Associate Creative Director

Digital Media / Content StrategistLocation: In-person / CIST Administrative Office / Austin, TexasEmployment Type: Full-Time, ExemptReports to: Chief Brand and Growth OfficerSupervises: None; may direct external design/production vendors on projectsStarting Salary: $6,666.67 / monthAbout Communities In SchoolsRooted in community for over 40 years, Communities In Schools of Central Texas (CISCT) is a sophisticated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Austin, Texas. Communities In Schools (CIS) is a national organization that ensures every student has what they need to realize their full potential in school and beyond. At CISCT, our mission is simple: surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.Position Summary We believe brand is not just how we look or sound, it is trust, credibility, and belief. The Associate Creative Director builds the visual system that makes that belief visible: consistent, polished, and unmistakably CISCT across every school, screen, and community space. Reporting to the Chief Brand and Growth Officer, this role turns brand strategy into the templates, guidelines, and creative the whole organization relies on.The Associate Creative Director will:Build and steward CIS's visual identity system so the brand looks and feels consistent across 120+ schoolsDevelop strong and provocative brand campaigns that fill audience gaps and lead to growthTurn brand strategy into templates, guidelines, and design assets the entire organization can useRaise the quality and polish of CIS's materials to match the strength of its modelPartner with the Chief Brand and Growth Officer and Digital Media / Content Strategist so creative fuels awareness, growth, and givingThe Creative Leader We're Looking ForA systems-builder who loves templates, guidelines, and consistencyA hands-on designer and a creative director in equal measureCulturally responsive and community-mindedOrganized, fast, and quality-obsessedCollaborative, builds with people, not just for themWhat You'll DoVisual Identity & Brand SystemOwn and evolve CIS's visual identity, brand guidelines, and design standardsBuild a template library, impact reports, one-pagers, decks, flyers, newsletters, social frames, that improves visual hierarchy and saves production timeEnsure the CIS brand works alongside, not against, school-district brandingCreative Production & QualityLead graphic design and creative direction across print and digital materialsRefresh the photo and video library and establish a simple photo-consent workflowBring polish, accessibility, and cultural responsiveness (including bilingual design) to every pieceBrand Enablement & ConsistencyEquip staff and campuses to use the brand correctly with tools, quick guides, and trainingSupport campus materials with cleaner, on-brand designHelp stand up brand-ambassador materialsBrand Experience & TouchpointsDesign consistent, memorable touchpoints: events, activations, the in-school "CIS room," and merchCollaborate on the creative for the annual awareness campaignCollaborationPartner with the Digital Media / Content Strategist so assets perform across channelsSupport the CBGO on board, funder, and executive materialsManage design vendors on major projectsWhat You Bring Experience & QualificationsRequired5+ years in graphic design and/or creative direction, including building brand systems and templatesA strong portfolio demonstrating brand identity, visual hierarchy, and multi-format design (print and digital)Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and CanvaExperience creating brand guidelines and scalable template systemsStrong collaboration and project-management skills in a fast-paced environmentPreferredNonprofit marketing experience is not necessary but preferredExperience designing for education, youth development, or social impactBilingual (English/Spanish) or experience with multilingual, multicultural designPhotography, videography, or data-visualization skillsMust reside in Central TexasWhy Join CIS?Mission-driven work – Be part of a team that changes the trajectory of students' lives.Professional growth – Ongoing training, supervision, and career pathways into director-level roles.Community impact – Build partnerships that extend beyond the classroom.Generous paid time of f: 4+ weeks of holidays, 2 weeks of vacation time, personal days and sick daysComprehensive Health Coverage: 100% employer-paid employee medical plan available, plus family subsidies, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan with employer matchCommunity-centered culture focused on impact, growth, and connectionCommunities In Schools of Central Texas is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.