Creative Director

$75,000 - $75,000/Yr

University of Georgia - Athens, GA

Full-time - Mid Level

Athens, GA

5,001-10,000 employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Creative Director at the University of Georgia will serve as the driving creative force behind the Division of Development & Alumni Relations Communications team (DARCOMM). This role is pivotal in leading a sub-team within the DARCOMM department, guiding creative strategy and development for all major initiatives within the division. The Creative Director will provide art direction for significant division programs and priorities while coaching a team of designers to achieve the same high standards. This position is responsible for managing all design resources, including both staff and freelance designers, ensuring that design projects are completed efficiently and on time. The Creative Director will develop and manage a streamlined process that allows colleagues to complete their design projects effectively. This includes creating style guides for all related projects, which enhances efficiency and ensures that all work complies with the visual identity and branding of the University of Georgia and the Division of Development and Alumni Relations. The role involves developing word marks that accompany the UGA logo to identify and brand specific units within Development & Alumni Relations for various programs and events. The Creative Director will also brainstorm new communication strategies and tactics to enhance the effectiveness of DAR's outreach to alumni and donors. This position is critical for implementing a consistent, branded communication plan that ensures alumni and donors can instantly recognize UGA communications, thereby making these communications more effective. The Creative Director will lead the creative design team in producing all visual assets, including print materials and digital graphics, for all departments within DAR. This role requires effective supervisory skills, the ability to manage time and adhere to deadlines, and a commitment to outstanding customer service. The Creative Director will also be expected to stay updated on current industry trends and best practices, ensuring that the division's creative output remains relevant and impactful.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the Creative Design team that develops all visual assets for the Division of Development & Alumni Relations (DAR).
• Manage and supervise employees reporting directly to this position to ensure everyone meets their goals and project timelines.
• Evaluate performance of each employee reporting to this position annually.
• Lead other designers in producing artwork for high-profile projects and delegate tasks as necessary.
• Develop performance initiatives and expectations for employees reporting to this position and mentor them.
• Actively participate in planning and encourage team members to engage with units to identify creative solutions.
• Help prioritize creative projects to focus on the most strategically important projects and set clear expectations for the units.
• Ensure DARCOMM consistently produces high-quality and accurate creative products.
• Lead assigned high-profile projects as appropriate based on staffing and needs.
• Troubleshoot design challenges with team members as they arise.
• Actively seek ways to improve design department processes.
• Identify creative resources for upcoming design projects, including team members and freelancers.
• Develop creative style guides for appropriate DAR units, programs, and initiatives and provide art direction for the division.
• Lead the team in creating appropriate branding for DAR units and programs.
• Direct artwork strategy for the division in collaboration with the creative team, communication team, and digital team.
• Lead design efforts for division-wide projects from concept to final execution within deadlines.
• Develop style guides for 2+ initiatives per year and distribute them to the DARCOMM team and beyond.
• Understand marketing initiatives, strategic positioning, and target audience.
• Work with other members of DARCOMM to evaluate campaign needs and create visual elements for campaigns.
• Produce sketches, mood boards, and roughs to visualize ideas and generate clear concepts in tandem with copywriters and digital specialists.
• Contribute to and lead content ideation and development for certain projects.
• Manage division design assets including logos, typefaces, templates, and photography needs.
• Manage and steward relationships with print vendors and ensure final designs meet standards through testing and proofing.
• Set clear expectations for brand usage within DAR and interpret the UGA brand for the alumni and donor audience.

Requirements

• Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field.
• Graphic Design degree from an accredited college or university and at least 5 years of previous graphic design experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 3 years' experience developing brand strategy and working within brand guidelines.
• At least 3 years' experience supervising and coaching staff.
• Attention to detail is a must.
• At least one year of experience working with print and promotional item vendors.
• At least 3 years professional experience using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Comfortable receiving feedback and staying solution-focused.
• Experience with building motion graphics in After Effects is a plus.
• Experience with video editing in Premiere Pro is a plus.
• Knowledge of CSS, JavaScript, or other web programming is a plus.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with video production and editing.
• Knowledge of current industry trends and best practices.

Benefits

• Retirement plan (TRS or ORP)
• Benefits Eligible
• Full-time employment with a salary of $75,000+ commensurate with qualifications and experience.