Senior Brand Manager

Senior Brand Manager

It is inspiring to work in an organization where individuals are deeply committed to the mission and values that drive our success. We are dedicated to delivering expert pension service to Illinois public educators as they earn their promised retirement security.

Job Summary

The Senior Brand Manager leads the strategy, execution, and governance of the Teachers' Retirement System's brand identity and creative output across all channels and audiences. This role serves as the organization's central authority for visual storytelling and creative production, overseeing graphic design, video, photography, and multimedia content. This position ensures a cohesive, high-quality, and accessible brand presence that reflects TRS's mission and effectively supports member communications, employer engagement, and investment-related materials. The Senior Brand Manager reports to the Chief Communications and Engagement Officer and works in close partnership with TRS leadership. This role drives consistent and impactful brand expression across all communications, productions, and platforms. The position also collaborates with the Communications team to ensure content quality, editorial standards, and alignment with enterprise priorities and deliverables. The ideal candidate is a strategic creative leader with expertise in brand governance, design, and team leadership, capable of translating complex priorities into clear, compelling communications.

Essential Functions

• Lead the development and ongoing evolution of TRS's brand strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Establish and enforce brand standards, including visual identity, messaging, and tone across all communications.
• Oversee all creative production (design, video, photography, multimedia) to ensure quality, consistency, and effectiveness.
• Provide creative direction and final approval for major deliverables, including campaigns, publications, reports, and presentations.
• Translate complex organizational priorities into clear, engaging visual communications.
• Manage creative workflows, project intake, and production timelines to ensure efficient delivery.
• Oversee planning and execution of video and photography projects, including vendor coordination.
• Maintain brand governance tools, including style guides, templates, and asset libraries.
• Partner with the communications team to ensure consistent brand execution across digital platforms.
• Partner with Manager Editor to ensure clarity, accuracy, consistency, and quality across all written materials.
• Collaborate with leadership and cross-functional teams to support organizational initiatives and communications.
• Ensure all materials meet accessibility (ADA/WCAG) and inclusive design standards.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and support RFP/RFI processes as needed.
• Advise leadership on branding trends and opportunities to enhance visual storytelling.
• Support crisis communications and high-priority initiatives as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strong expertise in brand strategy, creative direction, and visual identity systems.

• Experience leading multidisciplinary creative teams.

• Ability to translate complex information into clear, visually compelling content.

• Knowledge of video production, photography, and multimedia storytelling.

• Strong understanding of brand governance and digital integration.

• Strong project management and organizational abilities.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design principles.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite or similar tools.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Visual Communications, or related field.

• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in brand management, creative direction, or visual communications, preferably within a public sector, financial services, or complex organization.

• Experience leading creative teams and managing brand standards at an enterprise level.

• Strong portfolio demonstrating brand systems and multi-channel work.

• Experience overseeing design, video, and photography functions.

• Experience developing brand guidelines, templates, and governance tools.

• Familiarity with digital platforms and collaboration with digital teams preferred.

Please note: The salary range listed for this position is based on the Springfield, IL market. The salary range for Lisle is $96,910 - $151,179.

If you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy collaborating with driven, enthusiastic professionals, you will find a rewarding career with us.

For Illinois job seekers:

Pay Range

$92,295.10 - $143,980.00

Compensation will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of each candidate.

Benefits

TRS is an agency of the State of Illinois. As such, full and part-time employees are eligible for the State of Illinois comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental and vision coverage. All employees participate in the TRS retirement pension plan and have the option to contribute to additional State of Illinois deferred compensation plans. The TRS pension plan is a reciprocal system to other state and local pension plans (SERS, SURS, IMRF, etc.)