Creative Designer in High Wycombe

Full Time (37hrs per week) – Permanent – High Wycombe Campus & Hybrid

Salary – £38784 – £43482 per annum

At Buckinghamshire New University, we’re not trying to fit in with the higher education status quo. We’re challenging it. We’re doing things differently – because our students, our staff, and our world need us to. It’s an exciting moment to join us. We’re boldly reimagining what a university can be: a place rooted in social mobility, a community where difference is celebrated, and an institution that empowers people to become more than they thought possible – and our Creative team is absolutely central to that mission.

We are looking for an outstanding Art Director to help drive integrated campaigns that attract, convert and retain students. Our University’s DRIVE values are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission.

What We Offer:

• A generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
• Training & development support opportunities
• Contributory pension scheme
• Discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
• A range of staff discounts with major retailers

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you. For further information about this role please contact Bryan Marshe, Senior Creative Lead. Bryan.Marshe@bnu.ac.uk

All applications are to be made in full and online. BNU is proud to have a diverse community and has a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’s workforce, especially in more senior roles.

Closing Date: 17th April 2026

Interview Date: W/C 27th April 2026

Job Purpose:

To collaborate with the Senior Creative Lead in driving the artistic vision for BNU, translating the new brand position into reality through exceptional visual concepts and multi-channel storytelling. This role will provide creative direction to the design team, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration while delivering high-impact visual campaigns that enhance the BNU’s reputation and support strategic objectives.

Main Duties & Responsibilities Of The Role:

• Produce sketches, visual references and storyboards to convey the concept to the agency team, and then on to clients, designers and producers.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and creative innovations, maintaining a competitive edge in higher education marketing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality projects within high-pressure environments and strict production schedules.
• Research and integrate diverse creative references—spanning film, music, art, and linguistics—to develop unique concepts that transcend industry standards.
• Audit and implement cutting-edge production techniques, tools, and materials to ensure all creative output remains innovative and technically advanced.
• Analyse cultural trends and brand landscapes to provide strategic insights that inform impactful advertising campaigns and brand positioning.
• Develop high-quality artistic concepts that align with a client’s business goals and target audience.
• Translate abstract ideas or creative briefs into tangible visual solutions.
• Create storyboards, sketches, and mood boards to communicate these visions to the team and clients.
• Review and approve all artwork, designs, and photography to ensure they meet brand standards and project requirements.
• In advertising, often partner with a copywriter to ensure the visual and written elements are cohesive.
• Liaise between different departments (e.g., marketing, production, editorial) to maintain a streamlined creative approach.
• Present final designs and concepts to clients or senior stakeholders for approval.
• Work closely with the Creative and Marketing team to evaluate the effectiveness of creative projects, leveraging data to optimise future initiatives.
• Build strong working relationships with all key internal and external stakeholders.
• Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices.
• Other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION – ESSENTIAL CRITERIA ONLY

Education, Qualifications & Training:

• Qualified to degree level or equivalent professional experience.
• Maths and English GCSE at grade 4 or above (or equivalent qualification).

Knowledge & Experience:

• Strong, professional portfolio showcasing creative work and, for advertising, campaign thinking.
• Extensive experience working as part of an integrated Communications and Marketing team.
• Proven experience in a similar role.
• Ideally some experience or understanding of higher education or a related field or sector.
• Excellent knowledge of typography, image manipulation, illustration and animation.

Skills:

• Expertise in creative tools and software, including Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant platforms.
• Deep understanding of layout, colour theory, typography, and composition.
• Understanding technical processes for print, web, video, and broadcast.
• Excellent spatial awareness and top-quality layout skills.
• A strong communicator who can “sell” ideas in an inspirational way.

Behavioural Indicators:

• Delivering excellent service: Providing the best quality service to external and internal customers/students/stakeholders.
• Building genuine and open long-term relationships to drive up customer service standards.
• Achieving results: Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria.
• Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
• Working together: Working collaboratively and across boundaries with others to achieve objectives.
• Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.