Creative Director - Lab of Ornithology

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Creative Director - Lab of Ornithology 🔹 Company: Cornell University 🔹 Location: Ithaca, New York, United States 🔹 Job Type: Hybrid 🔹 Category: Communications/Marketing 🔹 Date Posted: July 28, 2025 🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: - Driving storytelling and brand identity across the Lab's portfolio - Overseeing a team of designers and visual storytellers - Elevating the Lab's engagement in research and conservation - Collaborating with leadership teams to ensure creative outputs are coordinated and impactful ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong creative vision, excellent management skills, and a deep understanding of the Lab's mission and goals. 📋 Key Responsibilities ✅ Creative Direction: Develop and implement a cohesive and compelling visual identity and storytelling strategy that aligns with the Lab's mission and brand. ✅ Team Management: Lead, mentor, and manage a small team of designers and visual storytellers, fostering a creative and collaborative work environment. ✅ Project Management: Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of creative projects across various media platforms, ensuring they are on brand, high-quality, and impactful. ✅ Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with the Lab's leadership teams, researchers, and other stakeholders to understand their needs and translate them into effective creative solutions. ✅ Vendor Management: Identify, engage, and manage external vendors to support the Lab's creative needs, ensuring they deliver high-quality work within budget and timeline constraints. ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, excellent communication, and the ability to balance multiple projects and deadlines. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: - Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., graphic design, communication, fine arts, or a related discipline) Experience: - 3-5 years of proven experience in creative direction, team leadership, and project management - 5-7 years of experience preferred Required Skills: - Strong portfolio demonstrating a diverse range of creative work that showcases exceptional design, creativity, and strategic thinking - Proven expertise in modern marketing and design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Microsoft Suite, CMS platforms, motion/video tools, etc.) - Excellent management, communication, and interpersonal skills - Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing, inclusive teams - Strong cultural awareness and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders - Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma Preferred Skills: - 7-10 years of creative experience - 5-7 years of team leadership/management experience - Master's or other advanced degree in an applicable field - Knowledge of and passion for nature, birds, biodiversity, science, higher education, and/or nonprofit/mission-driven work ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong portfolio, extensive creative experience, and a passion for the Lab's mission will be most competitive for this role. 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $88,428 - $108,078 per year (FTE) - This is a full-time, 100% FTE position with a hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days remote, 2-3 days on-site) Benefits: - Comprehensive health care options - Generous retirement contributions - Access to wellness programs - Employee discounts with local and national retail brands - Vacation and holiday leave (3 weeks of vacation, 13 holidays, and two floating holidays) - Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the job posting and industry standards for similar roles in the Ithaca, NY area. The benefits package is comprehensive and competitive for a university setting. 📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context Industry: Higher Education & Research Company Size: Medium (1,001-5,000 employees) Founded: 1865 Company Description: Cornell University is a private, Ivy League research university located in Ithaca, New York. It is known for its comprehensive academic offerings, renowned faculty, and cutting-edge research. The university is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community that values intellectual curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Company Specialties: Agriculture and Life Sciences, Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Business, Hotel Administration, Industrial and Labor Relations, and Veterinary Medicine. Company Website: ASSUMPTION: Cornell University is a highly prestigious institution with a strong reputation for academic excellence and research innovation. Working at Cornell offers opportunities for professional growth, collaboration with leading experts in various fields, and a vibrant campus life. 📊 Role Analysis Career Level: Mid-career to senior-level position Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Lab's leadership team and collaborates closely with various stakeholders across the university. Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2-3 days remote, 2-3 days on-site) Growth Opportunities: - Potential to grow into a senior leadership role within the Lab or the broader university communications department - Opportunities to mentor junior team members and contribute to their professional development - Exposure to a wide range of creative projects and collaborations, fostering continuous learning and skill development ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth, both within the Lab and across the broader university. The ideal candidate will be eager to take on new challenges and contribute to the Lab's and the university's overall success. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: Hybrid (combination of remote and on-site work) Office Location(s): Ithaca, New York, United States - The Lab's main office is located on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, NY. Geographic Context: - Ithaca is a college town with a population of approximately 30,000 people, located in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. - The area is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. - Ithaca has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with a flexible hybrid work arrangement ASSUMPTION: Ithaca offers a high quality of life, with a mix of urban and rural amenities, and a strong sense of community. The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility and work-life balance for employees. 💼 Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Online application submission 2. Phone or video screening 3. In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members 4. Final interview with senior leadership 5. Reference checks and background verification 6. Job offer and onboarding Key Assessment Areas: - Creative portfolio and problem-solving skills - Management and leadership abilities - Cultural fit and alignment with the Lab's mission and values - Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment Application Tips: - Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role - Showcase your creative portfolio and provide specific examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to drive storytelling and brand identity - Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the Lab, and the university to ask during the interview ATS Keywords: Creative Direction, Team Leadership, Project Management, Visual Storytelling, Design, Communication, Collaboration, Marketing, Brand Management, Digital Media, Photography, Conservation, Biodiversity, Interpersonal Skills, Cultural Awareness, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's creative vision, management skills, and cultural fit. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their portfolio, relevant work experiences, and their passion for the Lab's mission. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro) - Figma - Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) - Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress or Drupal - Motion/video tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro - Project management tools such as Asana, Trello, or JIRA ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have proficiency in the listed tools and be open to learning and adopting new technologies as needed. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Excellence in all endeavors - Integrity and ethical behavior - Diversity and inclusion - Collaboration and community - Stewardship and sustainability Work Style: - Creative and innovative - Collaborative and team-oriented - Adaptable and responsive to change - Results-driven and focused on continuous improvement - Committed to the Lab's mission and values Self-Assessment Questions: 1. How do you ensure that your creative work aligns with the brand and values of an organization? 2. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage a team through a significant change or challenge? How did you approach it, and what was the outcome? 3. How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and new tools in the creative field? ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong fit with the Lab's values and work style, and be eager to contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment. ⚠️ Potential Challenges 1. Balancing multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining high-quality creative output 2. Managing a team with diverse skills and backgrounds, fostering collaboration and productivity 3. Navigating a complex organizational structure and working with various stakeholders across the university 4. Adapting to changes in priorities, resources, and project scope 5. Maintaining a strong work-life balance in a hybrid work environment ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to effectively manage their time, prioritize tasks, and communicate clearly and proactively to overcome these challenges. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison 1. Creative Director vs. Art Director: While both roles focus on visual storytelling and brand identity, the Creative Director has a broader scope, overseeing a team and driving the overall creative strategy, while the Art Director is more focused on specific visual elements and design. 2. Creative Director in Higher Education vs. Corporate: In higher education, the Creative Director may have more academic and research-focused projects, while in corporate settings, they may focus more on marketing and branding campaigns. However, both roles require strong creative vision, management skills, and an understanding of the organization's mission and values. 3. Career Path: A Creative Director in higher education can progress to senior leadership roles within the university or transition to other industries, such as nonprofits, government, or corporate sectors, depending on their interests and career goals. ASSUMPTION: Understanding the differences between similar roles and the unique aspects of working in higher education can help candidates tailor their applications and interviews to better showcase their fit for this specific role. 📝 Sample Projects 1. Developing a comprehensive visual identity and branding guide for the Lab of Ornithology, ensuring consistency across all communication channels and touchpoints 2. Creating a series of engaging and informative infographics that explain complex scientific concepts related to birds, biodiversity, and conservation 3. Designing and implementing a successful social media campaign to raise awareness about an upcoming birdwatching event, with a focus on increasing engagement and attendance ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of creative work the ideal candidate might undertake in this role, from strategic branding and identity projects to tactical design and implementation tasks. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview 1. How does the Lab of Ornithology support and collaborate with other departments and units across the university? 2. Can you describe a time when the Lab faced a significant challenge, and how did the team work together to overcome it? 3. How does the Lab measure the success and impact of its creative projects and campaigns? 4. What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Lab and the broader university communications department? 5. How does the Lab balance the need for creative freedom with the requirement to maintain a consistent and on-brand visual identity? ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process can help candidates better understand the role, the Lab, and the university, and demonstrate their interest and engagement in the position. 📌 Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through the [Application Link](https://cornell.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CornellCareerPage/job/Ithaca-Tompkins-County/Creative-Director---Lab-of-Ornithology_WDR-00054156-1) 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role 3. Prepare a portfolio showcasing your creative work and demonstrating your ability to drive storytelling and brand identity 4. Practice your interview skills and prepare thoughtful questions to ask the hiring manager and team members 5. Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.