Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Creative Manager
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect, and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do. The Creative Manager plays a key role in maintaining and evolving the organization's brand identity and visual storytelling across platforms. The role includes a blend of hands-on creative execution and team leadership, including people management and creative direction. This position leads a small team of designers and a copywriter, while also overseeing freelance support to ensure high-quality, on-brand creative deliverables for marketing, internal communications, philanthropy, and guest engagement efforts. Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you're excited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you! Essential Duties and Responsibilities Creative Development & Execution Design and produce impactful creative assets across digital, print, environmental, and social platforms in alignment with DZCA's brand and campaign goals. Actively shape creative work through brainstorming, ideation, and occasional hands-on copywriting or storytelling support. Manage creative production across a wide range of collateral types, including signage, publications, branded merchandise, and campaign deliverables. Champion accessibility, inclusion, and representation through thoughtful design and storytelling choices. Maintain and evolve the DZCA visual identity in partnership with the Communications team members, while contributing to documentation of brand standards and creative process improvements. Team Leadership & Direction Provide leadership, feedback, and creative direction to a team of graphic designers and a copywriter. Support team professional development, foster collaboration with Communications team members and cross-functional partners, and ensure delivery of high-quality, high-impact creative work. Step in flexibly to support the team during periods of high volume, tight deadlines, or staff absences. Creative Resourcing & Vendor Management Manage and collaborate with freelance creative talent, including designers, illustrators, photographers, and copywriters, to ensure alignment with brand standards and project expectations, and extend team capacity and expertise as needed. Cross-Team Collaboration & Strategic Initiatives Collaborate with Marketing, PR, Internal Communications, and cross-functional partner teams to ensure cohesive and strategic creative output. Assist the Senior Director of Communications and broader leadership team with large-scale campaigns, special projects, and executive initiatives. Project & Workflow Management Track project timelines, manage feedback and revision cycles, and balance workload across the team to support efficient and effective creative operations. Other Duties and Responsibilities Other assistance, as designated by Communications leadership, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time. Leads a creative team of two graphic designers, a copywriter, and a network of freelance partners. Provides day-to-day supervision, coaching, and performance feedback while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment. Partners with leadership to manage freelance and production-related expenses. Acts as a good steward of DZCA's resources. The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. Collaborates with internal teams across all departments, including senior leaders, and external partners such as vendors and freelancers. Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications 4-year degree in Graphic Design, Art Direction, Marketing, Communications, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Minimum 57 years of professional experience in graphic design, art direction, or related roles, including at least 2 years managing creative professionals At least 2 years of direct people management experience, including mentoring and supervising creative professionals Demonstrated experience producing design work across digital, print, social, environmental, and campaign platforms Experience managing brand consistency and translating strategic goals into effective creative outputs Prior experience collaborating with cross-functional teams such as marketing, communications, philanthropy, guest experience, or executive leadership Experience working within brand guidelines while evolving visual storytelling Experience in a mission-driven, nonprofit, or public-serving organization preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, etc.); proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration/project management platforms (e.g., Basecamp) Strong visual storytelling, layout, typography, and brand application skills Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a creative team through feedback, coaching, and collaboration Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment Comfortable providing and receiving constructive feedback, including from non-design stakeholders Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills Familiarity with nonprofit marketing and communications best practices Spanish fluency or professional bilingual experience is a plus but not required Position Conditions Ability to pass a background check, pre-employment drug and alcohol screen. Schedule Availability: Monday - Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. Work Location: Primarily on-site at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, with limited flexibility for remote work as approved by supervisor. Compensation The range for this position is $6,192 - $ 7,740 (monthly). A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits Join our One Zoo Team and enjoy a full spectrum of competitive benefits, including: Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays A Family Plus Denver Zoo Membership Concession and retail discounts Application Process and Timelines Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by August 20th, 2025. Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position before this date. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect, and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do. The Creative Manager plays a key role in maintaining and evolving the organization's brand identity and visual storytelling across platforms. The role includes a blend of hands-on creative execution and team leadership, including people management and creative direction. This position leads a small team of designers and a copywriter, while also overseeing freelance support to ensure high-quality, on-brand creative deliverables for marketing, internal communications, philanthropy, and guest engagement efforts. Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you're excited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you! Essential Duties and Responsibilities Creative Development & Execution Design and produce impactful creative assets across digital, print, environmental, and social platforms in alignment with DZCA's brand and campaign goals. Actively shape creative work through brainstorming, ideation, and occasional hands-on copywriting or storytelling support. Manage creative production across a wide range of collateral types, including signage, publications, branded merchandise, and campaign deliverables. Champion accessibility, inclusion, and representation through thoughtful design and storytelling choices. Maintain and evolve the DZCA visual identity in partnership with the Communications team members, while contributing to documentation of brand standards and creative process improvements. Team Leadership & Direction Provide leadership, feedback, and creative direction to a team of graphic designers and a copywriter. Support team professional development, foster collaboration with Communications team members and cross-functional partners, and ensure delivery of high-quality, high-impact creative work. Step in flexibly to support the team during periods of high volume, tight deadlines, or staff absences. Creative Resourcing & Vendor Management Manage and collaborate with freelance creative talent, including designers, illustrators, photographers, and copywriters, to ensure alignment with brand standards and project expectations, and extend team capacity and expertise as needed. Cross-Team Collaboration & Strategic Initiatives Collaborate with Marketing, PR, Internal Communications, and cross-functional partner teams to ensure cohesive and strategic creative output. Assist the Senior Director of Communications and broader leadership team with large-scale campaigns, special projects, and executive initiatives. Project & Workflow Management Track project timelines, manage feedback and revision cycles, and balance workload across the team to support efficient and effective creative operations. Other Duties and Responsibilities Other assistance, as designated by Communications leadership, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time. Leads a creative team of two graphic designers, a copywriter, and a network of freelance partners. Provides day-to-day supervision, coaching, and performance feedback while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment. Partners with leadership to manage freelance and production-related expenses. Acts as a good steward of DZCA's resources. The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. Collaborates with internal teams across all departments, including senior leaders, and external partners such as vendors and freelancers. Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications 4-year degree in Graphic Design, Art Direction, Marketing, Communications, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Minimum 57 years of professional experience in graphic design, art direction, or related roles, including at least 2 years managing creative professionals At least 2 years of direct people management experience, including mentoring and supervising creative professionals Demonstrated experience producing design work across digital, print, social, environmental, and campaign platforms Experience managing brand consistency and translating strategic goals into effective creative outputs Prior experience collaborating with cross-functional teams such as marketing, communications, philanthropy, guest experience, or executive leadership Experience working within brand guidelines while evolving visual storytelling Experience in a mission-driven, nonprofit, or public-serving organization preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, etc.); proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration/project management platforms (e.g., Basecamp) Strong visual storytelling, layout, typography, and brand application skills Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a creative team through feedback, coaching, and collaboration Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment Comfortable providing and receiving constructive feedback, including from non-design stakeholders Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills Familiarity with nonprofit marketing and communications best practices Spanish fluency or professional bilingual experience is a plus but not required Position Conditions Ability to pass a background check, pre-employment drug and alcohol screen. Schedule Availability: Monday - Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. Work Location: Primarily on-site at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, with limited flexibility for remote work as approved by supervisor. Compensation The range for this position is $6,192 - $ 7,740 (monthly). A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits Join our One Zoo Team and enjoy a full spectrum of competitive benefits, including: Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays A Family Plus Denver Zoo Membership Concession and retail discounts Application Process and Timelines Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by August 20th, 2025. Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position before this date. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status, or any other characteristic protected by law.