Job Description

Sidwell Friends School seeks a dynamic, creative, and visionary leader to serve as the Creative Director in the Office of Communications. The successful candidate will take the initiative to produce print and digital designs that consistently communicate the integrity and spirit of Sidwell Friends. This role requires a strategic thinker, problem solver, and strong visual storyteller who will oversee all creative projects from concept to execution, ensuring consistency and excellence in Sidwell Friends’ brand identity.

The ideal candidate will be a consummate professional who manages relationships with care and thinks strategically to produce the best possible pieces to enhance the reputation of the School. The candidate must be conscientious about deadlines, time, and resources. Experience across digital and print platforms, a keen eye for clean and effective design, a strong understanding of design trends, and exceptional organizational and time-management skills are essential.

The Creative Director will collaborate with all divisions and departments and report to the Chief Communications Officer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain the school’s visual identity and style guide, ensuring consistency across all communications.
• Train and support other offices in applying visual guidelines across print and digital platforms.
• Oversee the production process for all print materials, including brochures, direct mail pieces, invitations, signage, and the School magazine, ensuring high-quality execution.
• Work closely with print vendors to select paper, inks, finishes, and production techniques that align with the School’s brand and budget.
• Manage timelines and approval processes for all print projects, ensuring on-time delivery.
• Coordinate direct mail campaigns, working with internal stakeholders to develop content, oversee design, and ensure accurate mailing list management.
• Partner with the School’s magazine editor to produce three 80-page issues per year.
• Work with the digital team to produce graphics and design treatments for the School’s website, which is currently undergoing a redesign.
• Coordinate photography, manage relationships with outside vendors, and maintain the shared photography and digital assets library
• Provide occasional photography support as needed.
• Assign and supervise freelance designers when necessary.
• Ensure high-quality creative output by following industry best practices and internal standards.
• Collaborate with various departments to estimate, create, manage, and track deadlines for new and existing projects.
• Develop creative concepts that align with Sidwell’s business objectives and strategic plan, differentiating the School within the independent school landscape.
• Manage expenses and implement cost-saving measures for creative projects.
• Continuously improve processes through research, evaluation, and redesign.
• Stay informed of industry trends by participating in professional development opportunities and engaging with relevant professional organizations.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree or MFA in graphic design, art, communications, or a related field
• At least eight years of relevant professional experience
• Strong leadership and deadline-driven project management skills
• High level of creativity and vision with a commitment to excellence
• Expertise in graphic design and visual storytelling
• Expertise in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Bridge, Photoshop, and other creative professional software
• Experience in other software such as Canva and Figman are a plus
• Ability to implement and enforce creative standards
• Excellent coordination and communication skills
• A design style that matches the Sidwell Friends sensibility
• An appreciation for working for a mission-driven school rooted in Quaker values
• Experience working in education is a plus

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the creative direction of Sidwell Friends School and make a lasting impact on its communications strategy. If you are passionate about design, branding, and storytelling in an educational setting, we encourage you to apply.

Salary

• Salary Range $100,000-$110,000. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

To Apply

To be considered, qualified candidates must upload a cover letter, resume, and three references through our online application system (ClearCo). To learn more about our school, please visit https://www.sidwell.edu.

Diversity Statement

Sidwell Friends School affirms the centrality of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of academic and campus life. Honoring a multiplicity of voices, we celebrate shared joys and address tensions productively. Together, we are guided by Quaker testimonies and seek to answer the question, “How do we nurture a sense of belonging in our community and demonstrate our commitment to a just world

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