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College Creative Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Creative Church

Tech Director

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

Creative Church is a Spirit-filled, non-denominational church located in the Greater Twin Cities ... venue, or college setting. * Minimum 3 years of experience in AVL production; degree or ...

Creative Church

Tech Director

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

Creative Church is a Spirit-filled, non-denominational church located in the Greater Twin Cities ... venue, or college setting. * Minimum 3 years of experience in AVL production; degree or ...

St Olaf College

AY LITS DiSCO-Maker (WS-ST1)

Northfield, MN · On-site

$12 - $13/hr

Olaf College, 1520 St. Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN 55057 If the position requires the student to work ... Assistant Director of Creative Experience Wage Range: $12.00-13.00/hour Description of the Position ...

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St Olaf College

AY LITS DiSCO-Maker (WS-ST1)

Northfield, MN · On-site

$12 - $13/hr

Olaf College, 1520 St. Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN 55057 If the position requires the student to work ... Assistant Director of Creative Experience Wage Range: $12.00-13.00/hour Description of the Position ...

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College Creative information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a college creative, and why are they important?

To thrive as a College Creative, you need a strong foundation in visual design principles, creative problem-solving, and proficiency in art or design-related coursework, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with digital design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, illustration software, and sometimes video editing platforms is typically expected. Strong communication, collaboration, and adaptability set standout creatives apart in group projects and fast-paced environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing impactful work, meeting deadlines, and effectively conveying ideas within academic and professional settings.

What is the difference between College Creative vs Graphic Designer?

AspectCollege CreativeGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in design, arts, or related fieldOften a degree or certification in graphic design or visual arts
Work EnvironmentCreative agencies, marketing firms, or in-house teamsDesign studios, advertising agencies, corporate offices
Industry UsageUsed in marketing, advertising, media projectsUsed in branding, advertising, digital media

Both roles require a background in design and creativity, often with similar educational credentials. College Creative typically refers to a broader role involving conceptual development and creative strategy, while Graphic Designer focuses on visual execution and design production. The main difference lies in scope: College Creative may oversee creative concepts, whereas Graphic Designers implement visual elements. Both are vital in marketing and media industries, often working closely together.

What are some typical projects or assignments a college creative might work on during an internship or in an entry-level role?

As a College Creative, you can expect to work on a variety of projects that help build your portfolio and practical skills. These might include designing graphics for campus events, creating social media content, assisting with video editing, or collaborating on marketing campaigns. You'll often work closely with other creatives, such as writers and photographers, and may participate in brainstorming sessions or client meetings. This hands-on experience is valuable for developing both technical abilities and teamwork skills in a real-world environment.

What is a college creative?

College Creatives are students or recent graduates who use their creative skills, such as graphic design, photography, videography, writing, or social media content creation, to develop original projects, portfolios, or freelance work, often while still in school. They may work independently, collaborate with campus organizations, or take on internships and freelance gigs to build experience and showcase their talents. Being a College Creative can help students gain practical skills, network with professionals, and enhance their resumes for future creative careers.
What are popular job titles related to College Creative jobs in Minnesota? For College Creative jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching College Creative jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for College Creative jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for College Creative jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most College Creative job openings:
College Creative jobs near you

Creative Director & Senior Designer

Gustavus Adolphus College

Saint Peter, MN • On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Gustavus Adolphus College rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

260th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
Gustavus Adolphus College seeks an accomplished, strategically minded Creative Director & Senior Designer to lead creative direction across the institution. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability and eagerness to dive into our creative and brand needs, helping us elevate our Gustavus identity and brand through design and marketing opportunities across our region. This position is key to furthering the College's marketing and communication objectives, including student enrollment, engaging Alumni and donors, and amplifying the energy across campus.
This is a newly created role for Gustavus - historically, brand standards were set by an outside agency and upheld internally through art direction and production design. This new position will set the creative vision in partnership with outside agencies and carry it through to concept development and design across numerous touchpoints, ensuring visual and strategic consistency that meets the College's goals.
Job Summary: The Creative Director & Senior Designer is both a hands-on designer and a creative leader. You will originate campaign concepts, set the visual and video vision for the institution, and ensure brand consistency across a wide range of outputs and partners. A typical year will include projects such as multi-channel campaigns, publications, display graphics and beyond, so digital and video design fluency is essential . This is not a production role; it's a role for someone who understands how design and creative fuel institutional goals like enrollment and advancement, and is confident in current creative and cultural trends to influence others.
Employment Status: Full-Time (1.0 FTE), Exempt (Salaried), Benefits Eligible
Salary Range: $65,000-$80,000
How to apply: Continue here or visit https://gustavus.edu/jobs/ to complete the online application and submit a resume and portfolio. A cover letter is optional. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
*Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position*
Main Responsibilities:
Creative Leadership & Brand Vision
  • Lead, steward, and champion the Gustavus brand. Serve as the creative authority for Gustavus Adolphus College, setting and championing a unified creative vision across all brand expressions.
  • Lead the development of campaign concepts from idea to execution, translating institutional priorities into compelling creative work in partnership with creative agencies.
  • Establish and evolve visual identity and brand standards, building on and extending the foundation set by prior external agency partners.
  • Act as a trusted creative partner to leadership and department leads across campus.
  • Set the vision for video and motion content, ensuring it aligns with the broader brand and creative strategy.

Design Direction & Quality
  • Personally lead high-priority brand design work while directing the overall quality and consistency of design output across the team.
  • Support visual identity for Gustavus.edu
  • Review and approve creative work across marketing needs of other departments to ensure a cohesive brand experience.
  • Maintain and evolve brand guidelines, templates, and creative systems that scale across departments and channels.

Strategy & Business Impact
  • Bring a discerning eye to every project, balancing craft with strategic intent. • Understand and articulate how creative and design decisions drive institutional outcomes, including enrollment, advancement, and brand awareness. • Partner with the CMO and marketing leadership to align creative output with broader marketing and institutional strategy.
  • Contribute a strategic point of view to planning conversations, not just execution.

Team & Vendor Support
  • Support and provide creative direction to the social media, video, website, admission, and advancement teams, helping shape their work at a strategic and visual level.
  • Manage relationships with outside creative vendors - agencies, production companies, and freelance talent - ensuring their output meets brand and quality standards and stays ahead of design, video, and cultural trends.
  • Provide project coordination for design projects not managed by another member of the Marketing and Communication team.
  • Work with print and mail services to ensure completion of designed pieces. • Serve as an active member of the Marketing and Communication team and work collaboratively to ensure an integrated approach to brand and positioning for the college.

Other duties as assigned.
Prerequisites
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a related field; equivalent professional experience considered.
  • 7+ years of professional design experience, including experience leading brand or creative direction (agency, in-house, or a mix of both).
  • A portfolio demonstrating strong conceptual thinking, campaign development, and design craft.
  • Demonstrated experience setting or upholding brand standards across multiple channels and audiences.
  • Experience directing or collaborating closely on video and motion content. • Excellent presentation and communication skills; ability to build trust and influence across departments without formal authority over them.
  • Strategic thinker who can connect design decisions to business and institutional goals.
  • Comfortable working cross-functionally in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
  • Experience managing or directing external creative vendors, including agencies and production partners.
  • Strong creative concepting skills for motion and video, with experience leading the creative vision and collaborating with outsourced motion designers through execution.
  • Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or other mission-driven marketing environments.
  • Experience building or maturing a creative function within an organization (rather than only working within an established one).
  • Direct people-management experience.
  • Experience mentoring or providing creative direction to social and video specialists.

Schedule & Work Environment
This is a hybrid position, with a mix of on-campus work and flexibility for remote work. Specific hybrid arrangements are established in coordination with the supervisor and subject to departmental needs.
Gustavus offers competitive and comprehensive benefits which include:
  • Medical insurance (which includes access to Nice Healthcare) as well as dental, vision, and life insurance
  • Workplace accommodations for physical or mental health concerns
  • Onsite health services
  • Free parking, exercise classes, and use of library and athletic facilities
  • Paid parental leave
  • Employer contribution to retirement savings plan (after one year of employment)
  • Tuition scholarships for dependents
  • Tuition benefit plan for employees and spouse
  • 13 paid Holidays + generous PTO plan

Gustavus Adolphus College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities.
Gustavus Adolphus College is one of the nation's leading private liberal arts colleges serving approximately 1,800 students. The College aspires to be a community of persons from diverse backgrounds who respect and affirm the dignity of all people. Known for its strong science, writing, music, athletics, study-away, and service-learning programs, Gustavus is located on a scenic 340-acre hill in St. Peter, Minnesota only one hour southwest of the Twin Cities.
Contact
Kim Frisch | kfrisch@gustavus.edu | 507-933-7683
Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2026

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