Sr. Manager, Creative & Design

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Concept, design, and produce visually striking integrated campaigns for MPI's events, education programs, and membership initiatives across digital, print, and on-site environments.
• Translate strategic objectives and campaign briefs into creative solutions that drive engagement, action, and brand affinity.
• Collaborate with marketing managers to ensure alignment of visuals with messaging, audience segmentation, and business goals.
• Lead the execution of assets including email banners, web graphics, event branding, digital signage, social graphics, print ads, and presentations.
• Ensure creative deliverables are completed on time, within scope, and optimized for each platform or format.
• Own and evolve MPI's visual identity system, including typography, color palette, photography style, and brand templates.
• Ensure consistency of design across all touchpoints while allowing flexibility for innovation and sub-brand differentiation.
• Create and maintain brand guidelines, visual libraries, and scalable templates for internal use.
• Guide the visual direction of MPI's flagship magazine The Meeting Professional in collaboration with editorial and contracted design teams.
• Partner with marketing, content, web, education, events, and membership teams to understand project goals and translate them into creative strategies.
• Act as creative lead in internal kickoffs and reviews; present and articulate design rationale to non-design audiences.
• Provide design feedback and mentorship to junior designers, contractors, and freelancers; manage workflows through platforms like Workfront.
• Collaborate with agencies, editorial designers, video producers, and motion graphics partners to elevate creative output.
• Stay ahead of design and marketing trends, bringing inspiration and thought leadership to the team.
• Integrate user insights, cultural relevance, and emerging tools (including AI workflows) to drive innovation.
• Foster a collaborative, fast-moving, and curious creative culture grounded in empathy for MPI members and a desire to deliver value.
• Participate in cross-functional brainstorming, prototyping, and storytelling initiatives.
• Represent the MPI Brand team at internal meetings, planning sessions, and industry events as needed.

Requirements

• Strong visual sensibility, creative agility, and the ability to bring bold ideas to life across print and digital channels.
• Experience leading creative projects from concept through execution in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to translate strategic objectives into compelling visual solutions.
• Proficiency in managing multiple campaigns and projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Experience in developing and maintaining brand identity systems, including typography, color, and templates.
• Excellent collaboration skills with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Ability to provide mentorship and feedback to junior team members and contractors.
• Knowledge of current design and marketing trends, including emerging tools and AI workflows.
• Strong communication skills to present and articulate design rationale to non-design audiences.

Nice to Have

• Experience with digital signage, event branding, and on-site environments.
• Familiarity with platforms like Workfront or similar project management tools.
• Knowledge of motion graphics, video production, or related creative disciplines.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, innovative organizational culture.

Qualifications

• Professional experience in creative design, branding, or related fields.
• Proven ability to lead creative projects and manage multiple stakeholders.

Benefits & Perks

• Travel opportunities (10% travel requirement).