Art Director

Description
Under the general direction of the Director of Creative Services, the Art Director facilitates the production of in-house marketing campaigns from concept to completion. S/he is responsible for the design and production of a wide range of online and offline museum communications materials including (but not limited to) marketing collateral, environmental graphics and educational materials. Working with an analytical problem solving approach, s/he blends creative ability with an ability to measure success in ensuring all materials produced adhere to the museum’s brand guidelines, and reflect a high standard of creativity, design principles and technical standards.

This position requires specialized knowledge of the methods and techniques of graphic design as well as higher-level client interaction skills. The Art Director will manage entire marketing campaigns—not just the production of specific pieces of collateral. The incumbent must possess advanced level design skills, an exceptional eye for design and details, the ability to prioritize and work in a deadline driven environment, innate leadership ability, and excellent relationship management skills. S/he must exhibit the ability to design high quality work while never losing sight of the campaign’s “big picture.”

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

In consultation with the Director of Creative Services and with the assistance of a Graphic Designer, conceives of and designs and produces a wide range of eye-catching and effective campaigns across various platforms including advertisements, brochures, posters, invitations, web pages, online banners, gallery labels, wall texts, exhibition didactics, signage, the museum’s membership magazine, and educational materials that are on-brand, on-target, on-budget, and on-time.
Works with internal clients from other departments to understand their project requirements, messaging objectives, and deadlines, and in order to create materials that balance information with brand guidelines and media constraints requirements. Balances client feedback against project objectives and brand guidelines. Additionally, proactively seeks opportunities to propose new projects that align with institutional priorities.
Assists the Director of Creative Services in facilitating creative brainstorms and workshops; energetically seeks inspiration in the museum’s collection and programs; contributes substantively to creative briefs.

Oversees the work of freelance production artists, photographers, illustrators, prepress operators, printers and other outside/freelance staff (once hired by Director of Creative Services); mentors internal staff designers and serves as full-time evangelist for “design thinking” in integrated in-house design. Prepares reports for all levels of museum leadership.
Manages projects from concept through final mechanical to successfully meet schedule and budget requirements; identifies and negotiates with outside printers and appropriate suppliers; obtains and evaluates cost estimates as required; creates and monitors budgets as necessary.
Reviews color proofs of print projects to ensure color quality and accuracy; reviews page proofs and layouts for accuracy and consistency of textual format.
Maintains visual standards for the museum’s brand; trains internal staff and freelance designers, as needed, on the museum’s brand guidelines and best practices; assists Director of Creative Services in maintaining and updating brand guidelines when appropriate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design or a related field
Five (5) years of related experience (agency experience preferred); or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Advanced level design skills with the ability to conceptualize creative solutions that solve project objectives and remain true to the museum’s brand; must have previous experience art directing photo shoots and arranging for necessary design assets (e.g. custom illustrations); should be able to balance design and typography with copy and understand the importance of messaging hierarchy
Advanced computer skills in all relevant technologies and software, including expert level skills in Adobe Creative Suite (on the Mac platform)
Excellent interpersonal, analytical, organizational, reporting, and communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with other museum staff across all department levels; establish and maintain effective relationships with external contacts including designers, photographers, printers, and vendors
Ability to prioritize and multi-task within a deadline-driven environment
Must be a team player with a positive attitude and the ability to respond well to critical feedback
COMPENSATION

$36.5048 – $43.8432 per hour with excellent benefits package*

*Please note new hires start at the beginning of the salary range and this position is represented by SEIU 1021.