Manager, Communications & Design

Manager, Communications & Design

Do you want to be a part of something innovative, relevant, and intellectually stimulating that has a meaningful impact? Come join our rapidly growing MxD team as we strive to increase U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing.

+ About MxD

MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. In partnership with the Department of Defense, we convene an ecosystem to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing as designated by DoD. Visit mxdusa.org to learn more.

MxD is passionate about its people and committed to creating an environment where everyone is heard and respected. Flexible work arrangements and unlimited PTO programs are just a few of the exceptional benefits MxD provides. MxD embodies a strong startup culture with its creative and collaborative working environment, fostering curiosity and innovation. Diversity is key and integral to MxD culture, as different backgrounds, thoughts, and ideas are critical to success.

+ Position Overview

MxD is in search of a dynamic Manager, Communications & Design to join our team. The Manager, Communications & Design will play a pivotal role in driving our brand strategy, managing creative operations, and overseeing cross-functional workflows. Reporting directly to the Director of Strategic Communications, this role requires creative integrated marketing and communications experience with exceptional leadership skills and a keen eye for design.

+ Position Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies for creative operations and cross-functional workflow management.
• Provide design support to all MxD business units, ensuring brand consistency, visual and messaging cohesiveness across all departments and channels.
• Provide overall omnichannel direction and execution support, including but not limited to digital, social, events, presentations and collateral.
• Lead and mentor a team of designers, ensuring the successful completion of projects and staff development.
• Cultivate and maintain a strong relationship with all external creative partners, including but not limited to web development, communications and content development agencies.
• Oversee the implementation of content strategies across all digital channels, including website publishing, email campaigns, social media, and video platforms.
• Drive the creative direction for all special projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and brand identity.
• Manage and maintain website content, facilitating upgrades and updates as necessary to enhance user experience.
• Coordinate virtual tour maintenance and content management to showcase MxD's innovative facilities and capabilities.
• Direct the creative direction for MxD programs and external engagement initiatives, maximizing impact and audience engagement.
• Oversee the production of email newsletters, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Oversee design support for external engagements, including event photography needs for organizational events.

+ Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Design, Marketing, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in communications and design roles, with at least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory capacity.
• Deep expertise in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with web development tools and design principles.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a team, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to align creative initiatives with organizational goals and objectives.
• Passion for innovation and technology, with a commitment to advancing manufacturing capabilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Must be local to the Chicagoland area to be onsite occasionally and able to travel as needed to support organizational initiatives and events.
• A portfolio is required for consideration.

+ How to Apply

Apply online at mxdusa.org/careers by clicking on the link to the position posting and submitting your resume with a cover letter explaining why you would be a great fit for this role and MxD. Tip: Meeting the qualifications is important, but a great cover letter will set you apart!

+ Work with Us

• MxD is a results-oriented, lean, collaborative tech organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are hard-working, mission-driven, flexible, and work with a sense of urgency. We hire tech-savvy, committed, self-starters who can think outside the box, and have a strong capacity to learn and adapt to the needs of the organization and roll through both skill and grit. All-star employees excel without the help of administrative support, and don't mind rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty (figuratively!). Additionally, people who love to solve problems, no matter how big or small, find they are a good fit for MxD.
• Our state-of-the-art facility, located on Goose Island in Chicago (just north of downtown), features a manufacturing floor, several infrastructure testbeds, and a bustling open-office environment. MxD is a collaborative space, hosting many events for our partners and other prestigious organizations, so being able to engage with staff and visitors in a professional, helpful manner is a must.
• MxD is a 10-minute walk from the North and Clybourn Red Line stop, a 20-minute walk from the Division Blue Line stop, and accessible by a variety of other public transit options. MxD partners with ABM transportation to provide free shuttle service from various public transit stops around the Downtown Chicago area to MxD. Also, MxD has free parking available for employees.

+ Flexible Work Policy

• MxD recognizes the importance of providing flexibility for employees to balance work responsibilities with personal obligations and commitments. Specific feasibility of Flexible Work Arrangements is determined by specific roles and supervisors.

+ Anti-Discrimination Policy and Commitment to Diversity

• MxD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse environment in our workplace, our communities, and within the tech industry. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, economic circumstance, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor H1B visas currently.