Organization Profile
The primary mission of Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) is to provide financial resources and related services for ministry, witness, and outreach of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS). In so doing it shall raise funds primarily through the issuance of corporate notes and other debt instruments. Its assets shall be used exclusively for the following: To provide financing and services for the acquisition of sites; the construction of facilities; the purchase of buildings and equipment; operating expenses; professional church worker education; the residential housing needs of professional church workers; and other purposes approved by its governing board consistent with the ministry and mission of the Synod under policies approved by the Board of Directors of the Synod.
Reporting Relationship
This position reports to the SVP, Marketing.
Summary
The Creative Director will be responsible for shaping and executing LCEF's creative vision, driving brand identity, and ensuring consistent, high-quality and on-strategy creative output across all print and digital platforms. This role requires a dynamic leader who can blend strategic thinking with creative excellence, fostering a collaborative environment that motivates and inspires the team. The Creative Director leads and manages a team of creative professionals, partners with marketing colleagues and collaborates with other departments to support organizational objectives.
Essential Job Functions
- Develop, execute and communicate comprehensive creative strategies that align with organizational objectives, enhance LCEF’s mission and engage our audiences.
- Oversee the creative process related to creation of marketing campaigns, branding initiatives, digital media projects, and other creative tasks, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Lead and actively contribute to the writing, design, and production of digital and print materials, ensuring adherence to brand, legal, doctrinal, and industry standards.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure the creative team’s output supports organizational goals and connects with target audiences.
- Manage and mentor the creative team, providing guidance on project execution, fostering professional growth and creative exploration.
- Analyze market trends and audience insights to inform creative direction and improve outreach efforts.
- Stay up to date on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to drive innovation and continually enhance the organization’s creative output.
- Lead brainstorming and creative concepting to generate innovative solutions and campaigns for marketing challenges.
- Oversee multiple projects, ensuring timely and effective execution in partnership with project manager.
- Refine systems and procedures to enhance productivity and cost-effectiveness.
- Prepare materials for presentations and represent LCEF at conferences as needed.
- Oversee relationships with freelance talent, vendors, and agencies, managing contracts, budgets, and project timelines as needed.
- Review and approve all creative work, providing constructive feedback to team members to ensure excellence in design, writing, and production.
- Accountable for the creative department’s budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently.
- Assist the SVP of Marketing with special projects and reporting as needed.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in design, writing, communications, journalism, marketing or related field.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in a creative or design role with 3 years in a leadership or managerial capacity.
- Active member of a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation, preferred.
Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)
- Understanding of digital and print media production processes, advertising principles, and branding best practices.
- Strong leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to inspire and guide creative professionals in a collaborative environment.
- Exceptional creative vision and problem-solving abilities, with a passion for pushing boundaries while maintaining brand integrity.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to articulate creative concepts and rationale to senior leadership and non-creative stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and budgets simultaneously.
- Familiarity with design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), video production tools, web development principles (e.g., HTML, CSS), and other relevant software.
- High level of attention to detail in all creative processes, from concept to completion.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively across departments and levels of the organization.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, while adjusting to shifting priorities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor a team in a creative environment.
- A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently.
- Ability to relate easily to clergy and lay leadership throughout Synod.
- Willingness to travel occasionally for training or other work-related opportunities.
Supervisory Responsibility
Supervises a team, including graphic designers, videographer, web developer, writer and freelancers (as needed).
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
