The creative services operations manager will identify what assets are needed to start a project and ensure clear deliverables, set and monitor deadlines, and keep track of schedules. The creative services operations manager takes initiative to ensure all aspects of production are running smoothly. To do this, the creative services operations manager works effectively while collaborating with team members and supporting deadline-driven projects. They approach all work with a focus on expanding brand awareness through the timely execution of projects.

The creative services operations manager is responsible for the intake of new requests, sourcing and organizing job assets, organization of project schedules and assignments, and monitoring progress toward to completion. In this role, the creative services operations manager works as part of a team as well as with colleagues across the university and with third-party vendors, such as printers. The creative services operations manager works within the project management system and champions tools and processes that increase team efficiency and effectiveness.

This position reports to the executive director, communications and creative services. This is a full-time hybrid role with a minimum of two required days at Excelsior's home office of 7 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY, with the remainder of the days worked from home.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Oversee work management and planning functions for Marketing (communications and creative services) team. Set and lead production and status meetings.
• Assist with prioritization of work and resourcing for projects.
• Manage project intake: monitor for new job requests, convert requests to projects by developing project timelines and assigning tasks, and managing progress to completion.
• Ensure requests support strategic goals and the team has all assets and information needed to start a project and that all deliverables are clearly identified. This could require conversations with the requestor to finalize the job request.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with graphic designers and vendors to secure project estimates; coordinate production schedules with vendors; and facilitate the sending of files, approval of proofs, and receipt of invoices.
• Lead the contract and requisition process for contractors and vendors, ensuring alignment with budget.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of processes, tools, and templates.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and leadership to initiate and/or advance projects and initiatives.
• Track progress, identify and resolve dependencies, mitigate risks, and communicate project status to team.
• Measure project performance using appropriate systems, tools, and techniques and help identify and implement opportunities for improvement.
• Train new team members in the use of the project management system.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or related degree, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working in marketing, creative services, operations, or project management.
• Strong project management, organization, and communications skills.
• Ability to work with creative teams (writers, editors, designers, videographers).
• Ability to successfully balance competing priorities and shift from project to project within the workday.
• Strong interpersonal skills that facilitate intra-unit and institution-wide teamwork.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently.
• Experience with project management and using work management tools.
• Familiarity with print production a plus.
• Experience in the higher education industry a plus.
• Experience working in an agency environment or busy creative team preferred.

The hiring salary range for this position is $68,000.00 - $72,000.00. The hiring salary range above represents the University's good faith estimate at the time of posting.