Senior Brand Manager

Role Overview

• Lead the development and ongoing evolution of TRS’s brand strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Establish and enforce brand standards, including visual identity, messaging, and tone across all communications.
• Oversee all creative production (design, video, photography, multimedia) to ensure quality, consistency, and effectiveness.
• Provide creative direction and final approval for major deliverables, including campaigns, publications, reports, and presentations.
• Translate complex organizational priorities into clear, engaging visual communications.
• Manage creative workflows, project intake, and production timelines to ensure efficient delivery.
• Oversee planning and execution of video and photography projects, including vendor coordination.
• Maintain brand governance tools, including style guides, templates, and asset libraries.
• Partner with the communications team to ensure consistent brand execution across digital platforms.
• Partner with Manager Editor to ensure clarity, accuracy, consistency, and quality across all written materials.
• Collaborate with leadership and cross-functional teams to support organizational initiatives and communications.
• Ensure all materials meet accessibility (ADA/WCAG) and inclusive design standards.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and support RFP/RFI processes as needed.
• Advise leadership on branding trends and opportunities to enhance visual storytelling.
• Support crisis communications and high-priority initiatives as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Visual Communications, or related field
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in brand management, creative direction, or visual communications, preferably within a public sector, financial services, or complex organization.
• Experience leading creative teams and managing brand standards at an enterprise level.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating brand systems and multi-channel work.
• Experience overseeing design, video, and photography functions.
• Experience developing brand guidelines, templates, and governance tools.
• Familiarity with digital platforms and collaboration with digital teams preferred.

Benefits

• medical, dental and vision coverage
• TRS retirement pension plan
• option to contribute to State of Illinois deferred compensation plans