STRS Ohio, STRS

STRS Ohio is seeking a Manager, Visual Communications to join the Executive/ Communications and Public Affairs team.

Compensation:

$125,585 - $156,982

Work Schedule:

8:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday (Onsite)

General Summary:

Under the direction of the chief communication officer, lead the visual communications function and supervise visual designers responsible for conceptualizing, designing and developing new and existing organizational communications for retired and active Ohio educators, contributing employers, investment and government entities, the retirement board and internal staff. Provide creative direction for design, multimedia and video production, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence to strengthen video development, production efficiency and visual storytelling. Apply professional design and marketing expertise, business awareness and technical knowledge to enhance State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio) communication programs.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Manage the visual direction of communication materials and programs, including understanding subject matter and content, guiding visual positioning, developing companion materials and advising staff on design-related initiatives, including serving as the liaison between senior management and the visual communications team.
• Direct and oversee visual designers and production staff, including work assignments, priorities, quality standards and professional development, while providing direction and guidance to meet department and organizational goals.
• Lead staff meetings and provide leadership, direction and mentoring for the team including succession planning and staffing. Participate in all aspects of the Performance Review Process by providing input and feedback on associate performance and goals. 
• Work with member communications strategists, visual communication designers, production staff and clients to obtain a clear understanding of communication needs. Interpret those needs and direct the visual communications team in designing and executing comprehensive solutions across industry-standard media, while ensuring an open and efficient workflow that supports the system’s goals.
• Review project requirements, assign projects to staff and advise on presentation of graphic, technical and statistical information.
• Develop creative briefs, storyboards and project mockups when appropriate. Evaluate project requirements to identify any design trend shifts, cost savings and production streamlining.
• Develop strategic visual solutions that address the system’s communication needs and maintain a clear, consistent corporate image across target audiences. Projects may include multimedia, videos, brochures, presentations, newsletters, displays, infographics, reports, manuals and other corporate communications. Oversee projects from concept through final review and delivery.
• Continuously improve operations and accuracy while collaborating effectively and delivering excellent customer service.
• Collaborate with design and web teams to share ideas, methods and critiques to strengthen concepts and projects. 
• Research, assess and recommend emerging visual communication technologies, including AI tools for video ideation, storyboarding, editing, animation, voice, captioning and production. Establish workflows and quality controls to ensure AI-assisted video content is accurate, on brand, accessible and used responsibly.
• Continue professional growth with industry-standard tools, technologies and design trends.
• Track unit expenses, initiate purchase orders and process invoices and associate reimbursements.
• Lead or participate in special assignments as assigned.

The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties performed by the persons so classified, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of associates under supervision.

Summary of Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications or a relevant field required.
• Master’s degree in marketing, communications or business administration preferred.
• Ten or more years’ graphic design experience required.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Knowledge of public pension environment and STRS Ohio operations preferred.
• Commitment to visual excellence, adherence to brand standards and ability to motivate creative staff and manage effective work teams within tight deadlines, multiple moving projects and budgets.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills required.
• Proven ability to interpret and project needs and objectives while providing creative value.
• Strong foundation in the discipline of design — strategic visual thinking, concept development and presentation, color theory, composition and typography required.
• Ability to conceptualize and recognize current design trends and possess creative aptitude, while managing project workflow with high accuracy.
• Proficient in industry-standard visual design, video production and productivity software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Final Cut Pro, Motion and Microsoft Office, required. Demonstrated ability to assess and incorporate AI-enabled video tools into professional production workflows required.
• Proficient with photography and video equipment and production, including storyboarding, filming, editing, motion graphics and AI-assisted video production, required.
• Ability to work with and preserve confidential information required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively and courteously with internal and external contacts required.
• Excellent organizational skills and high degree of accuracy and attention to detail required.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment while meeting deadlines with minimal direct supervision required.
• Excellent work record of attendance, punctuality and the ability to maintain a flexible work schedule to meet business needs. Occasional evening, weekend and non-regular work hours may be required.
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