Design Manager

**Company Description**
Part of Kaplan Inc., the **Kaplan Languages Group (KLG)** is comprised of Kaplan International Languages, ESL Education, Alpadia, and Azurlingua.

Language travel is an inspiring and dynamic sector with ample opportunities for fun and creative work. Our students study for periods ranging from two weeks to a full academic year. We are proud to welcome language learners from over 100 countries, creating a rich and diverse cosmopolitan mix in our classrooms around the globe.

KLG boasts the largest presence of any international language school in the English-speaking world, as well as in European countries such as France, Germany, and Switzerland. Additionally, **ESL**, recognized as the **Best European Agency** in the language education travel industry, connects students with the perfect language course in more than 200 destinations worldwide.

We are seeking an experienced and innovative **Design Manager** to lead our talented team of graphic designers and video editors. This role is critical in ensuring that **KLG’s brands, channels, products, campaigns, and marketing materials** remain relevant, engaging, and aligned with our vision to inspire and connect with diverse audiences.

**Key Responsibilities**

**_ Creative Leadership:_**
- Define and oversee the creative vision, ensuring alignment with KLG’s brand identity and business objectives.
- Act as a brand guardian, maintaining consistency across all creative outputs while interpreting and working within brand limitations.
- Drive innovation in design and video content to keep KLG’s brands fresh and relevant.
- Provide hands-on support and feedback to the design and video team, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages experimentation and growth.

**_ Team Management:_**
- Lead, mentor, challenge the status quo and inspire a team of graphic designers and video editors, ensuring their professional development and performance align with team goals.
- Delegate tasks effectively and ensure the team meets project deadlines.
- Encourage cross-functional collaboration to integrate creative strategies with marketing, sales, and other departments.

**_ Project Management:_**
- Oversee the production of marketing materials, campaigns, and digital assets, including graphics, videos, and other multimedia content.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines and quality standards are met.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to gather input and feedback, ensuring creative solutions meet business needs and resonate with varied audiences.

**_ Brand Development:_**
- Monitor industry trends and audience preferences to inform creative strategies.
- Work closely with marketing and product teams to develop campaign concepts that resonate with target audiences.
- Ensure that KLG’s visual identity evolves to reflect its market positioning and customer engagement goals.

**_ Flexibility and Client-Centric Focus:_**
- Provide multiple creative options tailored to diverse visions and objectives while aligning with KLG’s brand guidelines.
- Demonstrate flexibility in approach and execution to meet the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
- Understand and interpret different creative visions, ensuring solutions meet both business goals and audience expectations.

**_ Performance Metrics:_**
- Set clear performance expectations for the team and track project success through KPIs, such as audience engagement, campaign reach, and ROI.
- Provide regular progress updates and reports to senior leadership.

**Qualifications**
- **_
Experience and Qualifications:_**
- Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Marketing, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in creative roles.
- Proven track record of delivering impactful campaigns.
- Previous experience working in an agency or similar environment is highly desirable, as this role requires the ability to handle multiple perspectives, deliver client-centric solutions, and adapt quickly to diverse creative challenges.
- **_ Skills and Competencies:_**
- Fluent in **English and Spanish** (spoken and written).
- Exceptional creative vision with the ability to translate concepts into high-quality visuals and videos.
- Strong leadership and team-building skills.
- Expertise in design and video editing tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, Illustrator, Canva.
- Strong understanding of branding, digital marketing, and multimedia production.
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
- **_ Personal Attributes:_**
- Inspirational and motivational team leader who fosters a positive, innovative culture.
- Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering excellence.
- Passion for staying ahead of creative and industry trends.
- Adaptable and skilled at interpreting diverse creative visions and objectives

**Additional In