Note : APA operates on a 37.5-hour work week with one hour lunch breaks each day. APA sets salaries based on several considerations, including years of relevant experience, level of education, and previous staff and / or governance experience at APA.
The American Psychological Association (APA) is seeking an exceptional senior graphic design and brand manager to join the organization’s brand and creative team within the communications department.
The senior graphic design and brand manager will help develop, manage, and implement APA’s parent and sub brands; serve as a design project lead for APA communications;
and as needed, oversee the project work of external freelance designers. In this role, she / he / they will conceive, produce, and oversee designs for an array of print and digital projects.
This position requires a strategic thinker with a sophisticated aesthetic who thrives in a dynamic, productive work environment.
The ideal candidate must be comfortable working independently, leading projects, and proactively collaborating in a virtual-first environment.
They must also be able to manage a diverse workload, prioritize effectively, and consistently deliver exceptional results.
As a strategic thinker and collaborative problem-solver, the successful candidate will navigate complex requests, propose effective solutions, and ensure that all design work aligns with APA’s brand guidelines and communication objectives.
They should be able to generate ideas, think editorially and narratively, and use design to transform sometimes long, often complicated ideas into high-impact, visually driven, and brand-appropriate materials.
The interest and ability to learn new skills and concepts and grow professionally is necessary for our team culture. In return, they will have the opportunity to work on exciting projects, develop their skills, and make a significant impact within our organization.
To be considered for this position, a portfolio must be submitted with your application.
Education and Experience Required
- BA / BS in design, fine arts or similar field or equivalent combination of experience and education.
- Thorough knowledge of digital and print design with 8-12 years of work experience in a professional setting. In-house creative experience is strongly preferred.
- Proven conceptual-thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional typographic and layout skills.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to self-manage and prioritize multiple projects, work efficiently, and consistently meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, think critically, and make strategic decisions when managing design projects and collaborating with stakeholders.
- Very strong eye for detail; concern for quality throughout design and production process.
- Some prior experience leading project teams and managing vendors preferred.
- Commitment to EDI and challenging bias through design.
- Excellent people skills.
Computer Skills Required
- Mastery (in-depth understanding) of Adobe Creative Suite, with extensive professional experience using InDesign and After Effects.
- Proficiency with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Datawrapper).
- Working proficiency in HTML and CSS.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 suite, including PowerPoint, and Mac OS.
- Experience a plus with Salesforce Marketing Cloud and Asana.
Responsibilities
- Help develop, manage, and enforce APA's parent and sub brands.
- Serve as an in-house design lead for APA's major programs and events and an array of print and digital projects including APA’s award-winning magazine (8 issues / year), document design from long-form reports to single-page fact sheets, infographics and interactive data visualizations, video and motion graphics, websites and microsites, marketing materials, and social media campaigns.
- Assess design requests from colleagues and propose strategic solutions that align with APA's brand guidelines and effectively support the organization's communication goals.
- Develop a deep understanding of APA's mission, content, and issues to effectively collaborate with colleagues and propose design solutions that meet the organization's needs.
- Manage assigned projects from start to finish and support the day-to-day graphic design needs of the organization.
- Work closely and manage relationships with APA staff members, stakeholders, and outside vendors.
- Secure and oversee the work of external freelance designers, as needed.
- Consistently demonstrate APA's commitment to EDI through the work we produce and how we work together to produce it.
- Contribute ideas, prepare for and participate in meetings, and collaborate with others.