Director of Graphic Design - Newport News, VA

Imagine being part of one of the most respected human services organizations in the world—a place where your work positively influences the lives of others, a place where you thrive in a values-based environment, a place where you are building a better future for yourself and you ...

Job description

Imagine being part of one of the most respected human services organizations in the world—a place where your work positively influences the lives of others, a place where you thrive in a values-based environment, a place where you are building a better future for yourself and your community.

General Function:

Under the direction of the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, the Director of Graphic Design is responsible for building, leading, and facilitating the workflow in the production of all print and digital marketing collateral. This position will also spearhead and manage content for both small-scale and large-scale projects, harnessing strategy, digital and brand design, compelling content, and technology. The Director of Graphic Design will promote the association's mission and goals through innovative campaigns and support other internal teams with marketing and sales material.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in communications, advertising, marketing, or related field, or equivalent experience.

1. Minimum of three years' experience in a creative environment or marketing.

2. Writing and editing skills. Experience with generative AI in graphic design and video a plus.

3. Analytical ability to translate information from disparate sources into program applications and recommendations – solutions-oriented.

4. Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

5. Extremely detail-oriented with excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

6. Strong problem-solving, strategic-thinking skills, creativity, and innovation skills.

7. Ability to relate well with staff and the public.

8. Certification in CPR/First Aid/AED/O2/CAP required within 60 days of hire.

10. Complete and maintain required trainings to include: New Employee Orientation (NEO), Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention (CAP), and Sexual Harassment.

1. Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and Child Protective Services check.

Essential Functions:

1. Support the mission, vision and goals of the YMCA.

1. Promote a professional work environment through character development by modeling the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

2. Lead in a manner that advances our cause to strengthen the foundations of community through programs that focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

3. Promote and participate in association task forces, committees and/or workgroups to promote Center and Association unity.

4. Promote and participate in YMCA fundraising efforts to include Annual and Capital Campaigns.

Content and Brand Management

1. Help support content strategy working with executive director of marketing and communications to align with short-term and long-term marketing targets.

2. Collaborate with marketing to plan and develop site content, style, and layout.

3. Create and capture engaging video and still image content.

4. Craft creative storytelling concepts to support the Y's mission.

5. Translate brand elements into plans and go-to-market strategies.

6. Establish performance specifications, cost and price parameters, market applications, and sales estimates.

7. Align the brand around the association's direction, choices, and tactics.

8. Prioritize work and resources across engagements based on short- and long-term needs, establishing production schedules by collaborating with designers, copywriters, and production departments.

9. Review and approve art and copy developed by marketing liaisons, ensuring deliverables that effectively address marketing goals and challenges.

10. Produce fresh, innovative work that translates complex ideas into compelling print materials and digital experiences for visually sophisticated audiences.

11. Present, or oversee the presentation of final concepts, and obtain approvals for deliverables.

12. Meet work standards by following production, productivity, quality, and customer-service standards; resolving operational problems; identifying work process improvements.

13. Analyze brand tracking, market trends, consumer need, and the competitive landscape.

14. Support the overall branding, and creative experience for the YMCA.

15. Support marketing, advertising, promotional activities to include development, production, and distribution of marketing, sales, and advertising deliverables to communicate the YMCA brand, mission, and impact.

16. Support efforts to ensure proper ongoing use of brand by all YMCA staff. Provide support, training, and quality assurance as assigned.

17. Assist YMCA staff with graphic design projects as needed.

18. Perform all other related duties as assigned.

YMCA Leadership Competencies (Multi-Team Leader):

Engaging Community, Communication & Influence, Inclusion, Collaboration, Emotional Maturity, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy, Change Leadership, Fiscal Management.

Skills and Ability Requirements:

• Strong written and verbal communications including proper use of the English language, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and presentation of final deliverable.
• Ability to provide direction and leadership for appropriate strategies.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents.
• Ability to respond effectively to inquiries or requests.
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts to practical situations.
• Ability to reason and define difficult problems and limited direction as to means and results.
• Advanced skills using AI, Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) software.
• Experience in Canva preferred.

Effect On End Results:

Through inclusive, collaborative, and mission driven leadership, this role advances the YMCA's impact by strengthening community engagement, communication, and trust. By leading cross functional creative efforts, developing staff and partners, and modeling emotional maturity and accountability, the Director of Graphic Design ensures brand integrity and clarity across all communications. Strategic decision making, change leadership, and fiscal responsibility support increased member engagement, program participation, and philanthropic outcomes. The result is a cohesive, high quality brand experience that reinforces the YMCA's values, supports fundraising and revenue goals, and positions the association as a respected community leader.

Excellent benefits, including 12% retirement upon meeting the requirements of the National YMCA Retirement Fund. 65% employee paid health/dental insurance, FSA, $25,000 Life/AD&D policy, vacation and sick leave. Includes YMCA Family Membership.