Creative Services Manager, Designer

SUMMARY

The Creative Services Manager, Senior Designer is responsible for coordinating and directing creative innovation to support the objectives of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. This individual will be responsible for working with WELS Communication Services, other areas of ministry, and subsidiary organizations to create materials that enhance the impact of various projects and programs and project a professional WELS image. Using WELS’ brand guidelines, this individual also will ensure visual consistency across print, web, video, social media, and other digital platforms.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

1. Planning and Supervision

• Collaborates with the Director of Communication Services to develop and implement visual communication strategies that align with WELS ministry goals.
• Participates in strategic planning sessions to ensure creative output that supports organizational priorities and campaigns.

2. Brand Governance

• Maintains and enforces WELS brand guidelines across all visual materials and platforms.
• Provides training or guidance to internal teams and external partners on brand standards and visual consistency.

3. Digital Asset Management

• Oversees the organization, tagging, and archiving of digital assets to ensure accessibility and version control.
• Evaluates and implements tools or systems to improve asset management workflows.

4. Vendor & Budget Oversight

• Manages relationships with external creative vendors, including negotiating contracts and evaluating performance.
• Assists in budgeting for creative services, including estimating costs for design projects and vendor services.

5. Design Execution

• Serves as lead designer for WELS, producing high-quality visual content for print, digital, and multimedia platforms.
• Designs materials including brochures, signage, presentations, social media graphics, e-newsletters, and promotional assets.
• Collaborates with writers, videographers, and web designers to develop cohesive visual storytelling across platforms.
• Uses Adobe Creative Suite and other design tools to execute creative concepts from initial layout to final production.
• Ensures all design work reflects WELS brand standards and communicates ministry messages effectively.

6. Innovation & Trends

• Stays current with design trends, tools, and technologies to improve creative output continually.
• Recommends new approaches or tools to enhance visual storytelling and audience engagement.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES                             

There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position. 

These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required to perform this job. Other duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• An active member of the WELS/ELS.
• Understand and demonstrate Christian values.
• A deep commitment to the mission and theology of WELS and an ability to apply that commitment in the performance of daily responsibilities.
• Demonstrated competency in layout sketching and design.
• Strong business acumen.
• Ability to set and prioritize goals and achieve them as scheduled.
• Flexibility to adjust to rapidly changing requirements and schedules. 
• Excellent organizational and problem skills.
• Knowledge of general advertising, marketing, media, TV, and radio terminology and processes.
• Familiarity with basic HTML code and web-based applications.
• Proficient in Mac- and PC-based hardware/software systems and Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat, and Font Management Systems.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE  

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, preferably in the field of graphic design; three to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.