Director - Design, Enrollment & Engagement

Lubbock

Director - Design, Enrollment & Engagement

41833BR

Marketing and Communications

Position Description

Directs, plans, coordinates and supervises the operations and activities of a specialized unit or small department; develops and implements policies and procedures, administers the budget, organizes tasks and sets priorities. Serves as liaison with university personnel and community at large. Works under general supervision with broad latitude for initiative and independent judgement.

The Director of Design, Enrollment & Engagement plays a critical leadership role in shaping the visual and creative strategy for student recruitment, retention and campus engagement initiatives at Texas Tech University. This position leads a high-performing creative team in developing compelling, student- and alumni-centered design across digital and print channels that supports the university's enrollment goals, enhances the student experience, and increases alumni and campus engagement.

This role requires a strategic design leader who can bring data, storytelling and design together to build emotional connections with prospective students, families, alumni and campus stakeholders. The ideal candidate understands the nuances of the higher education landscape and is passionate about designing high-impact experiences that move students from awareness to enrollment to active campus life.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral / Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.

About Lubbock : Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About the Department and / or College

In Marketing & Communications, we deliver high-quality communications that tell the story of Texas Tech in the most compelling way possible.

Major / Essential Functions

Creative Strategy & Design Leadership

Lead the visual direction and execution of all enrollment and engagement-related creative assets including recruitment materials, email and digital campaigns, landing pages, student life collateral and event experiences.

Ensure creative output aligns with university brand standards while authentically reflecting the student voice, values and communities of Texas Tech.

Translate enrollment strategies into visually engaging campaigns that support key milestones in the prospective student journey-from inquiry to matriculation.

Collaboration & Partnership

Work in close collaboration with admissions, enrollment management, student affairs, academic colleges and communications teams to ensure consistent and effective creative support.

Serve as the primary creative consultant for initiatives such as open house events, orientation, admitted student yield campaigns, campus-wide engagement efforts.

Contribute to cross-functional campaign planning meetings with data, insights and creative concepts.

Team & Project Management

Supervise and mentor a team of designers; provide creative direction, feedback and professional development.

Manage project intake, timelines and design workflows using project management tools (Asana).

Ensure deliverables are completed on time, on the brand and in support of strategic enrollment goals.

Innovation & Optimization

Champion accessible design practices across all visual materials.

Stay current on design, UX and higher education marketing trends to guide innovation and continuous improvement.

Use analytics and user feedback to refine and iterate on design approaches that improve engagement and outcomes.

50% - Design and develop comprehensive projects that are visually engaging and exceptional in quality.

25% - Ensure quality and accuracy of work, including producing proof copies for review and revising materials according to feedback while consistently meeting stated project deadlines.

10% - Actively participate and lead in creative meetings, including brainstorming sessions and critiques. Bring strong ideas and concepts to creative meetings.

10% - Ensure university-approved branding guidelines are utilized in all projects.

5% - Skill sharing and mentorship.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related area required plus five years progressively responsible management experience. Additional education may substitute for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree in Design, Marketing, Advertising or Related Field

Agency experience

Experience managing a hybrid team

Experience with brand position

Additional REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Experience working collaboratively in a team setting

Experience designing for print and digital platforms

Exceptional portfolio showcasing professional graphic design work

Experience in leading a creative team

Deliver clear written and verbal communications to aid in team communications

Experience working with clients

Establish and maintain effective work relationships.

Innovative approach to design

Strong work ethic, flexibility and ability to multi-task while still adhering to design principles and brand standards

Understanding of current trends in the visual arts; working knowledge of the latest design aesthetics

Understanding of material costs and time limits

Ability to skill-share

Experience concepting and presenting work

Mentorship : Demonstrated ability to go above and beyond in supporting colleagues, fostering a collaborative environment and understanding group dynamics to prioritize team success

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and applicable design software

Experience editing photography

Design and production experience

Experience working with vendors

Experience developing presentations

Plan and organize effectively, prioritize goals, use time efficiently, stay on task, meet deadlines

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

No

Special Instructions to Applicants

The ideal candidate possesses strong conceptual thinking, excellent design capabilities and proven experience in leading a team of creatives. They have a deep belief in collaboration and work well with other teams and groups both within Marketing & Communications, and across campus. They will understand working within a visual system and be able to clearly articulate the importance of guidelines and systems to stakeholders both internal and external to Marketing & Communications.

Required Attachments

Cover Letter, Portfolio and / or Video, Professional / Personal References, Resume / CV

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Minimum Hire Rate

4352.42

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting

Travel Required

Up to 25%

Shift

Day

Schedule Details

Monday - Friday, 8 : 00 - 5 : 00pm

Grant Funded?

No

Job Group

First line Managers

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

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