Brand Visual Asset Manager - 5361-1

Partnering with Aquent, we are supporting a leading financial services company renowned for challenging the status quo and transforming the industry through innovative thought and creative problem-solving. This award-winning in-house agency is at the forefront of creating compelling external and internal communications, playing a pivotal role in growing client relationships, attracting new clients, and efficiently bringing groundbreaking products to market. Their passion for bringing their best thinking forward every day drives their success and commitment to excellence.

Imagine shaping the visual identity of a major financial services leader, driving innovation, and defining the future of brand expression! We are seeking a visionary individual to join the Brand Strategy & Expression group, where you will be instrumental in developing, stewarding, and protecting the brand's visual assets. This isn't just about managing images; it's about pioneering how a brand looks and feels, ensuring every visual element-from illustrations to AI-generated content-is high-quality, on-brand, and impactful. Your expertise will directly influence how millions perceive and connect with this dynamic company, making a tangible difference in its market presence and client engagement.

In this critical design role within the Brand organization, you will manage and evolve the entire visual asset ecosystem. You will combine your design expertise with strategic brand governance and innovative AI integration, setting the standards for visual excellence. This position ensures all visual assets meet stringent brand standards, are of the highest quality, and are utilized responsibly, leveraging cutting-edge technology as an accelerator for creativity and efficiency.

**What you'll do:**

**Brand Visual Asset Ownership & Oversight:**

* Support the creation, maintenance, and production of the visual asset system, encompassing illustration, iconography, visual motifs, and design components.

* Aid in creative ideation, design iteration, and image design using industry-standard creative tools.

* Define and maintain brand-approved visual standards, usage guidelines, and evolution paths for all assets.

* Ensure consistency and quality across all internally created, vendor-produced, and partner-generated visuals.

* Act as a visual authority and reviewer, approving assets before their widespread deployment across platforms.

* Collaborate effectively with internal and external content creators on diverse projects.

* Manage usage rights requests to ensure comprehensive legal and licensing compliance.

* Maintain the digital asset management taxonomy for illustration and icon assets.

* Organize digital assets and curate collections for easy access and utilization.

* Support vendor relationships, including coordinating bids and managing necessary paperwork.

**AI-Enabled Visual Strategy & Governance:**

* Lead the intentional integration of AI tools into the brand's visual ecosystem, defining their strategic role.

* Establish clear guidelines on how, when, and where AI-generated or AI-assisted visuals are appropriate within brand standards.

* Develop and implement robust governance frameworks for AI-generated imagery, AI-assisted illustration and icon creation, and AI-modified or extended visual content.

* Ensure all AI outputs are rigorously reviewed, refined, and adapted to meet stringent brand quality, accessibility, and compliance standards.

**Brand-Safe AI Exploration & Enablement:**

* Explore emerging AI design capabilities with a brand-first perspective, identifying opportunities to enhance speed, flexibility, and creative exploration.

* Partner with design, UX, brand strategy, legal, and governance teams to ensure AI usage is ethically sound, legally compliant, and perfectly aligned with brand values and visual expression.

* Translate insights from AI experimentation into clear guidance, practical tools, and streamlined workflows for creative teams.

**Vendor & Partner Design Leadership:**

* Collaborate with external vendors, illustrators, and agencies to ensure their work consistently aligns with brand visual systems.

* Provide decisive creative direction and strategic guardrails, moving beyond mere feedback.

* Review, refine, and approve externally produced assets before their integration into the brand ecosystem.

* Educate vendors on the appropriate and inappropriate uses of AI within brand standards.

**Cross-Functional Collaboration & Enablement:**

* Work closely with Brand, Creative, UX, Digital, and Platform teams to integrate visual assets consistently across all channels.

* Support brand training, workshops, and enablement efforts related to visual systems and AI usage.

* Act as a vital bridge between creative craft and scalable systems, empowering teams to accelerate their work without compromising brand integrity.

**Qualifications:**

To thrive in this dynamic role, you will bring:

* A strong foundation as a designer or art director, coupled with a deep understanding of visual systems and brand expression.

* Demonstrated design leadership, with the ability to set strategic direction rather than solely executing tasks.

* Profound familiarity with illustration systems, iconography, and the development of visual language.

* A practical understanding of AI design tools and workflows, complemented by excellent judgment on when and when not to leverage them.

* Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

* Proficiency in presentation and design software.

* Comfort operating within an oversight, governance, and enablement model, focusing on strategic impact over constant hands-on production.

* A strong collaborative spirit and the ability to influence effectively without direct authority.

#LI-HC1

**About Aquent Talent:**

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.