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Colorado State University

Creative Director

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, us, 80523


Position Type: Admin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification Title: Prof/Indiv Contrib III

Number of Vacancies: 1

Work Hours/Week: 40

Proposed Annual Salary Range: $63,000 -- $65,000

Employee Benefits: Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment to

diversity, equity and inclusion , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 09/09/2024.

Description of Work Unit: Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city.

Position Summary: The Creative Director is responsible for leading the visual brand of Colorado State Athletics. Reporting to the Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communications and Brand Enhancement, the Creative Director will oversee the Director of Graphic Design and develop and lead a group of freelance and student staff. The Creative Director is responsible for developing engaging graphical content for the purpose of internal and external stakeholders to elevate the visual appeal of Colorado State Athletics across digital platforms, in-person experiences, physical materials, and more.

Required Job Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in graphic arts, creative design, marketing, business, advertising, communications or related field required.

Minimum of three years of professional or internship experience in graphic design or related field required.

Submission of a portfolio representing a diverse variety of projects and abilities, especially those that pertain to sports/athletics required.

Proficiency in Adobe CC graphic design software, including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign required.

Must be a team-player who is able to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Must be able to meet tight completion deadlines, work independently and communicate effectively.

Must be able to demonstrate creativity and continuous progression with graphic design concepts.

Must have experience with print design and layout for sales and marketing collateral, flyers, posters, trade-show materials, multipage brochures and catalogs.

Must have strong artistic and graphics skills including an “eye” for detail and a high aesthetic for graphic and interactive design, typography, photography, etc.

Must be well-versed with Mac OSX and familiar with Windows OS.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

Experience working in intercollegiate athletics, professional sports, or related design/production entity strongly preferred.

Experience with motion graphics and animation platforms, including but not limited to After Effects and Blender.

Experience leading a graphic design staff – either full-time or hourly employees – as well as brand campaigns.

Diversity Statement: Demonstrated knowledge of, and relevant ability with, culturally diverse communities among potential target and constituent populations.

Job Duty Category: Graphic Design

Duty/Responsibility:

Working with the Director of Graphic Design, the Creative Director will have direct input and lead the visual brand of Colorado State Athletics.

Develop and ideate social media graphics for departmental and program use.

Develop and ideate website graphics in applicable sizes.

Develop and ideate graphic content to be used in the department’s e-mail marketing platform.

Develop and ideate physical design elements including but not limited to customized apparel, billboards, postcards, pamphlets, etc.

Work with the Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Fan Experience, the Assistant Athletic Director for Broadcasting and Creative Video, and Ram Sports Properties to enhance the visual brand of Colorado State on in-venue boards including but not limited to rotational boards and score boards.

Percentage Of Time: 50

Job Duty Category: Creative Direction

Duty/Responsibility:

Working in concert with members of the communications, digital media, creative video, and other applicable external unit members, serve as a thought leader in the department’s overall creative direction.

Provide input and, when necessary, materials to enhance the department’s digital offerings for specific social media campaigns and/or creative video pieces.

Provide input and, when necessary, direction during team content days to add necessary insight during content capture sessions.

Provide input and, when necessary, direction for event photography and videography as it relates to needs for future graphical content.

Provide input and, when necessary, direction for designed elements to support on-campus visits for coaches and prospective student-athletes.

Percentage Of Time: 25

Job Duty Category: Unit Management

Duty/Responsibility:

Lead the Graphic Design team comprised of full-time, part-time, student, and freelance staff to enhance the department’s visual offerings and brand consistency.

Participate as a member of the External Affairs unit and Strategic Communications and Brand Enhancement department by attending staff meetings and collaborating on initiatives.

Effectively plan, for the benefit of the unit and external team, in advance of graphic requests where possible.

Manage, train and coordinate student employees for various roles within Graphic Design department including daily, weekly, and long-term design projects.

Coordinate freelance staff as deemed necessary and coordinate freelance payments with Business Office.

Ensure compliance with all departmental, University, conference and NCAA procedures, rules and regulations.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Percentage Of Time: 25

Special Instructions to Applicants: To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Conditions of Employment: Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).

Search Contact: EEO Statement: Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action.

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References RequestedMinimum Requested: 3

Maximum Requested: 3

Supplemental Questions

* Do you have a Bachelor's degree in graphics arts, creative design, marketing, business, advertising, communications or any other field related to duties and responsibilities?

YesNo

* Do you have a minimum of three years of professional or internship experience in graphic design or a related field?

YesNo

* Are you legally eligible to work in the United States?

YesNo

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