Contract Creative Project Manager Jobs in Madison, WI

United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community so all can thrive. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibility. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives – we work collaboratively with local nonprofits, individuals, families, lived experience experts, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to multiply impact and solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. As part of a global network while being local and autonomous, we are a nonpartisan organization that collaborates with leaders from all backgrounds to strengthen communities and expand opportunities for all. 

We serve as a cornerstone in our community, bringing together people and resources to create lasting change. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All.

Purpose of Position: 

The Community Engagement & Marketing (CEM) Department creates experiences that engage and inspire people throughout Dane County to give, advocate and volunteer, mobilizing the community's caring power. The department advances this work through marketing, communications, events and corporate and community volunteer engagement.

The Program Manager, Creative Services brings United Way of Dane County's brand and mission to life through compelling visual design and creative experiences across print, digital and multimedia platforms. Reporting to the Supervisory Director, Communications, this position serves as United Way's lead in-house graphic designer and visual brand steward, translating marketing and communications strategies into high-quality creative work that strengthens brand recognition, engages audiences and supports organizational priorities.

This position manages creative projects from concept through production and maintains visual brand standards and creative assets. The ideal candidate combines strong graphic design expertise with creative thinking, project management, digital design and multimedia production skills and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Primary Responsibilities

40%  Graphic Design & Creative Production

• Serve as United Way of Dane County's lead in-house graphic designer, conceptualizing and producing compelling visual communications across print and digital channels in alignment with organizational priorities and brand standards.
• Design campaign materials, annual reports, brochures, donor communications, advertisements, social media graphics, presentations, email graphics, signage, event collateral, infographics and other marketing materials.
• Manage creative projects from concept through final production, coordinating timelines, feedback, revisions, approvals and delivery.
• Provide creative direction and production support for organizational events, including event identity, signage, environmental graphics, presentations and supporting materials.

25%  Brand Management & Creative Standards

• Serve as a steward of United Way of Dane County's visual identity, ensuring consistent application of brand standards across organizational materials.
• Maintain and evolve United Way's brand toolkit, including logos, colors, typography, photography standards, templates, graphic elements and other visual assets.
• Develop user-friendly templates and tools that enable departments to create routine materials while maintaining brand integrity.
• Maintain an organized digital library of creative assets, photography, video, templates and final production files.
• Incorporate United Way Worldwide brand standards and resources into creative execution.

25%  Digital Design, Web & Multimedia

• Design creative assets for United Way's website, email marketing, social media, digital advertising and other digital platforms.
• Create and edit multimedia content, including photography, video and motion graphics.
• Manage website content, design and page updates using approved digital tools. 

10%  Creative Project Management, Collaboration & Organizational Support

• Manage multiple creative projects and competing priorities to ensure high-quality work is delivered on time and within budget.
• Collaborate across departments to translate project objectives into effective creative solutions.
• Coordinate with printers, photographers, videographers, agencies and other creative vendors as needed.
• Represent United Way in a professional manner to the community, key volunteers and donors.
• Be an integral part of the Community Engagement & Marketing team.
• Participate in organizational activities including attending key donor and community events, during and outside of regular business hours.
• Participate in at least one internal organizational committee.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, digital media or a related field, with a minimum of five years of professional experience in graphic design, creative services or visual communications; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience. 
• Strong portfolio demonstrating high-quality creative work across print, digital and multimedia platforms. 
• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. 
• Advanced proficiency with WordPress required. 
• Experience with Elementor is a plus. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint needed.
• Strong knowledge of design principles, including typography, layout, color, visual hierarchy and brand identity. 
• Experience designing across multiple channels, including print, web, email, social media, digital advertising, presentations and events.
• Demonstrated ability to translate marketing and communications objectives into compelling creative concepts and visual solutions. 
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple creative projects from concept through final production, including timelines, feedback, approvals, deadlines and vendor coordination. 
• Strong organizational, communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work independently and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid Wisconsin driver's license and reliable transportation.

Work Schedule, Location and Travel Requirements

• Full-time, salaried position (40 hours per week); FLSA-exempt.
• Core hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., with flexibility required for early mornings, evenings, weekends or holidays based on organizational needs.
• Primary work location is the Anderson United Way Center; hybrid work eligibility is subject to organizational policy.
• Local travel within Dane County is required for meetings, events and community engagements. 

Salary Range

$50,000 - $57,000, based on experience. In addition to salary, we offer a comprehensive and generous benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance. United Way contributes 8% of gross wages to a defined contribution retirement plan, which is fully vested after five years of employment. Employees may also contribute to a 403(b) retirement savings plan. Our paid time-off benefits support work-life balance and include generous vacation, sick and personal leave, as well as 10 paid holidays annually.

Deadline to Apply: 

Tuesday, September 1st, 2026, by 4:00 p.m. Central Time.

How to Submit Your Application

To apply, submit the following materials through our online application portal:

• A cover letter, no more than two pages, describing the skills and experience that qualify you for this position. 
• A resume highlighting relevant professional experience. 
• Five portfolio samples or a link to an online portfolio that includes at least five samples demonstrating a range of professional creative work. Samples should demonstrate experience in several of the following areas: 

        o Brand and identity applications 

        o Print marketing and communications materials 

        o Digital and social media creative 

        o Campaign or advertising creative 

        o Publications, reports or multipage layouts 

        o Typography, layout and visual storytelling 

        o Photography, video, motion graphics, web design or other multimedia work 

• For portfolio submissions: Upload a PDF containing samples and/or live links to online work. For each sample, briefly describe your role, the project objective and the purpose of the design.

Our Values

United Way values are the beliefs and guiding principles that provide our organization with purpose and direction. They shape our culture and organizational identity as we work to achieve our mission.

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: We provide opportunities for all people while working to change systemic and personal biases for equitable outcomes. 
• Excellence: We operate at the highest standards to achieve our mission and exceed community expectations. 
• Innovation: We create and catalyze unique approaches to address the community’s most pressing needs. 
• Teamwork: We work in collaboration and cooperation towards a shared vision of community well-being. 
• Wellness: We respect and support one another, encouraging each other to create space for self-care and to lead balanced lives. 

EEO/AAP Policy Statement

At United Way of Dane County, we do more than accept differences - we celebrate, support and value them for the benefit of our employees and community. United Way of Dane County is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer. We center community in what we do and strongly encourage all people to apply to join us in our work, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, justice involvement, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.