Chief Design Officer

Role: Chief  Design OfficerContract Type: VolunteerInterview: November 2025Duration 12 MonthsWho we are & What do we believe? Arcadia is a non-profit, international non-governmental organisation with a global presence, comprising 238 members from all seven continents. Founded and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Arcadia is dedicated to two core missions:Our primary mission is to make university-level education accessible to everyone, irrespective of financial, social, geographical, or political barriers. We strive for academic excellence and aim to diminish the limitations to education, ensuring that high-quality education is available to all. Our secondary mission is to foster a global appreciation and support for art. By addressing contemporary global issues through art in our exhibitions, and highlighting significant art events worldwide, we aim to cultivate a deep-seated art consciousness. Our goal is to inspire a greater appreciation for art in the modern world.At Arcadia, our academic team consists of over 70 international researchers who contribute to Higher Education-level academic articles across a myriad of disciplines. Our commitment to sharing knowledge without any charges or subscriptions ensures that everyone, everywhere, can benefit from our collective expertise. We believe in the transformative power of education and art to create a better, more enlightened world, a modern utopia.Wherever you are, whoever you are !We believe that the internet is one of the greatest resources humanity has achieved, giving us the opportunity to exceed our physical boundaries. Arcadia welcomes all; regardless of gender, ethnicity, and age. We embrace diversity and as an international NGO with more than 79 different nationalities, our aim is to support diversity within our teams and allow people all around the world to have the opportunity to join and contribute and grow in their fields of interest.About the PositionArcadia is seeking a visionary and accomplished Chief Design Officer (CDO) to lead our Design Department and shape the creative direction of our organisation. As CDO, you will be responsible for overseeing creative and design activities, ensuring that the visual output aligns seamlessly with Arcadia’s mission to advance education, foster a deeper appreciation for art, and elevate ideas through exceptional design. You will lead two key senior leaders—the Art Director, who manages art consultants, and the Design Director, who oversees graphic designers—with overall responsibility for a department of creative professionals. Together, you will set the strategic vision for Arcadia’s design efforts, delivering innovative and impactful outcomes that enhance our academic, publishing, and artistic endeavours.In this role, you will have direct oversight of key design initiatives, including the development of book covers for Arcadia’s online research series, ensuring they reflect the highest standards of academic and aesthetic excellence. You will also oversee the design and visual direction of Arcadia’s website, maintaining consistency with our brand identity while enhancing its visual appeal and user experience. Collaborating closely with our academic and editorial teams, your team will translate complex research into compelling visual narratives, ensuring every design contributes to Arcadia’s mission and resonates with global audiences. Your leadership will be central to building a high-performing, inclusive design culture that values collaboration, innovation, and excellence. As a member of the executive team, you will work alongside the CEO and other senior leaders to integrate design strategies into Arcadia’s broader organisational goals, driving creative innovation while ensuring operational efficiency. You will also play a critical role in mentoring and developing talent within the department, fostering an environment where creativity and professionalism flourish. This position offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape the creative identity of an international non governmental organisation at the forefront of publishing, academia, and art. Key ResponsibilitiesAs the CDO, you will play a central role in defining Arcadia’s creative vision and ensuring the design outputs uphold the organisation’s mission. Your responsibilities will include:Strategic Creative LeadershipDevelop and implement a cohesive creative vision that aligns with Arcadia’s mission and strategic objectives. Ensure all design outputs across publications, digital platforms, and internal communications reflect the organisation’s academic excellence, cultural sensitivity, and artistic values.Creative Direction for Core OutputsOversee the design of book covers for Arcadia’s online research series, ensuring each design captures the essence of the publication’s intellectual depth while appealing to global audiences. Lead the creative development of website visuals and branding, ensuring consistency in Arcadia’s digital identity and its communication materials. Provide strategic direction for the creation of promotional materials, including campaigns, infographics, and event designs, ensuring they are impactful and aligned with the organisation’s goals.Design Quality AssuranceEstablish and uphold design standards, ensuring all visual outputs, from book covers to digital media, meet the highest levels of accuracy, aesthetics, and cultural relevance. Regularly review creative projects to ensure they align with Arcadia’s mission and resonate with the diverse global communities it serves.Skills and Competencies Required:Creative Vision and Strategic Leadership  Extensive experience in developing and implementing design strategies that align with organisational goals, with a proven ability to elevate brand identity and creative outputs to global standards.  Creative Quality Assurance  Skilled in establishing and maintaining quality control processes to ensure all design work meets the highest standards of accuracy, aesthetics, and cultural relevance.  Analytical Thinking and Evaluation  Proven capability to assess the effectiveness of design initiatives, using insights and data to refine strategies and maintain alignment with organisational objectives.  QualificationsA master’s degree in a relevant field such as Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Art History, or Visual Communication from an accredited institution is highly desirable. Equivalent professional experience with a strong design portfolio will also be considered.A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in creative leadership, with at least 5 years in a senior role such as Chief Design Officer, Creative Director, or an equivalent position overseeing design teams and complex creative projects.Proven experience in the publishing, academic publishing, or media sectors, with additional experience in magazines, journals, or other creative industries considered an asset. Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional design outputs for both print and digital platforms.Extensive knowledge of branding, visual storytelling, and digital media strategies, with a proven ability to align design outputs with organisational goals.Experience working with diverse art forms and mediums, including both traditional and digital techniques, to create versatile and impactful designs.Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor senior creative leaders, such as Art and Design Directors, fostering professional growth and a culture of innovation and inclusivity within large teams.Fluency in English (CEFR C1) is required. A genuine passion for Arcadia’s mission to advance education and art, coupled with a personal commitment to using design as a medium to foster learning, accessibility, and inspiration globally.Comfortable with part-time commitment, contributing 8–10 hours (20%) per week, with availability for remote work, selecting your own working hours.A motivational and empathetic leadership style, with a commitment to fostering inclusivity, integrity, and excellence. Strong interpersonal skills to inspire trust and credibility within the organization.  What We Offer An online certificate with an international serial number after completing one year at Arcadia.Access to Arcadia's Executive Education Certificate Program, which includes six courses totaling 64 hours, specifically tailored for your role, with international certification.Access to a global network of seasoned professionals and consultants, offering tailored support to help you grow, excel, and advance in your area of expertise.We promise you a green world, a new feature. Join a fully net-zero carbon emission organisation committed to supporting a greener world.Flexible working hours based on project deadlines. You must be available to work 8-10 hours per week, with the flexibility to choose your working hours.The chance to be part of our volunteer organisation, contributing to Arcadia's humanitarian mission to provide education for all.Possibility of contract renewal with advancement at your field at the end of your 1 year according to evaluation of the Arcadia Board.The opportunity to work remotely, providing flexibility and the ability to balance your work with other commitments. The chance to work with a diverse team of individuals from around the world, supporting the organisation's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Being credited with your name, picture and also being credited in the '' Team '' section. Training sessions from our valuable and well-experienced team members.Being part of our volunteer-based organisation, and the satisfaction of contributing and doing good to the world.Arcadia is an equal opportunity provider. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics.