Creative Manager Job at Lehigh Valley Planning Commission in Allentown

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) and Lehigh Valley Transportation Study (LVTS) are hiring a Creative Manager to lead the communications team through the creative process from start to finish, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget. The successful candidate will need to possess strong leadership, management and communications skills that will inform the design, multi-media and web content. The Creative Manager will report to the Director of Communications and work with the team to develop creative concepts that maintain brand integrity across all platforms and communications material.

The LVPC/LVTS is a highly entrepreneurial and team-based office that places significant value on creativity as a vehicle for improving the livability, sustainability, equity and resiliency of the region. The Creative Manager is a key individual within the organization, turning data and land use and planning policy into communications that educate, spark public dialogue and generate excitement about the future of the region.      

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the communications team to develop creative concepts, strategies, and solutions that align with project goals and objectives.
• Manage team members that include designers, planners, and engineers to execute high-quality campaigns and projects.
• Set creative direction and maintain brand consistency across all materials and medias.
• Stay up to date with trends, technologies, and best practices in the creative field to continually innovate and improve results.
• Develop and manage project timelines, budgets and resources to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that encourages creativity, innovation and growth.
• Present creative concepts and campaign results to executive leadership and stakeholders and collaborate on revisions and adjustments as needed.
• Oversee the design layout of art for publications, exhibits, displays, promotional materials and electronic media, including the LVPC website, Facebook, X , Instagram and LinkedIn.
• Oversee the design layouts for print, online, social media and video publications, including preparing notes and instructions for printing and publication by third party vendors.
• Collaborate with others and develop graphics and layouts for project illustrations, infographics, logos, videos, displays, social media and web sites.
• Determine and recommend the best publication/media choice(s) to achieve work program goals and develop and review layouts, maps, photographs, infographics and other materials and suggest improvements as needed.
• Coordinate and collaborate with the Geographic Information Systems team members on static and interactive mapping.
• Prepare illustrations, sketches, media, discussing them with staff and/or clients or supervisors and making necessary changes.
• Draw detailed or technical illustrations.
• Create, edit and publish computer-generated graphics, video and animations.
• Create, edit and publish social media content in partnership with the Communications Team.
• Manage and maintain the LVPC website content and other project sites.
• Oversee the maintenance records and archive of images, photos, videos, media, maps, and previous work products.
• Take and edit photographs.
• Shoot and edit videos.
• Solicit proposals, select, collaborate and coordinate with outside vendors.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Information Technology literacy in standard industry platforms and utilizing standard industry equipment including:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are essential
• WordPress or other web design software.
• Microsoft Teams, Office; Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Social media literacy is a must and including Facebook/Meta, X , Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
• Any Other visual design and/or publications software should be noted in application materials.

Proficiency with video capture, editing and posting.

Proficiency taking photographs, editing and publishing.

Proficiency with web design and website management.

Basic understanding of Geographic Information Systems capabilities and limitations.

App development and smart device interoperability a plus but not required.

Good verbal and written communication skills.

Refined organizational skills, including time-management and project management abilities. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum qualifications for a Creative Manager shall consist of a bachelor’s degree in the field of marketing, graphic design, web design, video production, publications and/or visual communications, or a related field or equivalent experience; ten years of experience in creative profession with a minimum of five years of management. Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license required. Must be eligible to work in the United States of America.

SALARY

Grade 10: $77,506 - $112,383 annual salary, dependent on experience and qualifications, plus, excellent benefits, including but not limited to: paid time off, health, dental, and retirement. 

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission also, budgets for training and professional membership(s). The LVPC is active in the American Planning Association (national, state and regional,) National Association of Regional Councils, Urban Land Institute, Green Building United/US Green Building Council, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, ESRI, REMI, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, among other local, regional, state and national allied organizations and initiatives. Team members are encouraged to participate with partner entities.

HOW TO APPLY

Only e-mail submissions to jobs@lvpc.org will be accepted and must include:

1. Current resume detailing your education and experience
2. Letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications for this position and why you would like to be considered
3. Minimum of three (3) references with names, address, telephone number, e-mail and relationship information for each person  

d.     Include attachments and/or a link to your design portfolio/examples of your design work. Position finalists may be required to complete an on-site urban design exercise utilizing Adobe Creative Cloud.

Position open until filled. Review of applications and interviews will begin immediately.

TEAM COMMITMENT

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The LVPC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application or that need this announcement in an alternative format may call (610) 264-4544.

FURTHER INFORMATION

In Compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, applicants hired by LVPC must show acceptable proof of identity and evidence of authorization to work in the United States.

Visit www.lvpc.org for more information on the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, our work program, products and services.