Who We Are:
Founded more than a century ago, ICMA is the premier professional association for local government leaders, managers, staff, and stakeholders, serving more than 14,000 members globally. As a membership association, we provide research and knowledge resources, professional development and training, peer to peer engagement, and technical assistance. We are also a major implementing partner for grant and contract funded programs on emerging and prevailing topics and challenges to create stronger communities.

At ICMA, we take the concept of local government leadership, management, and innovation further into the future. Through our mission and passion to advance professional local government, we help communities deliver innovative services, empower resident engagement, enable economic development, strengthen leadership, uphold ethics, and provide forward-thinking management.

We ensure a diverse and inclusive workplace by welcoming people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives and by learning from each other, individually and collectively.

A Great Opportunity:
Are you a creative professional who takes pride in developing and implementing compelling visual branding for organizations? Do you thrive on aligning visual storytelling with an organization's mission and vision? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you!

ICMA is seeking a Design Manager to lead the execution of creative, brand-compliant, and timely design solutions across the organization. This role is responsible for the design, formatting, production, and delivery of high-quality visual elements and creative services that elevate ICMA's brand.

The Design Manager develops strategy-driven visual content for presentations, proposals, and other business documents. This position ensures all creative products are underpinned by a cohesive brand strategy and are creatively aligned to meet and/or exceed brand standards.

The Design Manager's salary is based on experience level with a starting salary range between $86,925-$107,867.

This position reports to the Managing Director, Brand Management, Marketing and Outreach.

What You'll Do:

Brand & Visual Strategy
Serve as a steward and champion of the ICMA brand, ensuring consistent and compelling visual identity across all platforms and initiatives
Advise internal teams on effective visual communication approaches to strengthen messaging and engagement
Help refine and evolve brand standards, templates, and guidance to support organization-wide adoption
Translate complex policy, research, and professional guidance into clear and accessible visual materials
Lead early planning discussions and recommend appropriate formats such as infographics, video, presentations, or digital experiences

Digital & Multimedia Communications
Design and produce visual content across web, social media, email, video, webinars, publications, and presentations
Create executive presentation materials and leadership communications assets
Develop graphics and multimedia packages supporting campaigns, virtual events, and conferences
Support short-form video, motion graphics, and visual storytelling initiatives
Optimize visual assets for digital engagement and accessibility

Collaboration & Project Leadership
Collaborate closely with Outreach and leadership to align creative work with organizational goals
Manage projects from concept through final delivery, balancing multiple priorities and deadlines
Communicate design recommendations clearly to non-design stakeholders
Supervises freelance designs and production experts, including budgeting, planning, and quality control

Systems, Process & Accessibility
Develop and maintain brand templates and visual systems that improve efficiency across departments
Maintain a digital asset management library for photos, graphics, and templates
Establish workflows that enable consistent and scalable content creation
Ensure materials meet accessibility best practices, including Section 508 and WCAG considerations

Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communications, digital media, marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience)
Eight or more years of progressive experience in visual communications, brand design, or digital design
Experience supporting marketing, communications, nonprofit, public sector, association, or consulting organizations preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Strong visual storytelling and brand development capabilities
Ability to translate complex ideas into clear and engaging visual communication
Understanding of how design supports engagement, comprehension, and adoption
Experience developing presentation and executive communication materials
Excellent collaboration and communication skills with non-creative stakeholders
Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat)
Web and digital publishing environments (CMS platforms)
Social media and email visual design
Figma, Canva, or similar collaborative design tools
Familiarity with digital accessibility standards and accessible document design
Strong project management and prioritization abilities
Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Comfort working cross-functionally with distributed teams
Accountability for quality, timelines, and outcomes

Physical Requirements/ Work Environment:
The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work is typically performed in a home office environment free from hazards or unpleasant environmental conditions.
Work requires travel up to 10% of time, primarily within the U.S.

What We Can Offer You:
Virtual first work environment
A collegial working culture where teamwork and individual contributions are valued
A competitive salary
A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer sponsored health, dental, life, disability, and employee assistance benefits
Paid time off to include vacation, sick leave, holidays, and floating days
Generous retirement plan
Opportunities for ongoing professional development

The ICMA headquarters is located in Washington, DC. While ICMA operates as a virtual-first organization, that prioritizes flexibility and digital collaboration, we also encourage a hybrid approach, and our D.C. office remains fully operational and available for staff to work onsite. The selected individual must be able to work the core business hours from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST.

The selected candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

EEO Statement
At ICMA, we strive to promote and sustain a culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging every day. ICMA is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or on any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. We proudly support and encourage people with military experience (active, veterans, reservists, and National Guard) as well as military spouses to apply for ICMA job opportunities.