Brand & Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Brand & Design Manager Company: Seattle Children's Theatre Location: Seattle, Washington, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing / Creative & Media / Art & Design Date Posted: 2026-02-06 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in-office, 1 day remote after 90 days)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development and execution of comprehensive visual strategies across marketing, education, and development departments to enhance sales, fundraising, and organizational storytelling.
• Lead and maintain brand identity across all communication channels, ensuring visual consistency and adherence to established brand guidelines for internal teams and external partners.
• Drive the creation of key visuals and branding for high-priority, large-scale projects, including season launches, fundraising events, and drama school campaigns, with a focus on impactful and unique visual solutions.
• Manage and mentor a Social Media and Graphic Design Specialist, providing clear creative direction, strategic guidance, and ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of design assets and social media content.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for shaping the external perception and internal brand cohesion of Seattle Children's Theatre. It requires a blend of strategic brand thinking, hands-on design execution, and team leadership, with a strong emphasis on translating the organization's mission and values into compelling visual narratives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Marketing Director to define and implement the overarching visual strategy for key initiatives, including single-ticket campaigns, fundraising efforts, and educational programming.
• Develop, meticulously maintain, and enforce organizational brand guidelines to ensure consistent application and integrity across all platforms, materials, and by all stakeholders.
• Oversee the creation of branding and essential visuals for significant marketing projects, such as annual season launches, major fundraising events, and drama school promotions, while also providing design support during periods of high demand.
• Steward and organize all brand assets, including photography and video libraries, ensuring efficient management and accessibility across digital storage platforms like Canva, SharePoint, and Smugmug.
• Partner with the Associate Director of Marketing Operations to effectively track design project timelines, scopes, and deliverables, fostering alignment with internal stakeholders and ensuring project success.
• Guide and develop the Social Media and Graphic Design Specialist, ensuring they have clear creative direction, necessary assets, and strategic insight to execute their responsibilities effectively and meet deadlines.
• Contribute proactively to the organization's culture, embodying equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in all design and branding efforts.
• Support the organization's mission, vision, and values through all visual communications and design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic brand stewardship and hands-on creative execution. The role requires a leader who can not only conceptualize visual direction but also manage its implementation and mentor junior talent. The emphasis on collaboration with various departments and operations personnel underscores the need for strong project management and communication skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent experience and skills in graphic design and brand management is essential. The organization values transferable skills and diverse backgrounds.

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of professional graphic design experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in brand management or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in managing creative projects and ensuring brand consistency.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Expertise: Proven ability to create compelling visual concepts and execute them across various media.
• Brand Strategy & Management: Deep understanding of brand development, identity, and guideline enforcement.
• Visual Storytelling: Capability to translate organizational goals and narratives into impactful visual communications.
• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level skills in industry-standard design software (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, adhering to timelines and stakeholder requirements.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for clear articulation of design concepts and collaboration with diverse teams.
• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage asset libraries, project workflows, and maintain meticulous records.
• Interpersonal Skills: Adept at building relationships, providing feedback, and collaborating effectively with colleagues and external partners.
• Interest in Theatre & Mission Alignment: A genuine passion for theatre and a commitment to Seattle Children's Theatre's mission and values.
• Adaptability: Ability to take abstract ideas and transform them into concrete, unique visual strategies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in brand design, particularly in developing new brand identities or refreshing existing ones.
• Background working within the non-profit sector or a performing arts organization.
• Familiarity with Canva for design and asset management.
• Experience with digital asset management (DAM) systems or similar platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Smugmug).
• Mentorship or team leadership experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a demonstrable interest in theatre and the organization's mission, alongside the "skills-based hiring" approach, suggests that passion and proven ability will be weighed heavily. Candidates should be prepared to showcase how their design and brand management skills directly support the goals of a non-profit arts organization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 4 years of graphic design work, demonstrating a range of styles and applications across digital and print media.
• Specific examples of brand identity development, brand guideline creation, and successful implementation across multiple campaigns or projects.
• Case studies illustrating the development of visual strategy for sales, fundraising, or storytelling initiatives, highlighting the process from concept to execution.
• Examples of how you have managed brand assets and ensured visual consistency across diverse platforms.
• Evidence of creating key visuals for significant marketing projects or events.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a clear process for developing and executing visual strategies, from initial concept to final delivery, including stakeholder alignment and feedback loops.
• Showcase your approach to creating and enforcing brand guidelines, including how you manage adoption and adherence across teams.
• Outline your methodology for managing digital assets, including organization, maintenance, and accessibility for various users.
• Provide examples of how you have mentored or managed junior designers, including your approach to creative direction and performance feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating capability. Candidates should curate their portfolio to directly address the responsibilities of this role, emphasizing brand strategy, campaign visuals, and team management. Quantifiable results or impact where possible will strengthen the submission.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $30.21 per hour (non-exempt, Grade 24). This is a fixed hourly rate, indicating a transparent and equitable compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Employer-paid coverage for employees. Specific details can be explored via the provided SCT Benefits Website (Password: sct).
• Vacation Time: 80 hours annually.
• Sick Time: 96 hours annually.
• Retirement Plan: Optional 403(b) plan available for employee contributions.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Options: Pre-tax savings for healthcare or dependent care expenses.
• ORCA Passport: Commuter benefit for public transportation.
• Discounted Parking: Available for employees.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position typically scheduled for 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required for events. Flexible scheduling can be discussed as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fixed hourly rate reflects the organization's commitment to pay equity. The benefits package is comprehensive, with employer-paid health insurance being a significant advantage. The hybrid work arrangement, with one remote day after the probationary period, offers a good work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Performing Arts (Children's Theatre) and Arts Education. Seattle Children's Theatre (SCT) is a well-established institution with a rich history dating back to 1975, dedicated to providing professional theatre and arts education. Company Size: As a non-profit theatre, SCT likely operates with a dedicated, mission-driven team, fostering a collaborative and passionate work environment. The exact employee count isn't specified but is implied to be a medium-sized organization within the arts sector. Founded: 1975. This long history signifies stability and a deep-rooted connection to its community.

Team Structure:

• This role is part of the Marketing Department, reporting directly to the Marketing Director.
• The Brand & Design Manager will manage the Social Media and Graphic Design Specialist, indicating a small but impactful creative team.
• Close collaboration is expected with other departments, including Education and Development, requiring strong cross-functional communication and partnership skills.

Methodology:

• Brand Integrity: A core focus on maintaining a consistent and high-quality brand identity across all organizational outputs.
• Mission-Driven Creativity: Visual strategies and designs are expected to directly support SCT's mission of providing access to professional theatre and arts education for children.
• Equity, Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (EDI): A stated commitment to EDI in all areas of work, which should be reflected in the team's practices and creative output.
• Collaborative Approach: The role requires working closely with various departments and the Marketing Director to align on creative vision and project execution.

Company Website: http://www.sct.org

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be deeply rooted in its mission and values, with a strong emphasis on EDI. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with these principles. The reporting structure is clear, and the opportunity to influence the internal and external brand narrative is significant.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level role within the marketing function, akin to a specialized manager position. It requires significant experience in both graphic design and brand management, with leadership responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: The Brand & Design Manager reports directly to the Marketing Director, providing a clear line of accountability and strategic alignment. They will also manage a direct report, the Social Media and Graphic Design Specialist.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on how Seattle Children's Theatre is perceived by its audience, donors, and community. Effective visual branding and strategic design enhance ticket sales, fundraising success, and overall brand recognition and loyalty. The role contributes to the "storytelling" aspect, which is crucial for non-profit engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in brand strategy, campaign development, and potentially explore new design technologies or methodologies within the arts context.
• Leadership Experience: Direct management of a team member provides valuable experience in mentorship, performance management, and delegation.
• Strategic Influence: As a key member of the Marketing team, there's potential to influence broader marketing strategies and contribute to the organization's long-term brand vision.
• Industry Exposure: Working within a respected children's theatre offers unique experience in arts marketing and non-profit branding, which can be a valuable career differentiator.

📝 Enhancement Note: For candidates seeking to grow their brand leadership and team management skills within the arts sector, this role offers a solid platform. The impact is tangible, influencing engagement and support for a mission-driven organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based in a typical office setting at Seattle Children's Theatre's location (201 Thomas St, Seattle, WA). This environment is conducive to focused design work and collaborative team interactions. Office Location(s): The primary office is in Seattle, WA, with accessibility via public transportation noted.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires significant collaboration with the Marketing Director, the Graphic Design Specialist, and other departments, suggesting an open and communicative workspace.
• Tools and Technology: Access to standard office equipment, computers, phones, and likely a robust design software setup (Adobe Creative Suite). The mention of Canva, SharePoint, and Smugmug indicates specific digital tools for asset management.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the marketing team and broader organizational staff are inherent in the role.

Work Schedule: The standard schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. However, the role necessitates flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work to support events. The hybrid arrangement offers one remote workday per week after a 90-day introductory period, balancing in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The environment is typical for a non-profit arts organization, emphasizing collaboration and mission focus. The hybrid model offers a modern work arrangement, but candidates must be prepared for the demands of event-driven work in the arts sector.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of resumes and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and creative output.
• First Interview: May be with the Marketing Director to discuss experience, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. This is where initial portfolio presentation might occur.
• Skills/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session or assignment to evaluate design skills, brand management approach, and understanding of visual strategy. This could involve a presentation of past work or a small design challenge.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with other key stakeholders or department heads to ensure alignment across the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best align with the role's requirements: brand management, visual strategy, campaign design, and asset management.
• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly outline the challenge, your role, your creative process, the tools used, and the outcome. Emphasize how your work met the client's or organization's objectives.
• Highlight Brand Consistency: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to maintain brand integrity across various applications and media.
• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Explain why you made certain design choices, linking them to marketing goals, audience engagement, or fundraising objectives.
• Include Variety: Showcase a range of design work (e.g., campaign visuals, social media graphics, event branding, internal communications) if possible.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate (e.g., PDF, personal website).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing visual strategies for SCT's specific needs (e.g., season launch, fundraising campaign, drama school enrollment).
• Consider how you would mentor and guide the Social Media and Graphic Design Specialist.
• Think about how you would ensure brand consistency across different departments and external vendors.
• Review SCT's current branding and marketing materials. Identify strengths and areas where you might offer improvements or fresh perspectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily rely on the candidate's portfolio. Demonstrating a clear, strategic approach to design and brand management, coupled with an understanding of SCT's mission, will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency is a mandatory requirement. This includes:
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and complex illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of print materials (brochures, posters, season brochures).
• Canva: Preferred skill, indicating its use for faster content creation or for less complex design tasks by various team members.
• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Platforms: Experience with systems like:
  • SharePoint: For document sharing and team collaboration.
  • Smugmug: Likely used for photo/video hosting and distribution.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly listed as a primary tool for this role, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., social media analytics, website traffic, campaign conversion rates) would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to this role's core functions, but awareness of how marketing campaigns are tracked and implemented within CRM systems might be helpful for understanding project context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Familiarity with Canva and DAM systems will be advantageous. Candidates should be comfortable discussing how their design tools integrate with broader marketing and organizational workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Equity, Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (EDI): A foundational value that permeates all aspects of work at SCT. Candidates are expected to actively contribute to and uphold these principles.
• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to SCT's mission of providing children with access to professional theatre and arts education. All work should align with and support this purpose.
• Collaboration: Emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams across departments to achieve shared goals.
• Creativity & Innovation: Encouragement to develop unique visual strategies and high-quality creative outputs.
• Professionalism: Maintaining high standards in work quality, communication, and organizational culture.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires close partnership with Marketing, Education, and Development teams, necessitating open communication and a willingness to understand and support different departmental needs.
• Feedback Exchange: An environment where constructive feedback on creative work is expected and valued, both given and received.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design best practices, trends, and insights within the marketing team and potentially across the organization.
• Mentorship: A culture that supports the growth and development of team members, as evidenced by the management of the Graphic Design Specialist.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to articulate how they embody EDI principles and how their design philosophy supports the mission of an arts organization. Demonstrating a collaborative spirit and the ability to give and receive constructive feedback will be crucial for cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Mission with Commercial Needs: Effectively translating the artistic and educational mission into visually appealing content that also drives ticket sales and fundraising.
• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring a unified brand identity across a wide range of marketing materials and departments, especially with external partners.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Collaborating with diverse departments (Marketing, Education, Development) each with unique visual requirements and priorities.
• Mentoring and Developing Talent: Effectively guiding and developing the Social Media and Graphic Design Specialist, potentially with varying levels of experience.
• Adapting to Evolving Design Trends: Staying current with design best practices and tools while remaining true to the organization's established brand.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Arts Marketing: Gaining in-depth experience in the unique demands and creative opportunities within arts and non-profit marketing.
• Brand Strategy Expansion: Opportunity to refine and expand strategic brand thinking within a mission-driven context.
• Leadership Skills: Developing team management and mentorship capabilities through direct supervision.
• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Understanding the broader operational and strategic goals of an arts organization through collaboration.
• Potential for New Technologies: Exploring and integrating new design tools or platforms that can enhance SCT's visual communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a brand-focused role in a dynamic non-profit. The growth opportunities are significant for individuals looking to specialize in arts marketing and develop leadership skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a visual strategy for our upcoming season launch, considering our mission and target audience?"
• "Describe your process for creating and enforcing brand guidelines. How would you ensure adoption across different departments and external partners?"
• "Walk us through a complex design project from concept to completion. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?"
• "How would you mentor and guide a junior designer to ensure high-quality output and professional growth?"
• "What steps would you take to ensure visual consistency across all our marketing materials, including digital, print, and social media?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about Seattle Children's Theatre and our mission?"
• "How do you approach fostering an inclusive and equitable environment in your creative work and team interactions?"
• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with stakeholders who had conflicting ideas. How did you manage it?"
• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how do you decide which are relevant to a specific brand?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, present it as a mini case study. Start with the objective, your role, your creative process, key design decisions, and the final outcome/impact.
• Highlight Strategy: Emphasize the strategic thinking behind your design choices, linking them to business or mission objectives.
• Showcase Process: Include sketches, mood boards, or early concepts to illustrate your design thinking and problem-solving approach.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have data on how your designs performed (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates), include it.
• Tailor to SCT: Select projects that resonate with the arts, non-profit sector, or demonstrate experience with similar campaign types (e.g., season launches, fundraising appeals).

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your design philosophy in the context of a non-profit arts organization. Your portfolio should clearly demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking and the ability to translate abstract concepts into tangible visual solutions that serve organizational goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Brand & Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Trakstar link.
• Curate your portfolio: Select your most relevant design and brand management projects, focusing on visual strategy, campaign execution, and brand guideline implementation. Ensure it's professionally presented.
• Tailor your resume: Highlight specific experience in graphic design (4+ years) and brand management (3+ years), using keywords from the job description such as "visual strategy," "brand identity," "Adobe Creative Suite," and "project management."
• Prepare your narrative: Be ready to discuss your interest in SCT's mission and how your skills align with the role's responsibilities, especially regarding EDI and arts advocacy.
• Research SCT: Familiarize yourself with Seattle Children's Theatre's current branding, marketing campaigns, and overall mission to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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