ఉద్యోగ వివరణ

About the company

Noodle is a strategy, services, and technology partner focused on higher education. The company helps universities build the infrastructure, learning experiences, and awareness needed to strengthen enrollment and advance their mission of making a larger impact in the world.

The organization’s goal is to support universities with products and services that make them more resilient, responsive, efficient, and connected.

About the role

The Associate Creative Director, Design is a hands-on creative leadership role that guides concept development, strengthens team output, and helps bring campaigns and brand experiences to life from start to finish.

This position is ideal for a strategic thinker who approaches creative work as part of a larger brand system and story, not just as isolated deliverables. The role includes leading designers and producers, partnering with marketing colleagues, and acting as a key creative partner to university clients.

The work sits at the intersection of craft, strategy, and storytelling, with a direct influence on how prospective students discover and connect with partner institutions.

Core responsibilities

Shape brand and identity work across a wide range of projects, including institutional rebrands, advancement initiatives, and athletic identity systems, with strong attention to typography, layout, and visual structure.
Lead photo and video production from concept through post-production, including storytelling, storyboards, on-location direction, scheduling, permit coordination, and collection of talent and location releases.
Own creative campaign development end to end, starting with early concepts and internal reviews and continuing through client presentations and final production.
Study design trends, cultural changes, and competitor activity, then turn those insights into stronger creative direction and modern workflows, including AI-assisted tools where useful.
Manage, coach, and motivate designers, art directors, and video producers while supporting skill growth, feedback, and career development.
Set a strong creative standard for the team and help ensure work is delivered with quality, strategic focus, and efficiency.
Work closely with media, editorial, copy, and strategy partners to clarify scope, align expectations, and keep projects moving smoothly.
Improve team processes, workflows, and production systems so the creative function can scale effectively with less friction.
Partner with strategists and client stakeholders to understand each institution’s positioning, audience, and enrollment goals, then translate that context into effective creative strategies.
Present concepts, proposals, and campaigns to university partners and represent the creative team in meetings with confidence and clarity.
Use performance data, market insights, and campaign metrics to shape optimization and future concept development.
Apply knowledge of higher education recruitment marketing so creative aligns with enrollment stages, decision points, and audience sensitivities.

Requirements

At least 7 years of marketing experience; higher education experience is preferred.
At least 5 years of experience managing a design team, ideally in an agency environment.
Bachelor’s degree in design or a related field.
Strong understanding of higher-education recruitment and marketing best practices.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in English.
Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.
Must live in the continental United States and be located near a major airport, since travel to partner universities may be required up to 30% of the time.
Reliable high-speed internet and a quiet, organized remote workspace are required for camera-on, partner-facing meetings.
Availability during core business hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with minor flexibility depending on time zone.

Preferred experience

Experience working with nonprofit and/or education organizations.
Experience managing video vendors or freelance production crews.
Comfort working in a small, agile team environment.

Benefits

Remote-first flexibility, with the option to work from the NYC office if preferred.
Company-provided computer and charger.
401(k) with company match and equity opportunities.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families, including mental health support through Headspace and Talkspace.
Employer-paid life and disability insurance.
Optional supplemental coverage such as life, accident, critical illness, and hospital insurance.
HSA, FSA, commuter benefits, and other pre-tax savings options.
Employee Assistance Program.
Paid parental leave.
Wellness programs and resources.
Free Calm subscription.
Employee discount program.
Four weeks of paid vacation, 10 paid holidays, and paid sick leave.
Monthly mobile connectivity stipend.
Annual education stipend.
Growth-oriented environment with opportunities to develop within the company.

Eligibility and work authorization

This role is open to candidates based in the United States who are legally permitted to live and work there. Employment requires continued U.S. residency for the full duration of the role.

The company encourages candidates to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification, and it values both current experience and future potential.

Equal opportunity and hiring note

The employer follows an inclusive hiring approach and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds. Women, people of color, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, and other underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Hiring decisions are made without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status.

The company may use artificial intelligence tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist recruiters but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

Associate Creative Director, Design