Creative Development Specialist Jobs in Michigan

At The Salvation Army our employees are the heartbeat of our mission. We foster a community of passionate people dedicated to changing lives and bringing hope to those who need it most.

Position Summary: The Creative and Digital Communications Specialist is a hands-on contributor responsible for supporting The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division's creative digital presence and creative communication across Michigan. This role integrates website management, graphic design, brand management, and digital communications to elevate awareness, engagement, and fundraising outcomes.

As a key member of the marketing and communications team, this individual supports divisional campaigns, special events and program initiatives through creative services, website management and digital communications expertise. This position ensures all digital and creative assets align with brand standards and integrated communications strategies, while also serving as a resource to corps community centers and internal teams to strengthen their local digital presence, including establishing and maintaining divisional website standards, templates, and publishing practices. This position focuses on content, design and platform governance - not custom development, advanced coding, or system engineering.

Essential Responsibilities:

Creative Services & Content Production

• Design, coordinate or provide creative direction for digital and print communications, including graphics, annual reports, flyers, media buys and other campaign materials, based on project needs and available resources.
• Ensure all creative deliverables align with brand guidelines and campaign objectives
• Collaborate with internal teams to determine the most effective formats for storytelling and engagement

Content Strategy, Web & Digital Execution

• Serve as the divisional authority on website standards, templates and publishing practices, ensuring consistency and scalability across all corps and service locations
• Ensure all content aligns with divisional messaging, brand standards, and integrated communications campaigns
• Set up and manage Wufoo forms for registrations, checklists and surveys for divisional headquarters and corps throughout the division
• Generate monthly reports that track divisional website performance, including metrics on digital tracking, conversion activity, traffic volume, engagement trends, and search optimization, and provide actionable insights and recommendations based on those reports
• Assist internal stakeholders with website best practices, ensuring corps' websites are supported through standardized solutions that promote consistency and scalability

Project Coordination & Workflow Management

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met
• Maintain efficient workflows and editorial/creative processes to support timely delivery
• Assist in tracking project timelines and supporting budget-conscious execution
• Assist and/or manage vendor relationships relating to digital and print communications, graphic design, digital photography, video, creative projects, and other communications technologies
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, digital media or communications, graphic design or any related field or equivalent experience (4 years).
• 2 - 4 years of experience in digital content, creative services, marketing, or communications
• Demonstrated experience in graphic design, content creation, and digital storytelling - portfolio required.
• Nonprofit experience is desired but not required.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Strong design and visual storytelling skills with attention to detail and brand consistency
• Ability to manage project from concept to completion with minimal supervision
• Strong understanding of digital content strategy, branding and audience engagement
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and collaborate across teams
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse internal stakeholders, including corps officers and staff, by approaching interactions with a client-service mindset
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to train and support non-technical users on digital tools and platforms
• Highly organized and detail-oriented

Computer Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Premier Pro, After Effects).
• Experience with Canva and other design tools.
• Basic experience with CMS platforms (WordPress, Symphony, Zesty).
• Working knowledge of SEO/SEM and analytic tools (Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics).
• Basic knowledge of HTML/CSS
• Willingness to learn new software as needed.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Complete Safe From Harm training and keep current as needed.
• Must have and maintain a current valid driver's license and pass the Salvation Army Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR).

Full Time

The Salvation Army offers the following benefits:

• Health Care Benefits which include:
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Hearing
• Flexible spending accounts
• AFLAC
• Voluntary life insurance benefits
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options
• Pet Insurance
• Pension contributions (currently 6.0% of your earnings) begin the first quarter after 1 year of employment.
• Vesting starts after three years of employment, 100% vested after five years of employment
• The Salvation Army also offers a 403(b) voluntary retirement savings plan in which you may participate immediately, with approved vendors. There is currently no organizational match for 403(b) contributions.
• Employee Discounts
• Paid Time Off which includes:
• Sick days begin accruing the first of the month following 30 days of employment and you may begin to use accrued sick days once available.
• Up to (6) earned sick days per year may be used as discretionary days.
• Vacation begins accruing the first of the month after one full calendar month after employment begins, and you may begin to use vacation days after (90) days of employment.
• The accrual rate is based upon years of service and approved hours worked.
• You will receive up to 2 personal days per year based on date of hire.
• Birthday off with pay.
• Paid holidays are effective immediately.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.

Mission Statement:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.