Creative Services Manager

Job Type Full-timeDescriptionThe Living DesertJob DescriptionJob Title: CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER/EDITORDepartment: Marketing & CommunicationsExemption: ExemptReports to: Vice President of Marketing & CommunicationPOSITION SUMMARYThe Living Desert seeks an exceptional Creative Services Manager/Editor to lead our internal creative team as both storyteller and creative director. This unique role combines editorial excellence with strong visual creative judgment, requiring someone who can craft compelling narratives while guiding the visual expression of our brand across all touchpoints.Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing and Communications, you will manage a four-person creative team including a graphic designer, visual content specialist (photographer/videographer), and project coordinator. You'll be responsible for developing long-form content, maintaining brand standards (both written and visual), and ensuring every piece of communication reflects our passion for conservation while creating transformative visitor experiences.The ideal candidate brings both the writing expertise to develop, review layouts, and guide the team's overall creative output. You should be equally comfortable editing an annual report as providing creative direction on an exhibition graphic or reviewing photo compositions for a marketing campaign.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESContent Development & WritingDevelop compelling long- and short-form content for annual reports, FoxPaws member magazine, annual fundraising campaigns, membership materials, donor materials, website, and exhibit signageCraft messaging that balances conservation storytelling with visitor engagement to drive attendanceTranslate complex conservation science into accessible, inspiring narratives for diverse audiencesBrand Voice & Visual StandardsOwn, evolve, and implement The Living Desert's copy style guide to establish a distinctive written voiceManage Graphic Designer to maintain cohesive visual brand standardsEnsure consistency of voice, tone, messaging, and visual aesthetic across all organizational communicationsProofread and edit all marketing materials to maintain brand standards and editorial excellenceDefine and execute publication content that authentically reflect our mission and valuesReview all creative work (internal and external) for both editorial and visual qualityCreative Direction & Visual OversightReview and approve layouts, designs, and visual treatments to ensure brand consistency and creative excellenceGuide photography and videography direction to achieve desired aesthetic and storytelling goalsCollaborate with Graphic Designer on publication layouts, ensuring visual hierarchy supports written contentManage Visual Content Specialist, providing direction on composition, image selection, and visual storytelling approachEnsure visual and written brand elements work together harmoniously across all touchpointsDigital Asset & Content ManagementOversee management of the organization's content asset management system (currently Air)Maintain organized digital libraries of written and visual content, ensuring accessibility and version controlDevelop workflows and systems for efficient content creation, creative review, approval, and distributionTeam Leadership & Creative DevelopmentLead and mentor a four-person creative team: graphic designer, visual content specialist, and project coordinatorFoster a collaborative, creative environment that produces outstanding work across both editorial and visual disciplinesProvide creative direction and constructive feedback that elevates team members' workConduct performance reviews and support professional developmentCoordinate cross-functional projects ensuring quality, consistency, and on-time deliveryBalance hands-on execution with strategic creative leadershipBudget & Vendor ManagementDevelop and manage budgets for creative services including printing, freelance designers, photographers and writers, and video production servicesSource and manage relationships with external creative vendorsEnsure cost-effective delivery of all creative projectsReview vendor creative work for quality and brand alignmentProject ManagementUtilize to track projects, deadlines, and team workflowsPrioritize competing demands and manage multiple projects simultaneouslyCollaborate with marketing team members and other departments to meet organizational objectivesLead creative review meetings and facilitate productive feedback sessionsPublications LeadershipLead development of FoxPaws member magazine (editorial content and art direction)Oversee production annual report (writing, design direction, and production)Manage publication timelines and stakeholder reviewsRequirementsQUALIFICATIONSRequired:Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Design, or related field7-10 years of progressive experience in creative leadership roles combining writing/editing with creative directionExceptional writing and editing skills across multiple formats and audiencesStrong visual creative judgment with ability to art direct, review layouts, and provide constructive design feedbackProven ability to lead creative teams and provide direction that elevates their workExperience developing and maintaining both copy style guides and visual brand standardsStrong project management skills with ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environmentDemonstrated budget management experiencePortfolio demonstrating both exceptional writing samples and evidence of creative direction/visual judgmentPreferred:Experience in nonprofit organizations, conservation, museums, or AZA-accredited institutionsBackground in environmental science, natural history, or conservationExperience with scientific or technical writing for general audiencesArt direction or design background/trainingUnderstanding of SEO and digital content best practicesExperience leading integrated creative teams (writers, designers, photographers)TECHNICAL SKILLSRequired proficiency in:Digital asset management systems (Air or similar DAM platforms)Project management software ( or similar)Email marketing platforms (Brevo or similar ESP)Content management systems (WordPress)Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)Comfortable reviewing and providing feedback on design files (Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator PDFs)Preferred experience with:Basic design software knowledge for mockups or concept developmentPhotography fundamentals and composition principlesVideo editing and production workflowsWORK ENVIRONMENT & ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONThis is a full-time, on-site position based at The Living Desert in Palm Desert, CaliforniaStandard office environment with occasional work in outdoor/zoo settings for content gathering and installation managementLimited travel required for off-site shoots, conferences, or professional developmentWeekend and/or evening work may be required during special eventsThis position offers the unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful conservation work while leading a talented creative team and shaping how hundreds of thousands of visitors connect with our missionPhysical Position Description:ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL TASKS: Occasional standing, walking, bending, twisting, some lifting up to 50 lbs. Safely operating print and production machinery.TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Primarily an office environment, occasionally on-grounds.HOLIDAY/EVENING WORK: Occasional Holiday, weekend, and evening work.TRAVEL: Occasional travel to vendors and suppliers. Licenses and/or Certificates:Must hold valid California Driver License and be insurable on The Living Desert's auto policy.Salary Description $80,000.00 - $90,000.00/Yr

Created: 2026-04-02