About the position
Kennesaw State University is seeking a Director of Design Services who will be responsible for the development and management of the University's graphic design services strategy. This role involves overseeing the creative design process from concept to completion, ensuring that all projects align with the university's brand development and management goals. The Director will lead a talented team of graphic designers, providing guidance and support throughout the creative process. This includes translating communication objectives into clear creative strategies and impactful executions, as well as working closely with multidisciplinary project teams to produce marketing and communications collateral, including digital and traditional advertising, brochures, and the University magazine. In this position, the Director will meet with clients and management to explain campaign strategies and solutions, review work, troubleshoot issues, and provide constructive feedback to design teams. The role also involves actively participating in the hiring and training of design staff, managing their career development, and ensuring that visual communication and brand standards are met and evolved as necessary. The Director will manage the university's brand visual identity, stationery, and freelance design contracts, ensuring that all creative outputs reflect the university's mission and values. Kennesaw State University prides itself on its vibrant culture and commitment to innovative teaching and learning. As one of the largest public institutions in the country, the university offers a dynamic environment for creative professionals looking to make a significant impact in higher education. The successful candidate will embody the university's core values of accountability, excellence, integrity, and respect, and will play a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of KSU as it continues to grow and evolve.
Responsibilities
- Oversees the creative design process from concept to completion
- Translates communications objectives into clear creative strategies and impactful executions
- Works closely with multidisciplinary project teams
- Leads and directs the design team in the production of all marketing and communications collateral, including digital and traditional advertising, brochures, University magazine, etc.
- Ensures visual communication and brand standards are met and evolves brand standards as needed
- Meets with clients and management to explain campaign strategies and solutions
- Reviews work, troubleshoots and provides feedback to design teams
- Remains actively involved in hiring and training design staff
- Manages and cultivates the career development of staff members, including graphic and digital designers
- Manages brand visual identity, the university stationery and freelance design contracts
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field
- Seven (7) years of creative experience in copywriting, graphic and digital design or previous art director experience including management and supervisory skills
Nice-to-haves
- Master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Retirement savings plan
- Professional development opportunities
- Paid holidays and vacation time
- Employee assistance programs
