Case Western Reserve University
Art Director
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, us, 44101
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. (<1%)
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 man
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. (<1%)
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 man