Champlain College Incorporated
Job Description
The Associate Creative Director leads Champlain College's creative vision through exceptional team management and strategic creative execution. This role oversees a dynamic creative team including designers, videographers, and multimedia specialists while driving innovative campaigns across all platforms-from high-impact advertising and brand storytelling to cutting-edge digital experiences and video content.
As a creative leader and strategic partner, the Associate Creative Director transforms marketing objectives into creative solutions that elevate Champlain's brand presence and drive enrollment success. The ideal candidate brings proven creative leadership experience and a portfolio demonstrating strategic thinking and creative excellence.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the creative direction of Champlain's marketing initiatives. We're an institution that thrives on innovation-join us in pushing creative boundaries to differentiate Champlain in the competitive higher education landscape. Key Responsibilities: Creative Leadership & Team Management Lead and inspire a cross-functional creative team of graphic designers, videographers, and multimedia specialists through creative direction, mentorship, and vision-setting Establish creative standards and quality benchmarks across all creative disciplines Foster innovation and creative growth while ensuring brand consistency and integrity across all outputs Mentor and develop creative talent through regular reviews, constructive feedback, and professional development opportunities Strategic Creative Execution
Collaborate with marketing leadership to translate strategic goals into compelling creative strategies and campaign concepts Lead creative concepting and ideation, generating innovative approaches that differentiate Champlain's brand Oversee creative development from initial concept through final execution, including photo and video shoot direction Champion creative excellence while balancing ambition with strategic objectives and practical constraints Multi-Platform Creative Production
Define creative vision for integrated campaigns spanning print, digital, video, and interactive media Drive innovation in creative formats, exploring emerging opportunities in motion graphics, interactive content, and new media Ensure creative adaptation excellence across channels while maintaining brand integrity Set creative priorities for the team based on strategic importance and brand impact Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or related creative field 3-7+ years in creative leadership roles with demonstrated team management experience, preferably in higher education or agency environments Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro) Strong understanding of creative production processes across design, video, animation, and multimedia Proven track record managing and developing creative teams of 3+ professionals Exceptional creative judgment and vision with a portfolio demonstrating strategic thinking and creative excellence Outstanding communication and collaboration abilities with marketing leadership, creative teams, and stakeholders Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments while maintaining creative quality and meeting deadlines Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in creative work Work Arrangement:
Full-time in-person position based at our main campus in Burlington, VT or hybrid role with bi-monthly travel to Burlington, VT required Standard business hours (M-F, 8:30am-5:00pm) with occasional evening/weekend hours for special events, and campaign launches. Position requires regular collaboration with campus partners and occasional travel for creative projects. Compensation & Benefits
Annual Salary:
$70,000 - $80,000 Comprehensive Benefits Package:
Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA and FSA options Paid Time off: 16 holidays, 4 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks sick time and 2 days of personal leave Retirement: 403(b) plan with 3% employer matching contribution Education: Tuition benefits for employees and family members Wellness: Gym discount and Wellness programs with up to $300 annual incentives Welfare: Short-term and long-term disability coverage, plus life insurance Other Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling services, access to employee discounts and local/national benefit programs
Application Instructions:
To apply, please follow the link below and submit the following application materials:
Resume/CV Cover Letter
addressing the desired qualifications and how your experiences contribute to the academic excellence and inclusive community at Champlain College.
The College seeks candidates who can enhance its mission through their work, life experiences, service, teaching, or research. Please include specific examples of how you would contribute to these efforts in your Cover Letter.
To streamline our hiring process and ensure fairness for all candidates, we manage all recruitment communications through our online application system. Please do not call regarding your application status. We'll reach out directly if we'd like to schedule an interview.
The successful completion of a criminal background check is required as a condition of employment.
Champlain College does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, religion, age, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, veteran or military service status, HIV -positive status, qualified disability, or on the basis of any other status protected by law, and does not discriminate in the administration of its education and admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, employment practices or co-curricular and other College-administered programs. Champlain College will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified students, applicants for admission or employment, or employees.
Champlain College is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community. We believe that bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enriches education and strengthens our community. At Champlain, all members are valued as individuals and respected for their unique contributions.
EU Employee Data Protection Notice
About Us
Founded in 1878, Champlain College is a small, private, not-for-profit college in Burlington, Vermont overlooking Lake Champlain and the Adirondack mountains. Its career-driven approach to higher education prepares students for professional life from their very first semester. For the fifth year in a row, Champlain was named a "Most Innovative School" in the North by U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" 2020 regional rankings and ranked #9 on The Princeton Review's "2025 Top Schools for Game Design."
The Associate Creative Director leads Champlain College's creative vision through exceptional team management and strategic creative execution. This role oversees a dynamic creative team including designers, videographers, and multimedia specialists while driving innovative campaigns across all platforms-from high-impact advertising and brand storytelling to cutting-edge digital experiences and video content.
As a creative leader and strategic partner, the Associate Creative Director transforms marketing objectives into creative solutions that elevate Champlain's brand presence and drive enrollment success. The ideal candidate brings proven creative leadership experience and a portfolio demonstrating strategic thinking and creative excellence.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the creative direction of Champlain's marketing initiatives. We're an institution that thrives on innovation-join us in pushing creative boundaries to differentiate Champlain in the competitive higher education landscape. Key Responsibilities: Creative Leadership & Team Management Lead and inspire a cross-functional creative team of graphic designers, videographers, and multimedia specialists through creative direction, mentorship, and vision-setting Establish creative standards and quality benchmarks across all creative disciplines Foster innovation and creative growth while ensuring brand consistency and integrity across all outputs Mentor and develop creative talent through regular reviews, constructive feedback, and professional development opportunities Strategic Creative Execution
Collaborate with marketing leadership to translate strategic goals into compelling creative strategies and campaign concepts Lead creative concepting and ideation, generating innovative approaches that differentiate Champlain's brand Oversee creative development from initial concept through final execution, including photo and video shoot direction Champion creative excellence while balancing ambition with strategic objectives and practical constraints Multi-Platform Creative Production
Define creative vision for integrated campaigns spanning print, digital, video, and interactive media Drive innovation in creative formats, exploring emerging opportunities in motion graphics, interactive content, and new media Ensure creative adaptation excellence across channels while maintaining brand integrity Set creative priorities for the team based on strategic importance and brand impact Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Marketing, or related creative field 3-7+ years in creative leadership roles with demonstrated team management experience, preferably in higher education or agency environments Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro) Strong understanding of creative production processes across design, video, animation, and multimedia Proven track record managing and developing creative teams of 3+ professionals Exceptional creative judgment and vision with a portfolio demonstrating strategic thinking and creative excellence Outstanding communication and collaboration abilities with marketing leadership, creative teams, and stakeholders Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments while maintaining creative quality and meeting deadlines Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in creative work Work Arrangement:
Full-time in-person position based at our main campus in Burlington, VT or hybrid role with bi-monthly travel to Burlington, VT required Standard business hours (M-F, 8:30am-5:00pm) with occasional evening/weekend hours for special events, and campaign launches. Position requires regular collaboration with campus partners and occasional travel for creative projects. Compensation & Benefits
Annual Salary:
$70,000 - $80,000 Comprehensive Benefits Package:
Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA and FSA options Paid Time off: 16 holidays, 4 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks sick time and 2 days of personal leave Retirement: 403(b) plan with 3% employer matching contribution Education: Tuition benefits for employees and family members Wellness: Gym discount and Wellness programs with up to $300 annual incentives Welfare: Short-term and long-term disability coverage, plus life insurance Other Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling services, access to employee discounts and local/national benefit programs
Application Instructions:
To apply, please follow the link below and submit the following application materials:
Resume/CV Cover Letter
addressing the desired qualifications and how your experiences contribute to the academic excellence and inclusive community at Champlain College.
The College seeks candidates who can enhance its mission through their work, life experiences, service, teaching, or research. Please include specific examples of how you would contribute to these efforts in your Cover Letter.
To streamline our hiring process and ensure fairness for all candidates, we manage all recruitment communications through our online application system. Please do not call regarding your application status. We'll reach out directly if we'd like to schedule an interview.
The successful completion of a criminal background check is required as a condition of employment.
Champlain College does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, religion, age, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, veteran or military service status, HIV -positive status, qualified disability, or on the basis of any other status protected by law, and does not discriminate in the administration of its education and admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, employment practices or co-curricular and other College-administered programs. Champlain College will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified students, applicants for admission or employment, or employees.
Champlain College is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community. We believe that bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enriches education and strengthens our community. At Champlain, all members are valued as individuals and respected for their unique contributions.
EU Employee Data Protection Notice
About Us
Founded in 1878, Champlain College is a small, private, not-for-profit college in Burlington, Vermont overlooking Lake Champlain and the Adirondack mountains. Its career-driven approach to higher education prepares students for professional life from their very first semester. For the fifth year in a row, Champlain was named a "Most Innovative School" in the North by U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" 2020 regional rankings and ranked #9 on The Princeton Review's "2025 Top Schools for Game Design."