Creative Manager

Description

Who we are:

Veteran Benefits Guide (VBG) was founded by a former United States Marine with the goal of ensuring that Veterans receive accurate disability benefits in a timely manner. Since it was founded, VBG has guided more than 35,000 Veterans through the complicated Veteran Affairs (VA) disability claims process. As a company founded by a Veteran and staffed by many Veterans and families of Veterans, VBG is committed to advocating for policies that protect the rights and interests of former service members.

Who we’re looking for:

The creative manager is the company’s top creative leader, responsible for shaping, executing, and evolving the visual and creative expression of the brand. This role blends high-level creative direction with hands-on design execution and requires someone equally comfortable setting a vision and doing the work to bring it to life.

This is a highly visible role that partners closely with marketing, communications, and internal stakeholders to deliver compelling creative across channels. The creative manager will serve as the organization's first-line graphic designer, stewarding the brand and driving creative strategy.

Essential functions:

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Creative leadership and brand stewardship

• Own the visual identity of the brand and ensure consistency, quality, and clarity across all touchpoints.
• Recommend and implement thoughtful evolutions to the brand’s visual system as the organization grows.
• Serve as the primary creative advisor to the senior director of marketing and communications and key internal partners.

Hands-on design and execution

• Act as the company’s primary graphic designer, producing high-quality creative assets as needed.
• Design for a wide range of needs, including digital, print, presentations, campaigns, events, and internal communications.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, balancing speed, quality, and strategic intent.

Campaign and storytelling development

• Concept and help execute integrated marketing campaigns that support organizational goals.
• Collaborate on the development of commercials, videos, and other multimedia storytelling, from concept through production.
• Translate complex ideas into clear, engaging visual narratives.

Cross-functional collaboration

• Partner with marketing, communications, and engagement teams to align creative output with strategy.
• Work effectively with internal stakeholders to clarify objectives, timelines, and deliverables.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, freelancers, or agencies as needed.

Qualifications or competencies:

Required

• Advanced proficiency in industry-standard design tools and software.
• Proven ability to work independently and take full ownership of creative projects from start to finish.
• Strong understanding of branding, visual systems, and design best practices.
• Experience collaborating with marketing and communications teams on integrated strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects independently, prioritize competing deadlines, and self-direct complex creative initiatives from concept through completion.

Preferred

• Experience developing campaigns, commercials, or video-driven storytelling.
• Background working in fast-paced, resource-lean environments where adaptability is essential.
• Experience leveraging AI tools to enhance efficiency and creativity in graphic design.
• Military Veteran status or experience working with military or Veteran-serving organizations, or equivalent knowledge of military and Veteran culture.  

Core competencies

• Strategic and creative thinking
• Strong visual and design judgment
• Ability to move seamlessly between big-picture direction and detailed execution
• Clear communication and collaboration skills
• Excellent organization and time management

Education and previous work experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communication, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 7 to 10 years of progressive experience in creative roles, with a strong portfolio demonstrating both concept and execution.

EEO:

Veteran Benefits Guide (VBG) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and gender expression) genetic characteristic, sexual orientation, registered domestic partner status, age, military or veteran status, hairstyle or hair texture, reproductive health decision making, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.