Project Manager of Creative Services

University Communication (UC) translates ECU's message into strategic and compelling communication and campaigns through the university web site, news releases, its official social media, East magazine, storytelling, production of promotional videos and video news stories along with infographics, creation and development of promotional brochures, and annual reports. The purpose is to provide strategic communication and marketing guidance and support to increase the knowledge, understanding, appreciation and support of the University and its work with broad and varied constituencies, from prospective students to identified thought leaders to prospective donors.

Through ECU News Services UC performs media relations, public affairs, internal communication and strategic communication work on behalf of the university and reports and disseminates information about events, activities, research, policies, individuals and alumni of the University, both through the media, videos, ecu.edu, the university website and through owned publications and other forums.

UC, through Creative Services, works with all university departments to conceptualize, design, develop, and produce written, audio-visual, digital and print projects to brand, communicate, and market their messages to appropriate audiences. Creative Services also provides strategic marketing advice for the university, including performing advertising buys for the university.

The Project Manager ensures that creative work-ranging from marketing campaigns and digital content to print materials and multimedia assets-is executed efficiently, aligned with brand standards, and designed to support institutional visibility and engagement. The Project Manager provides essential operational support to the Director of Brand Management and Creative Services by helping streamline processes, enhance workflow systems, and helps to foster an "under-the-tent" brand and creative philosophy that strengthens brand governance across campus. Through thoughtful project oversight, consistent service delivery, and a focus on quality and alignment, the Project Manager contributes directly to elevating and reinforcing the university's brand across all audiences and platforms.

Position Summary
The Project Manager oversees the coordination, scheduling, and delivery of creative projects that support the university's brand, marketing, and communication priorities. This position provides operational and planning support to the Director of Brand Management and Creative Services, with a focus on improving workflow efficiency, supporting brand consistency, and enhancing the effectiveness of creative services. The role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and a commitment to providing high-quality customer service. The Project Manager must be able to communicate clearly and professionally with campus stakeholders at all levels, including faculty, staff, administrators, and external partners.

40% Project Coordination and Execution
* Manage daily operations of creative projects, including development of project scopes, schedules, deliverables, and facilitating project kick-offs and consultations with stakeholders.
* Coordinate resources and timelines in collaboration with creative staff and external partners.
* Monitor project progress and implement corrective actions to ensure timely, high-quality completion.
* Maintain accurate project records, including briefs, schedules, and approvals.

20% Client and Stakeholder Relations
* Manage stakeholder expectations
* Serve as a primary contact for campus clients, ensuring timely, professional, and solutions-oriented service.
* Gather requirements and translate client needs into clear project direction.
* Communicate project expectations, timelines, and updates to stakeholders.
* Facilitate review and approval processes between clients and creative staff.
* Advocate and re-direct clients toward best practices in design and brand representation, as needed.
* Support initiatives set forth by the Director in campus-wide brand unification, awareness, and affinity efforts.

15% Workflow, Quality, and Compliance
* Support the implementation of operational practices that improve efficiency and consistency across the department.
* Identify issues that may impact workflow or quality and recommend improvements when appropriate.
* Assist in monitoring project pipelines to maintain balanced workloads and meet service expectations.
* Manage creative operations software and tools with quarterly reviews of project routing to eliminate bottlenecks and potential delays.
* Relay the importance of brand compliance in all project work.

10% Team Collaboration
* Coordinate with designers, writers, photographers, videographers, and vendors to support project execution.
* Provide guidance to junior project staff as needed.
* Promote a collaborative, positive, professional, and service-focused work environment.
* Communicate departmental priorities and project requirements as directed by the Director.

15% Support for Departmental Operations
* Assist the Director in initiatives to streamline processes, improve project throughput, and support departmental growth.
* Participate in the development and maintenance of project intake, prioritization, and workflow procedures.
* Provide regular project status updates, documentation, and reports to support decision-making and departmental planning.
* Contribute to efforts that reinforce brand standards and institutional alignment.

Contingent Upon Availability of Funds

* Bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations, communications, project management, or a related field.
* Three years of project management experience, preferably in a creative services, agency, or marketing environment.
* Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
* Strong communication, organizational, and customer service skills.
* Working knowledge of creative production workflows and brand management principles.
* Proficiency with project management software and workflow tools.

None

* Five or more years of relevant project management or agency traffic experience.
* Experience working within higher education.
* Familiarity with graphic design terminology.
* Master's degree in a related field.
* PMP (Project Management Professional) or similar certification.

East Carolina University requires applicants to submit a candidate profile online in order to be considered for the position. Candidates must also submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references, including contact information, online.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full time basis.

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable.

East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees. ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act ( ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/ TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.