Art Director

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Art Director helps raise Case Western Reserve's stature as a leading national research university by serving as a design leader across print and digital platforms. With the Creative Director, this individual will oversee a team of graphic designers responsible for the production of compelling visual communications in digital and print form. They will collaborate with the production manager, project managers, graphic designers and other UMC stakeholders to ensure that all university projects meet the strategic goals of the individual piece(s) and broader campaigns, comply with brand identity requirements, and achieve the highest standards for design and visual presentation. They will also harness exceptional interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with office staff and university clients.

The Art Director will also collaborate on high-profile marketing and communications projects, executing visual outcomes as instructed by the creative director, and will possess a passion for design excellence evidenced in their own work. In addition to hands-on design, they will use their knowledge of digital platforms, prepress methods and printing techniques to develop specifications and ensure final projects are delivered exceeding client expectations.

This individual will also apply critical thinking to help monitor visual initiatives, brand identity, project workflow and process solutions, and maintain a current understanding of technological advances and communication trends within the industry.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Team leadership: Work closely with the creative director to ensure graphic designers execute compelling, functional designs that meet team goals and strategic priorities. Provide direct reports specific, ongoing and constructive art direction and keep creative director apprised of day-to-day. Stay up to date on current and emerging trends and technology with regard to design and communication and educate the design team. (40%)
• Creative conceptualization: Create high-priority digital and print designs that advance the university's messaging and achieve university/school goals, as articulated by university and school leaders. Mediums include but are not limited to digital advertising, social media graphics, PowerPoint presentations, print magazines, invitations, large-scale signage, motion graphics, logo/emblem creation, and more. (25%)
• Quality control and project management: Ensure the design team's drafts and final deliverables reflect the university's visual tone and brand standards and are completed in a timely manner. Engage with university marketing and communications colleagues to assess scope of assigned projects; collaborate with them in the development of timelines and assignment of resources. (25%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Brand management: Review materials/merchandise submitted by external partners to ensure consistent brand usage. Provide professional and informative feedback when corrections are needed. (5%)
• Photography: Assist with photoshoots, photo editing and photo archiving to ensure the university's visual library is comprehensive, visually compelling, current and easy to navigate. (5%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous contact with the creative director, graphic designers, project managers and other department staff.

University: Regular contact with faculty, staff and alumni.

External: Moderate contact with university institutional partners and vendors.

Students: Occasional interaction with students.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct supervision of three designers (full-time and part-time).

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 7 years of experience in roles that involve content-forward design. Prefer meaningful experience in design of digital projects and at least 2 years of experience managing others.

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute compelling print and digital projects, including brochures, magazines, digital ads, animations, social media graphics, and marketing campaigns, while adhering to strict brand guidelines.
• Proficiency in advanced photo retouching and photo illustration, with skills in vector and traditional illustration as a plus.
• Advanced understanding of typography, color theory, and composition.
• Ability to recognize and execute various photographic lighting styles, select photographers, schedule and art direct multitiered photoshoots, and obtain necessary approvals for photoshoots, including in restricted areas.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to build, maintain, and organize creative files, server structures, and propose/executing filing solutions.
• Critical thinking abilities to manage projects, anticipate and work through potential challenges, and articulate the rationale for design decisions.
• Ability to prioritize projects based on strategic objectives and time sensitivities, managing multiple projects simultaneously to ensure timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Collaborative mindset, with experience working constructively in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in leading the creative process from conception through completion, effectively communicating with colleagues, clients, and project participants.
• Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire colleagues and direct reports.
• Ability to adapt to unexpected developments in an appropriately cooperative and flexible way.
• Familiarity with design approaches to online publications (advertisements, brochures, and magazines) and accessibility guidelines.
• Proficiency in developing specifications for bids from printers, photographers, designers, and other vendors, assessing proposals for quality and price and providing accurate recommendations to creative director.
• Ability to succeed in a fast-moving, outcomes-oriented environment, maintaining consistent attendance and effective face-to-face interaction with colleagues and supervisors.
• Exceptional proficiency in design software, particularly Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and related Creative Cloud products.
• Understanding and application of WCAG accessibility and ADA compliance standards to designs, with a willingness to learn if unfamiliar.
• Extreme attention to detail and proven commitment to quality control.
• Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment.

Hybrid Eligibility

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

Diversity Statement

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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