Creative Services Manager (Remote Eligible)

Creative Services Manager (Remote Eligible)

About Mathematica:
Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to improve well-being around the world. We collaborate closely with public- and private-sector partners to translate big questions into deep insights that improve programs, refine strategies, and enhance understanding using data science and analytics. Our work yields actionable information to guide decisions in wide-ranging policy areas, from health, education, early childhood, and family support to nutrition, employment, disability, and international development. Mathematica offers our employees competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the advantages of being 100 percent employee owned. As an employee stock owner, you will experience financial benefits of ESOP holdings that have increased in tandem with the company’s growth and financial strength. You will also be part of an independent, employee-owned firm that is able to define and further our mission, enhance our quality and accountability, and steadily grow our financial strength. Read more about our benefits here: https://www.mathematica.org/career-opportunities/benefits-at-a-glance. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

The Creative Services Manager leads a team of designers and creative professionals responsible for developing high-quality, accessible visual communications that support organizational and client objectives. This hands-on leadership role combines creative direction, people management, operational excellence, and the strategic use of emerging technologies, including AI-enabled design tools. The ideal candidate is an experienced designer and collaborative leader who can translate complex information into compelling visual stories, build strong cross-functional partnerships, and drive continuous improvement in creative services operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Creative direction and hands-on design

• Lead the creation of accessible, high-impact visual communications across print and digital channels, including reports, presentations, infographics, data visualizations, and multimedia content.
• Provide creative direction while contributing directly to design projects as needed.
• Maintain and evolve design standards, brand guidelines, templates, and visual assets to ensure quality and consistency.

Team leadership and talent development

• Manage, coach, and develop a team of creative professionals, fostering collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.
• Oversee project intake, resource planning, workload management, budgets, and quality assurance to ensure successful project delivery.
• Manage external creative partners and vendors as needed.

Creative operations and technology innovation

• Improve creative workflows, processes, and self-service tools to enhance efficiency and scalability.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies, including AI-powered design tools and automation solutions.

Strategic consultation and cross-functional partnership

• Partner with stakeholders across communications, research, technology, and business teams to develop effective communication solutions.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on visual storytelling, information design, accessibility, and brand strategy.

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least seven years of progressive experience in creative services, graphic design, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing complex creative projects.
• Experience in professional services, consulting, research, client services, or similarly complex environments preferred.
• Expertise in graphic design, creative direction, visual storytelling, and information design across print and digital platforms.
• Strong proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and Microsoft Office applications on a Microsoft Windows platform.
• Proven success leading creative teams, managing multiple priorities, and mentoring design professionals.
• Experience establishing design standards, brand governance, and accessible design practices, including Section 508 compliance.
• Strong operational skills in project management, budgeting, resource allocation, and workflow optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage emerging technologies, including AI-enabled creative tools, to improve quality and productivity.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.

Additional/preferred qualifications:

• Experience designing research-based, technical, or data-intensive communications.
• Familiarity with UX/UI design principles and tools such as Figma.
• Experience with video, animation, motion graphics, or multimedia production.
• Knowledge of creative project management platforms and scalable design systems.

This position offers an anticipated base salary of $100,000 - $125,000 annually. This position is eligible for an annual bonus target opportunity, based on individual and company performance.

Location details:

This position is eligible for remote work and does not currently require a minimum number of hours in an office. However, we value opportunities for in-person collaboration and encourage employees who live near a Mathematica office to participate in onsite events and activities when possible, helping to foster connections and engagement with local colleagues. 

Mathematica currently has offices in Washington, DC; Woodlawn, MD; Princeton, NJ; Cambridge, MA; Ann Arbor, MI; and Chicago, IL.

Application instructions:

Please submit a resume and cover letter. If possible, please share a link to a portfolio, or include/attach work samples during the application process. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. 

At Mathematica, we understand the importance of building relationships with colleagues. If you’re not located near one of our offices but would like opportunities to meet up with co-workers, we offer coworking spaces where available. Ask your Talent Acquisition partner for more information about this opportunity and whether it’s an option in your area.

Any offer of employment will be contingent upon passing a background check. Various federal agencies with whom we contract require that staff successfully undergo security clearance as a condition of working on the project. If you are assigned to such a project, you will be required to obtain the requisite security clearance. Additionally, if you participate in/complete the application process and are denied, Mathematica may choose to terminate your employment.

We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. We encourage staff to collaborate in developing creative solutions to difficult problems and to share the responsibility and enjoyment of carrying out complex projects. This collegial spirit has helped us earn our reputation for innovative and high quality work.