📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Manager, Creative & Design
🔹 Company: Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
🔹 Location: Dallas, Texas, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site
🔹 Category: Non-profit Organizations
🔹 Date Posted: July 15, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Strategic and executional powerhouse responsible for elevating MPI’s brand through outstanding visual storytelling and design execution across print and digital channels.
- Blends big-picture creative thinking with hands-on design production, leading projects from concept through execution.
- Collaborates across business units to deliver campaigns that are bold, fast, and on-brand.
- Grows into a broader leadership role, fostering a collaborative, fast-moving, and curious creative culture.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong balance of creative vision, tactical execution, and stakeholder management skills. Successful candidates will have a proven track record in graphic design or creative production roles with increasing levels of responsibility.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Conceptualizes, designs, and produces visually striking integrated campaigns for MPI’s events, education programs, and membership initiatives across digital, print, and on-site environments.
✅ Translates strategic objectives and campaign briefs into creative solutions that drive engagement, action, and brand affinity.
✅ Collaborates with marketing managers to ensure alignment of visuals with messaging, audience segmentation, and business goals.
✅ Leads the execution of assets including email banners, web graphics, event branding, digital signage, social graphics, print ads, and presentations.
✅ Ensures creative deliverables are completed on time, within scope, and optimized for each platform or format.
✅ Owns and evolves MPI’s visual identity system, ensuring consistency across all touchpoints while allowing flexibility for innovation and sub-brand differentiation.
✅ Guides the visual direction of MPI’s flagship magazine The Meeting Professional in collaboration with editorial and contracted design teams.
✅ Partners with marketing, content, web, education, events, and membership teams to understand project goals and translate them into creative strategies.
✅ Acts as creative lead in internal kickoffs and reviews, presenting and articulating design rationale to non-design audiences.
✅ Provides design feedback and mentorship to junior designers, contractors, and freelancers; manages creative workflows through platforms like Workfront.
✅ Collaborates with agencies, editorial designers, video producers, and motion graphics partners to elevate creative output.
✅ Stays ahead of design and marketing trends, bringing inspiration and thought leadership to the team and integrating user insights, cultural relevance, and emerging tools to drive innovation.
✅ Participates in cross-functional brainstorming, prototyping, and storytelling initiatives, and represents the MPI Brand team at internal meetings, planning sessions, and industry events as needed.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of multitasking and collaboration, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Visual Communications, Graphic Design, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience: 8+ years in graphic design or creative production roles with increasing levels of responsibility, with experience in brand marketing, editorial design, campaign development, and web/digital content. Association, event, hospitality, or nonprofit experience is a plus.
Required Skills:
- Strong portfolio showing range across brand identity, print, and digital.
- Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
- Working knowledge of Figma, Canva, or similar platforms.
- Solid grasp of UX/UI principles, especially as it relates to marketing-driven experiences.
- Exceptional attention to detail, speed, and ability to manage multiple projects.
- Ability to communicate creative concepts and present to non-design audiences.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, feedback-heavy environment with multiple stakeholders.
- Familiarity with project management and marketing platforms like Workfront and Marketo.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with motion graphics or AI-enhanced design.
- Fluency in additional languages.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the event or nonprofit industries may have a competitive advantage, as they will have a better understanding of MPI's mission and target audience.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $92,000 - $100,000 per year. This range is based on industry standards for senior-level graphic design roles in the Dallas area, considering the experience level and the unique requirements of this position.
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays).
- Employee assistance program.
- Professional development opportunities.
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with some flexibility for remote work and overtime as needed.
ASSUMPTION: MPI offers competitive compensation and benefits packages for the nonprofit industry, with a focus on work-life balance and professional growth.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the largest meeting and event industry association worldwide, providing innovative and relevant education, networking opportunities, and business exchanges for event professionals.
Company Size: MPI has 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized organization structure with opportunities for growth and impact.
Founded: MPI was founded in 1972, with over 50 years of experience in supporting and advancing the meeting and event industry.
Company Description:
- MPI has a global community of 60,000 meeting and event professionals, including 15,000 engaged members, with nearly 70 chapters and clubs worldwide.
- MPI's mission is to empower event professionals to "run the show" with confidence through innovative and relevant education, networking opportunities, and business exchanges.
- MPI acts as a prominent voice for the promotion and growth of the meeting and event industry.
Company Specialties:
- Meeting planning and event planning.
- Professional association management.
- Education and training for event professionals.
- Networking and community building.
Company Website: http://www.mpi.org
ASSUMPTION: MPI's focus on education, networking, and community makes it an ideal fit for candidates who enjoy collaborating with others, staying up-to-date with industry trends, and contributing to the growth of the meeting and event industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, offering opportunities for strategic decision-making, leadership, and mentorship.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Manager, Creative & Design reports directly to the Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy and oversees junior designers, contractors, and freelancers.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with a requirement to be present in the Dallas, Texas office for 10% of the time. The remaining time can be worked remotely, with flexibility for overtime as needed.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a broader leadership role within the Brand team or across the organization.
- Opportunities to collaborate with and learn from other marketing and event professionals.
- Chances to attend industry events and conferences for professional development.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a lasting impact on MPI's brand and the meeting and event industry as a whole.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: MPI's headquarters is a modern, professional office environment with collaborative workspaces and meeting rooms.
Office Location(s): 2711 LBJ Freeway, Suite 600, Dallas, Texas 75234, United States
Geographic Context:
- Dallas, Texas is a vibrant, multicultural city with a thriving arts scene, diverse neighborhoods, and a strong economy.
- The office is located in the North Dallas area, with easy access to major highways and public transportation.
- Dallas offers a variety of housing options, from urban apartments to suburban homes, with a cost of living that is generally lower than other major metropolitan areas in the United States.
Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with some flexibility for remote work and overtime as needed.
ASSUMPTION: MPI's office environment is designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and productivity, with a focus on supporting the well-being and work-life balance of its employees.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the MPI careers website.
- Phone or video screen with the HR department to discuss qualifications and fit for the role.
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other members of the Brand team to assess creative portfolio, skills, and cultural fit.
- Final interview with the Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy to discuss career growth opportunities and next steps.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Creative portfolio and design skills.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Communication and presentation skills.
- Cultural fit and alignment with MPI's mission and values.
- Adaptability and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
- Include a link to your portfolio or attach samples of your work.
- Prepare examples of your design process and how you approach creative challenges.
- Research MPI's brand and mission to demonstrate your understanding of and enthusiasm for the organization.
ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Creative Production, Brand Marketing, Editorial Design, Campaign Development, Web Content, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Canva, UX/UI Principles, Project Management, Creative Strategy, Visual Identity, Collaboration, Mentorship, Innovation
ASSUMPTION: MPI's hiring process is designed to be thorough and comprehensive, ensuring that the right candidate is selected for this critical role within the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
- Figma or similar design platforms.
- Canva or similar graphic design tools.
- Project management platforms like Workfront.
- Marketing automation platforms like Marketo.
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they are used daily for design, project management, and marketing tasks.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation: MPI encourages creativity, continuous learning, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the meeting and event industry.
- Collaboration: MPI fosters a culture of teamwork, both internally and with external partners, to achieve common goals and drive success.
- Excellence: MPI strives for excellence in all aspects of its work, from education and events to marketing and member services.
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on meeting tight deadlines and delivering high-quality work.
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional communication and coordination.
- Adaptable and flexible, with a willingness to take on new challenges and learn from others.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your creative skills and aesthetic sensibilities align with MPI's brand and visual identity?
- How do you approach working in a fast-paced, feedback-heavy environment with multiple stakeholders?
- How do you balance campaign development, stakeholder management, and tactical production, often simultaneously?
ASSUMPTION: MPI's culture is highly collaborative, innovative, and fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on excellence and continuous learning. Successful candidates will be able to thrive in this environment and contribute to MPI's mission and values.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously with tight deadlines and high expectations.
- Balancing creative vision with practical constraints, such as budget, timeline, and stakeholder feedback.
- Adapting to a dynamic work environment with changing priorities and shifting team structures.
- Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including internal teams, external partners, and MPI members.
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role and require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its blend of strategic creative leadership and hands-on design production, requiring a strong balance of both skills.
- Compared to other senior-level graphic design roles, this position offers a broader scope of responsibilities and opportunities for growth within a mid-sized nonprofit organization.
- Career path comparison: This role can serve as a stepping stone to broader leadership positions within the Brand team or across the organization, with potential for growth into a Director or Vice President role.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic and tactical responsibilities, making it an ideal fit for candidates with a strong background in graphic design and a desire to grow into a broader leadership role.
📝 Sample Projects
- Reimagining MPI's visual identity system to better reflect the organization's mission and values.
- Developing a comprehensive brand style guide to ensure consistency across all touchpoints, from digital platforms to print materials.
- Creating a series of integrated marketing campaigns to promote MPI's events, education programs, and membership initiatives, driving engagement and action among MPI members and the broader event planning community.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and executional nature of this role, requiring a strong balance of creative vision, tactical execution, and stakeholder management skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the broader organizational structure, and what are the opportunities for growth and advancement?
- What are the key priorities for the first 30, 60, and 90 days in this role, and how can I best support the team in achieving these goals?
- How does MPI support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the creative and marketing fields?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the meeting and event industry, and how can this role contribute to MPI's mission to empower event professionals to "run the show" with confidence?
- What is the team's approach to collaboration and communication, and how can I best contribute to a positive and productive work environment?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help you better understand the role, the team, and the organization, ensuring a strong fit and a successful transition into the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role, emphasizing your creative portfolio and design skills.
- Prepare examples of your design process and how you approach creative challenges, demonstrating your ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution.
- Research MPI's brand and mission to demonstrate your understanding of and enthusiasm for the organization.
- Follow up with MPI's HR department one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and express your continued interest in the role.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
