborhoods together to confront generational poverty head on and ensure a better future for our neighbors in need. This is an ambitious time to join United Way as we embark on a five-year strategic plan to reduce the number of households experiencing poverty and financial instability. To make a significant impact in our region, United Way is looking for dedicated, confident, and compassionate team members who live our shared values of inclusivity, courage, accountability, respect, and excellence.

Position Summary

The Director of Creative–Art will report to the Chief Brand Officer and manage the strategic development and execution of content that enables successful United Way marketing and communications plans and strategies. The role is a key leadership role within the Brand Division’s Leadership Team, responsible for leading, managing and developing the Creative team. In collaboration with Brand Marketing and Communications teams, this role leads the authoring of content and then the execution across all relevant media, for target audiences and activation channels. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of non-profit operations and is a strategic thinker and creative problem solver. This role leads our storytelling efforts internally and externally with contemporary A/V techniques, strong graphic design, strong development of online solutions/functionality, and innovative next-generation solutions such as GenAI. This role will also be responsible for enabling the content management strategy and solutions.

Position Duties & Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Lead and develop the Creative Team to ensure talent is relevant and capable with contemporary skills and the right competencies to deliver on UWCI and its Divisions’ goals.
Collaborate cross-functionally and organizationally to form the yearly Creative Plan and budget in line with the overarching Brand Marketing & Communications Plan.
Lead the Creative team with the build of content to maximize brand recognition and inspire target audiences in our 7-county region to engage and act.
Collaborate with Brand Creative and Marketing to continuously improve channel utilization and optimization in the delivery of messaging and content to audiences.
Enable and lead the Creative team to strengthen the use of Analytics in our Comms efforts – to inform plans, strategies and tactics; and to measure performance and glean insights that help optimize Comms efforts.
Communicate consistently and effectively with senior leadership teams to inform and manage expectations – strengthen the reputation of Brand with senior leaders.
Lead the Creative team to innovate with the use of GenAI and other emerging technologies/platforms to enable contemporary techniques, content creation, and content delivery.
Operationalize the Creative Team by owning the development and implementation of current tools, processes and practices that lead to ease of use and efficiencies for users. Support the Brand Team with the democratization of content creation and delivery.
Collaborate cross-functionally and organizationally to deliver content that supports Marketing and Communications Plans, on budget and time, and in line with the overarching Brand Marketing & Communications Plan.

Skills & Competencies

A Director of Creative role requires a blend of innovative-creative flair and content authoring, design-development and production prowess. Here are the core skills: By possessing a strong foundation in the following skills and competencies, this role can deliver relevant and compelling content that enhances brand reputation and contributes to overall business growth.

Creative Planning:
Collaborate with Brand Team Leads – Lead in the creation and execution of content required for their Marketing and Communication strategies.
Data/Research Driven: Using market research or other available data to understand audience needs and trends in order to deliver the right content.
Brand Management: Lead the maintenance of a strong brand identity, ensuring consistency across all content. Supporting the Brand Leader in implementing adoption and governance of United Way Worldwide (UWW)-UWCI Brand Standard Guidelines and Corporate Identity Standards – Be a Brand Ambassador for the brand.
Innovation: Leading the continuous improvement of content authoring techniques and use of technology such as AI.
Graphic Design & Digital Expertise:
Graphic Design: Deliver high-level graphic design with our brand standards, enabling a strong visual expression of our brand.
Digital Marketing: Lead content authoring based on experience with various digital marketing techniques, platforms and channels. Lead in the brand enhancement of channels and applications for strong UX-UI.
Analytics: Leverage using analytics as evidence in storytelling – helping with data-visualization (design and storytelling)
CRM: Enable delivery and use of content by our targeted audiences – to support continuous optimization of content quality.
Creative and Communication Skills:
Creative Thinking: Lead development of innovative and creative content that is compelling and relevant – and which leads to engagement and conversions.
Authoring, Design, Develop, Produce and implement Marketing and Communications content that is compelling and relevant – right audience, right channel, right measures. This includes all types of media and formats for use in online-offline channels, and leveraging the latest technologies, such as AI and more. Also includes “development” of immersive Applications and engagement mechanisms to be used online.
Presentation Skills: Making effective plan and development presentations to diverse audiences, including board members, donors, and staff.
Leadership and Team Management:
Team Leadership: Leading and mentoring a team of Creative professionals.
Collaboration: Lead the Creative team to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including program staff, finance, and development.
Budget Management: Overseeing the Creative budget and allocating resources efficiently.

Education And Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Graphic Design, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
8+ years of experience with content strategies and Marketing and Communications content at a design firm, external/in-house agency or PR firm
Strong experience in managing and developing a Creative team
Strong experience with authoring highly relevant and compelling content for use with diverse audiences (professional and consumer), in all forms of media.
Strong storytelling abilities with a keen eye for visual composition and detail.
Excellent Graphic/Design and online solutions/Apps development expertise in the creation of on-brand content using the Adobe CC platform, AI, and other technology platforms/solutions.
Strong understanding of UX-UI for design, development and execution of online solutions, such as Web, Mobile, Social, etc. Includes experience with authoring content for user journeys in the delivery of personalized content.
Strong understanding and experience with AI tools and technologies that enable and support A/V production and use in generating content – enable democratization of content creation and delivery.
Strong knowledge and experience of content management. Includes the use of technologies to store, identify, manage, and govern content effectively.

Position Leader: Chief Brand Officer

Position Leads: Content Senior Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-Time

Salary Range: Low $80k to low $90k

Benefits: Complete Benefits Package Available

Reviewed: March 2025

Equal Opportunity Employer

Please apply at uwci.org/careers

This position description does not constitute a contract of employment or a guarantee of any terms or conditions of employment. UWCI employees are employed on an at-will basis. In addition, nothing in this position description restricts UWCI’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Director of Creative Art

Job Type