PAY GRADE: 31E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

Under limited direction, provides graphic design/visual communication expertise on projects of major scope and/or complexity for the University community. The Senior Art Director communicates information through visual means involving the design, creation, and display of such visual materials used in print and/or digital end products, exhibits and environmental graphics, print advertising, outdoor advertising, television, web and public information projects. Work involves a variety of integrated steps and processes, requiring extensive knowledge of specialized, multi-faceted design concepts and media, a high level of creativity and advanced technical skills in print and web design software. The Senior Art Director leads the development of complex graphic design solutions, creates original, highly conceptual ideas and produces comprehensive layouts for visualization of concepts as well as oversees and coordinates production of final products. Responsible for assisting clients in defining their market and their objectives and acting as a liaison between several diverse, professional team members to achieve those objects with exceptional creativity and conceptual solutions.  He or she is responsible for the creation and enforcement of graphic standards, review and analysis of publication needs, and adherence to University standards and policies. The Senior Art Director is involved in developing and monitoring project budgets. He or she provides copy ideas when relevant to design. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conceptualizes, plans, designs, and produces a wide range of specialized graphic and/or illustrative material, to include multimedia concepts, as appropriate.
• Consults directly with various clients to determine their needs and objectives. Creatively interprets their expressed needs and ideas into a strong concept. Translates concept into effective visual forms tailored to the needs of the intended audience; makes optimal use of available resources and innovative talent; selects visual materials to be used;
• Designs the placement and appearance of material for printed or digital output to accepted technical specifications using appropriate software; Must have the ability to work within a variety of formats efficiently (from single sheet to large multi-page documents) and be capable of creating efficient, technically correct files for minimal problems with final output. Selects typographical format and design, plans the effective use of color, tone, esthetic composition and harmony and maintains a high standard of design for the final product.
• Keeps abreast of emerging technology by attending conferences, reading periodicals, monitoring pertinent industry forums and web sites, and interfacing with peers. Promotes and integrates new information technologies into related activities.
• Identifies, selects, and coordinates vendors for printing and publication services, as appropriate to the project; may write and process requests for proposals for printing requisitions; identifies and recommends contractors, such as printers, service bureaus, sign companies, illustrators, and photographers.
• Obtains cost estimates and coordinates the printing of materials by outside vendors.
• Oversees production schedules for the various steps in the design process; analyzes and projects development costs and develops project budgets and workflow.
• Manages inspection of proofs for accuracy and adherence to appropriate production standards and suggests improvements as needed.
• Provides technical advice and guidance, and serves as liaison with production personnel, authors, publishers, clients, and/or printing representatives on University graphic standards, copyright requirements, design and technical graphics issues.
• Participates in production and/or marketing planning group sessions and meetings, on a project basis. Provides creative and conceptual support for strategic marketing and design solutions.
• Consults daily with University personnel at all levels as well as with commercial representatives from printing firms, and other graphic arts suppliers.
• Archives and maintains digital records of finished projects and works individually or as part of a team to organize unit’s digital assets.
• Determines best and/or most economical printing methods and printers, cost control, scheduling of photo sessions and related activities on all projects. Interview, hire, and supervise illustrators, photographers, and other sources that may be required for design or production. Develops and maintains files on freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and related creative specialists. Coordinate portfolio showings. Supervise various freelance personnel and interns.
• Serves as departmental design liaison to select colleges and departmental units.
• Quality control. Checks final artwork and printing specifications. Check proofs at appropriate stages. Assure quality of printing by inspecting jobs on press when project complexity necessitates. Assure broad-based usability of web-based design.
• Serves as an in-house graphic design consultant to clients that include faculty, administrative, professional and staff personnel, in the production of. Act as consultant on design/art/layout/formatting and provide solutions, particularly in the disciplines of computer-related art and graphics, and uses of related software and hardware.
• Provides creative guidance and counsel to graphic designers and other University communications specialists.  Provides advice and direction on branding to the entire University community.  Helps to develop graphic standards and maintain them; monitor the application of University identity symbols, such as the University logo, campus-wide in all media. Provides technical advice for various graphic and web applications.
• Supervises art/ directs photo shoots, both studio and on location; oversees and directs the technical work of other staff.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic or illustrative art and five years’ related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Requires knowledge of, and proven expertise in, the principles and techniques of artistic design and display, as well as current techniques and materials involved in various reproduction processes, working knowledge of the equipment and materials used in graphic illustration. 
• Experience with web interfaces and have basic knowledge of content management systems. Knowledge of the use of color, tones shading, harmony and composition; general knowledge of the equipment, techniques, and processes involved in photography, printing and digital imaging as well as the various types of media, related equipment and their limitations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in order to grasp the broad goals of a client and translate in a creative and conceptual way.
• Ability to think conceptually and articulate ideas well, ability to develop ingenious ideas on a given topic or situation and to develop creative ways to solve a problem, ability to establish cooperative working relationships with others, including the ability to mediate between diverse professionals and unify those individuals towards one goal. and off campus.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires the ability to visually match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.