The Associate Director for Visual Communications serves as the design leader and creative strategist to elevate the Universityâ™s research impact as a vital component of Research and Innovation Office (RIO)â™s external affairs strategy. 

As a strategic leader, the Associate Director will develop and manage the visual identity for RIO, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and brand standards. This position is responsible for designing presentations, annual reports, electronic newsletters, magazines, infographics, and photography that communicate complex research topics to diverse internal and external audiences. Working closely with RIO leadership, administrative units, and external partners, the Associate Director will shape creative solutions that enhance UMNâ™s research reputation and stakeholder engagement.
 

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Graphic Design

• Lead visual strategy and design to elevate the visibility and impact of UMNâ™s research enterprise, creating visual communications for a range of platforms including but not limited to presentations, monthly and quarterly electronic newsletters, annual reports, research magazines, infographics, and photography and photo editing to support RIOâ™s strategic goals and external affairs strategy.
• Develop and manage RIOâ™s cohesive visual identity that aligns with UMNâ™s brand standards and accessibility guidelines, serving as the primary point of contact for all graphic design needs within RIO, including but not limited to presentations, monthly and quarterly electronic newsletters, annual reports, research magazines, infographics, websites, photography and photo editing.
• Design technical content that supports data-driven communications and decision-making, leveraging analytics to inform visual narratives.
• Work with the RIO Communications team to translate complex scientific topics into accessible, engaging visual and written communications for diverse audiences, supporting science communication and storytelling initiatives.
• Drive creative concept development, ensuring visual content effectively communicates research narratives and strategic messages.
• Proactively identify design opportunities and challenges, providing creative direction and solutions to support RIO goals.

Creative Direction and Collaboration

• Collaborate with the RIO Communications team, leadership, and stakeholders to deliver visually impactful materials that resonate with university leadership, faculty, donors, media, and external partners.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to RIO leadership, providing visual design expertise to strengthen external engagement and storytelling.
• Assist the AVP for External Affairs and Communications, and the Director of Communications in planning and leading creative brainstorming sessions for RIO stakeholders and others, to develop concepts and new avenues of thinking for creative solutions.
• Help manage and evolve brand standards for RIO and University of Minnesota Technology Commercialization as led by the RIO Communications.
• Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders and leadership, including through regular meetings and progress updates.

Team Development and Mentorship

• Mentor and guide team members on design best practices, accessibility standards, and effective visual communication strategies.
• Train colleagues on basic graphic editing tools and workflows to maintain consistency and quality across materials.
• Work with the RIO Communications team to build relationships with University departments and external stakeholders to align design efforts with broader institutional and external engagement goals.

Professional Development

• Stay at the forefront of design trends, tools, and technologies to ensure RIO remains a leader in visual communications.
• Pursue professional development opportunities to enhance skills in data visualization, digital media, and creative leadership.
• Benchmark visual communication strategies at peer institutions to inform RIOâ™s design approach and maintain industry best practices.

Strategic Flexibility

• Takes on special projects and other responsibilities aligned with the roleâ™s objectives as assigned by leadership.

Flexible Work Location Profile

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) endorses a âœwork with flexibility❠approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote.

This position has been designated as eligible for Flexible Work Profiles 1-3. Profile 1 is expected to work primarily on-site. Your office will be located in the McNamara Alumni Center. Profile 2 is expected to work on-site more than 50% of the time. Profile 3 is expected to work remotely more than 50% of the time. Your dedicated office space will be in your remote work location.  RIO Administration management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in communications, journalism, marketing, art or related field or non-communication related degree with additional two years of professional communications experience.
• At least six years of professional communications experience. Non-communications degreed individuals must have at least eight years of progressive responsibility in communications.
• Experience working in higher education or research institutions.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, InDesign), Canva, Google Office Suite and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Skills in data visualization, photography and photo editing, videography and video editing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing graphics for science communications or technical content (e.g., graphics in research grant proposals, technical reports, etc.)
• Strong portfolio showcasing expertise in publication design, infographic creation, and branding.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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