Visual Design Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

About Anthologic:

At Anthologic, we believe that the most powerful ideas are created when diverse perspectives come together with purpose. Our name blends “anthology” and “logic” to reflect exactly that: a collective of marketing and technology specialists, each contributing unique talents, unified by strategic thinking and sound reasoning. We’re a team that thrives on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration — continuously helping businesses uncover new opportunities and unlock their untapped potential. If you’re driven by thoughtful problem-solving and inspired by the impact great work can have, you may be a perfect fit for our growing team.

About the Design Lead:

The Design Lead is a hybrid role that functions as a creative director on specified accounts while also utilizing concepting, strategy/problem solving and design skills to develop ideas as a senior-level designer on others. The Design Lead combines vision and marketing sense to lead the creative, guiding the marketing and promotional efforts. The Design Lead is also responsible for managing and mentoring all design roles at all levels across the agency.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field.

• At least 15+ years of professional experience in graphic design with agency experience, and 3+ years of creative direction and management experience.

• Experience leading client presentations and agency new business activities

• Extensive experience overseeing photo and video production from concept to execution.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Microsoft Office, Google Suite and other relevant design software.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.

• Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with software like Figma and Stripo

• Familiarity with agency resource management and overseeing account profitability and budgets

• Experience leveraging AI-driven tools for design and marketing solutions

Responsibilities:

Creative Leadership & Strategy

• Functions as creative director and manages the creative process from concept to completion — including overseeing client pitches and proposals.

• Manages the creative process from concept to completion, including overseeing pitches, leading brainstorms and ensuring brand standards are met.

• Translates marketing objectives into clear creative strategies to ensure the team delivers work within agreed-upon strategy.

• Participates in client meetings to present new creative concepts and build solid relationships.

• Provides oversight into profitability, deliverables, timelines and budgets.

Design Execution & Art Direction

• Develops concepts and art layouts consistent with the agreed-upon strategy.

• Creates work from start-to-finish that is executionally flawless and on brand.

• Helps direct video and photoshoots from concept to execution, with special attention to the small details of production in conjunction with the Director and Producer.

• Remains current on industry trends, technology and evolving online platforms.

Management & Mentorship

• Responsible for training, assigning, scheduling and coaching all design roles at all levels.

• Mentors departmental employees by providing developmental opportunities and direction on resource utilization.

• Facilitates hiring, managing, training and promoting team members.

• Ensures smooth internal workflow through effective delegation and assignment of appropriate resources.

Agency Operations

• Works with account teams to provide accurate time estimates for each tactic.

• Contributes to the new business activities of the agency.

• Is knowledgeable of and collaborative with all agency disciplines.

Skills:

The Design Lead utilizes advanced strategy/problem solving and design skills daily to develop ideas and work with team members to obtain exceptional results. Strong vision and marketing sense are essential for leading the creative team and guiding marketing efforts. Effective communication skills enable the Design Lead to present creative materials to clients and help build solid client relationships while collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams and outside vendors. Additionally, the role requires the ability to facilitate hiring, managing and training team members while acting as a mentor by providing developmental opportunities for designers at all levels. Remaining current on industry trends and evolving online and design platforms allows the Lead to maintain consistently high executional excellence while ensuring brand standards are met across all accounts.

What Anthologic offers:

• 4 weeks paid time off

• 9 observed holidays + 2 floating holidays

• Paid volunteer time off

• Medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance

• 401(k) + company match

• Employee assistance program

• Flexible, hybrid work style