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I am a strategic communications and brand leader with 10+ years of experience directing institutional storytelling, marketing strategy, and visual identity systems across nonprofit, education, and agency environments. I specialize in developing and implementing integrated communication and marketing plans, leading brand modernization efforts, and building cohesive messaging for diverse audiences. I am adept at collaborating with executive leadership, supervising creative workflows, and advancing mission-driven initiatives through clear, consistent, and compelling communication. I excel at shaping brand narratives, managing multi-channel campaigns, and optimizing digital and physical touchpoints to drive measurable impact. I enjoy training teams and partners statewide to uphold brand standards and deliver consistent, audience-centered communication.…I am a strategic communications and brand leader with 10+ years of experience directing institutional storytelling, marketing strategy, and visual identity systems across nonprofit, education, and agency environments. I specialize in developing and implementing integrated communication and marketing plans, leading brand modernization efforts, and building cohesive messaging for diverse audiences. I am adept at collaborating with executive leadership, supervising creative workflows, and advancing mission-driven initiatives through clear, consistent, and compelling communication. I excel at shaping brand narratives, managing multi-channel campaigns, and optimizing digital and physical touchpoints to drive measurable impact. I enjoy training teams and partners statewide to uphold brand standards and deliver consistent, audience-centered communication.

Derek Dalton

Creative Director, Brand Designer, Graphic Designer, +2

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I am a strategic communications and brand leader with 10+ years of experience directing institutional storytelling, marketing strategy, and visual identity systems across nonprofit, education, and agency environments. I specialize in developing and implementing integrated communication and marketing plans, leading brand modernization efforts, and building cohesive messaging for diverse audiences. I am adept at collaborating with executive leadership, supervising creative workflows, and advancing mission-driven initiatives through clear, consistent, and compelling communication. I excel at shaping brand narratives, managing multi-channel campaigns, and optimizing digital and physical touchpoints to drive measurable impact. I enjoy training teams and partners statewide to uphold brand standards and deliver consistent, audience-centered communication.…I am a strategic communications and brand leader with 10+ years of experience directing institutional storytelling, marketing strategy, and visual identity systems across nonprofit, education, and agency environments. I specialize in developing and implementing integrated communication and marketing plans, leading brand modernization efforts, and building cohesive messaging for diverse audiences. I am adept at collaborating with executive leadership, supervising creative workflows, and advancing mission-driven initiatives through clear, consistent, and compelling communication. I excel at shaping brand narratives, managing multi-channel campaigns, and optimizing digital and physical touchpoints to drive measurable impact. I enjoy training teams and partners statewide to uphold brand standards and deliver consistent, audience-centered communication.

Available to hire

I am a strategic communications and brand leader with 10+ years of experience directing institutional storytelling, marketing strategy, and visual identity systems across nonprofit, education, and agency environments. I specialize in developing and implementing integrated communication and marketing plans, leading brand modernization efforts, and building cohesive messaging for diverse audiences. I am adept at collaborating with executive leadership, supervising creative workflows, and advancing mission-driven initiatives through clear, consistent, and compelling communication.

I excel at shaping brand narratives, managing multi-channel campaigns, and optimizing digital and physical touchpoints to drive measurable impact. I enjoy training teams and partners statewide to uphold brand standards and deliver consistent, audience-centered communication.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

DaVinci Resolve Studio

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Work Experience

Senior Creative Brand Manager at Indiana Youth Institute (IYI)

January 1, 2022 - Present

Lead strategic communications and brand direction for a statewide nonprofit supporting youth-serving professionals. Directed a comprehensive brand-refresh initiative including identity modernization, brand standards, and messaging. Served as communications and creative lead for FIVE by 50, developing campaign identity, narrative, and multi-channel content. Managed internal communications, executive messaging, staff alignment tools, and institutional communications planning. Oversaw marketing and communication deliverables across print, digital, social, video, and event channels. Managed IYI’s website, ensuring content clarity, information architecture improvements, and brand consistency. Provided communications and branding training to organizations statewide. Oversaw vendor relationships, production schedules, and creative systems.

Contract Senior Designer at TrendyMinds

January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022

Developed integrated marketing and communication assets for nonprofit, education, healthcare, and corporate clients. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver cohesive campaigns under tight timelines. Produced digital content, print collateral, social assets, and web materials aligned with client goals.

Art Director / Project Lead at Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2022

Directed creative and visual communication strategies for a national K–12 STEM education organization. Developed integrated marketing materials, event branding, publications, digital content, and environmental graphics. Ensured clarity and brand consistency across campaigns and educational resources.

Graphic Designer at Kiwanis International

January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2019

Designed international marketing and communication materials supporting membership engagement and global programs. Contributed to implementation of a global rebrand through consistent design systems and messaging alignment. Collaborated with editorial and marketing teams to translate messaging into compelling visual communication.

Freelance Designer & Adjunct Faculty at CMT, Rise Indy, Herron School of Art & Design (IU)

January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2021

Provided branding, communications, and design services for civic and education-focused organizations. Taught visual communication and mentored students on professional practices.

Graphic Designer at Green Bean Delivery

January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2017

Created print, digital, and packaging materials for sustainable food delivery branding. Maintained brand consistency across campaigns, promotions, and customer communications.