Assistant Director

Description:

Strategically use creative skill sets to advance DIA and its athletic program visibility, initiatives and promotions through all forms of print and digital media. Utilize graphic design and social media content to develop and enhance individual and team brands to contribute to a life changing student-athlete experience.

Duties & Responsibilities

Production

• Assist and support the visual execution of the overall brand and messaging for all athletic teams and units of DIA
• Produce large-scale graphics for facility enhancements and billboards
• Design and produce high-quality marketing pieces that communicate a strategic department and university message to a broad audience in many different media formats (such as logos, stationary, brochures, direct mail solicitations, print ads, posters, newsletters, mailers, e-mail campaigns, etc.).
• Proactively contribute to the recruitment of prospective student-athletes through visual materials, such as digital presentations and electronic correspondence, and creative technology.
• Successfully manage multiple projects concurrently, while meeting project deadlines
• Keep up-to-date on new trends and innovative approaches in industry techniques and mediums and implement into design and branding efforts

Branding and Engagement

• Contribute to all phases of the design production process. Such tasks include providing production schedules, art direction and design, photography input and styling, print coordination, pre-press production, four-color proofing, and advanced knowledge of printing methods and best practices.
• Work effectively with coaches and sport specific staff members to translate their vision and needs into an appropriate design that meets their program identify and marketing goals
• Collaborate with branding and communications team members to achieve consistency in creative direction and design and provide support to those units
• Maintain branding guidelines to ensure optimal value of Illinois Athletics, State Farm Center and the University of Illinois.
• Uphold Fighting Illini Athletics brand logos, wordmarks, colors and fonts Create logos and templates for department use

Live Events

• Create real-time content at assigned game days and special events, including but not limited to:
  • Social media graphics (score updates, stats, etc.)
  • Work with photographers to download and edit photos for content creation and SA consumption
  • Communicate with other support staff to identify needs after the game/event

    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of graphic design fundamentals, marketing strategies, and visual communication principles.
  • Knowledge of graphic design software.
  • Knowledge of effective digital and social communication to elevate an athletics brand, generate revenue, and assist in recruiting.
  • Knowledge of various marketing and communication theories, concepts, techniques, and strategies.
  • Must have a clear understanding of Auburn’s Brand (including messaging, traditions, audience, etc.).
  • Attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and execute multiple projects under demanding deadline.
  • Ability to work well with a broad range of clients in order to identify and meet specific audience and client requirements.
  • Ability to develop and execute strategic marketing plans.
  • Ability to manage budgets and timelines effectively for both scheduled projects and urgent requests.
  • Ability to quickly pivot as strategic direction changes.
  • Willingness to accept feedback and criticism.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and desire to work effectively with campus clients and other designers.
  • Excellent creative thinking skills; adaptability to new technology or communication avenues.
  • Knowledge of and compliance with, specific NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and institution rules that relate to the position is required