Description:
What You Will Do:
Holistic Art Direction and Creative Vision (30%)
- Conceptualize and execute innovative campaigns and projects by employing a holistic approach to art/creative direction.
- Maintain a consistent creative vision across diverse channels to create successful and engaging campaigns and projects.
- Work on branding, brand identity and campaign assignments that encompass many different assets, including advertising, newsletters, brochures, brand identity suites, event collateral and theming, physical spaces, websites, social media, photography, toolkits and signage.
- Team Leadership and Management (30%)
- Manage the work and professional development of a team of five designers..
- Lead projects and direct work from ideation to delivery — on budget, on schedule and to specifications.
- Ensure all work is within brand guidelines and demonstrates brand leadership.
- Manage project budgets for the Design and Production teams, adhering to University purchasing process.
- Oversee and approve bids and cost estimates as provided by the production managers.
- Act as Creative Lead on projects or campaigns, as assigned, coordinating across disciplines to ensure that the overall voice, vision and quality remain consistent for all deliverables.
- Partner Management and Project Consultation (30%)
- Work with stakeholders to identify the project scope, deliverables, budget and timeline. Present strategy and gain stakeholder buy-in.
- Ascertain the message and values that need to be communicated along with desired outcomes.
- Analyze and evaluate the visual and design assets for UMAC and school/college/program to maintain art direction and brand compliance.
- Evaluate and benchmark visual and design assets against those from peer institutions.
- Advise senior leadership on recommendations for improvement and oversee any implementation of recommendations.
- Design and produce — or manage the in-house design and production of — publications and event collateral, presentations, advertising, and signage for high-level University officials.
- Work in close partnership with the Executive Creative Director to serve as representative voice for the UMAC Creative Team in task forces, committees and other forums that address the role of marketing and communications at the University of Washington.
- Other projects as assigned (10%)
What You Bring:
- Experience in art directing publications, events/experiential marketing, digital media, video and photoshoots.
- Ability and eagerness to prioritize diversity and inclusivity in design, ensuring that the work produced by the team reflects and resonates with a wide range of audiences. Be well-versed in cultural sensitivity and demonstrate a passion for creating designs that celebrate diverse perspectives and experiences.
- Proficiency within the Macintosh platform, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and the ability to use peripheral hardware, as necessary.
- Proficiency with file management systems, such as SharePoint, and project management tools, such as Asana.
- Proven leadership skills and experience managing a team.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and understand how their work fits into broader organizational goals.
- Possess a broad understanding of various creative disciplines beyond design, such as copywriting, photography, videography and digital media.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and foster a positive work environment.
- Ability to effectively present ideas, concepts and project updates to both internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Flexibility and adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, embrace change, manage multiple projects and respond to shifting priorities.
- Proven track record of delivering high-quality work on time and within budget.
- Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in design, advertising, marketing, communications or related field and 5+ years’ experience in art direction, publications development, graphic design, advertising or marketing or related field.
- Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.