Director, Creative Services

Department: Integrated Communications

Location: Jerry Sue Thornton Center

Reports To: VP, Integrated Communications

Recruitment Type: External/Internal

Requisition ID: req4376

Employment Type: Administration and Professionals

Union Position: Non-Union

Work Schedule: 8:30 am - 5 pm M-F

Number of Openings: 1

Job Description:

SUMMARY

The Director, Creative Services must excel in highly conceptual design and display an aptitude for strategic thinking. This is a leadership role within the College’s in-house agency, responsible for leading a team of creatives (design, copy and digital) to produce work that consistently exceeds expectations.

The Director, Creative Services is responsible for the overall development, implementation and supervision of the department’s creative products: design, copy and production as it relates to broadcast, print and interactive media for the College’s communications and advertising campaigns. Ensures brand consistency within a team-based environment, visually and in messaging across all communications platforms.

The Director, Creative Services will also lead the development and execution of the creative strategy, creative concepts, brand identity and visual identity. The Director, Creative Services will lead the internal creative team and manage external creative agencies, freelance designers and photographers in the development of breakthrough marketing and communications materials and campaigns, in partnership with the Marketing Integration, Strategic Communications and Media Services teams.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 
  Acts as the steward of the visual identity of the College brand, drives creative solutions that further refine that brand and ensures that the department meets brand guidelines and production standards
  
• Edits and proofs publications and coordinates layout and design, working with photographers, artists, agencies and printers, both internally and externally. Manages production processes and develops and adjusts timelines as needed to ensure deadlines are met
  
• Collaborates with staff to raise the standard of the creative product with all teams and across all channels
  
• Leads brainstorming/creative sessions to generate ideas; develops campaign briefs
  
• Writes compelling and well-crafted creative copy
  
• Contributes unique design interpretations and collaboratively leads the design and execution of a full range of communication tools including: logos, collateral, advertising, direct mail, signage and digital marketing campaigns
  
• Thinks beyond design; understand in-house clients’ business strategies and conceptually brainstorms and develops new ideas to achieve goals
  
• Properly package and translate final files for print and digital to go into production while following vendor guidelines closely
  
• Manage deadlines and workload to ensure projects are delivered on-time and within the allotted budget
  
• Plans, produces, develops and updates marketing materials (broadcast, print and interactive), working with College leadership, academic deans and program directors and managers within the communications department
  
• Serves as a consultant to the department as well as to College constituents on how to best achieve marketing goals, identify strategic communications channels, develop timelines, manage production workflow and assist department in meeting objectives for developing communications program and collateral
  
• Supervises members of the Creative staff; establishes a systemized structure of collaborative team meetings and attends inter-department and administrative department meetings as requested
  
• Facilitates effective communication of the Creative team with the Marketing Integration and Strategic Communications teams within the department and with constituents across the College
  
• As the senior design authority for the College, helps to elevate and guide the creative team members to apply modern design techniques and harness new ways of thinking to execute campaigns
  
• Develops and monitors printing and project budgets and publications inventory
  
• Act as liaison between Reprographic Center contract staff and the College, ensuring equipment functionality and access to technology, adherence to brand guidelines as well as staffing recommendations and oversight
  
• Participates on committees relevant to the College brand
  
• Performs other related duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/TRAINING

• 
  Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in Graphic Design, Art Advertising, Product Design, Advertising, or related field
  
  • Significant job-related experience may substitute for
    
• 7+ years of art direction and design demonstrating progressive career growth and a pattern of exceptional performance
  
• Creative agency, publisher or in-house brand creative leadership experience
  
• Experience leading consumer marketing campaigns with a focus on TV, Print, Digital, OOH & Social
  
• Demonstrated experience with digital marketing and advertising design execution
  
• Demonstrated experience with Social Media marketing, content, and advertising
  
• Experience handling and prioritizing multiple projects across multiple groups/ stakeholders
  
• Demonstrated experience and accomplishments in publications, production and marketing
  
• Experience working with project management software

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

• 
  In-depth and current understanding of design trends and industry best practices
  
• In-depth and current understanding of social platforms, devices and trends
  
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results under difficult conditions, particularly when faced with obstacles
  
• Demonstrated computer skills and working knowledge of desktop publication applications, specializing in Adobe Creative Suite, as well as word processing and website platforms.
  
• Working knowledge of graphic design, broadcast and print production, web-based communications processes, photography and advertising.
  
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, including presentation skills - ability to articulate design
  
• Strong proofreading, editing, layout and design skills
  
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels as well as to work collaboratively in a team environment
  
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment
  
• Ability to work extended hours as needed to meet deadlines.
  
• Sensitivity to respond appropriately to the needs of a diverse population
  
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE/TRAINING

• Master’s Degree in related field
  
• Prior experience in higher education

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• 
  The work is performed in a normal, professional office environment;
  
• The work area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated;
  
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the duties of the job and will perform repetitive motions with hands/fingers using a computer mouse and keyboard to type. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as papers, files, pamphlets, books, etc.;
  
• Work may also require walking and standing in conjunction with travel to and attendance at meetings and conferences away from the worksite

Special Instructions to Applicants: During the application process, you may be required to attach a cover letter and/or resume. It is recommended that you have these documents ready to be attached electronically to the online application. This system accepts only MS Word or PDF attachments. Any employment with the College is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and drug screen.

Affirmative Action Statement: Cuyahoga Community College is committed to attaining excellence through the recruitment and retention of a qualified and diverse workforce. Cuyahoga Community College is an equal employment/educational opportunity institution.