Art Director I

Focus on the Family•Colorado Springs, CO

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Art Director I position exists to direct the graphic design activities of the design team under the supervision of the Director. This position is responsible for the development, direction, supervision, and presentation of the graphic design activities of print magazines as well as accompanying websites and digital publications as assigned; this involves direct design responsibilities as well as overseeing the work of the additional designers, illustrators, and photographers. Collaborates with editorial teams on project strategy while showing a superior understanding of the client goals and audience needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Graphics Art or equivalent work experience
5-7 years professional design experience with an agency, studio, publisher, or equivalent
In depth understanding of design fundamentals for a wide range of creative and conceptual challenges
Working knowledge of Focus on the Family mission, philosophy, values, and objectives
Advanced graphic and organizational skills
Strong attention to detail
Ability to think creatively in artistic endeavors
Ability to accept criticism of creative work
Excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent listening skills
Ability to function effectively and efficiently in a team environment
Ability to handle multiple projects and meet strict deadlines
Ability to organize work effectively to meet time constraints
Ability to deal with stress due to deadline pressure
Ability to build and maintain solid team working for a common goal
Able to delegate responsibilities to the appropriate personnel
Demonstrates superior use of graphic design principles (knowledge of typography, photography, composition, white space, color, etc.)
Advanced skill in use of Macintosh equipment, including experience with QuarkXPress, Adobe Illustrator and PhotoShop and InDesign

Nice To Haves

Teachable, flexible, and reliable
Positive, dependable and takes the initiative
Desire to expand and learn new skills and stay up on industry trends
Can graciously give and receive constructive criticism to creative work

Responsibilities

Creates and/or directs concept development, design, layout, and art production, requiring at times, independent, creative thinking
Actively participates and/or leads creative meetings, brainstorm sessions and team activities
Familiarity with contract negotiations for freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and stock photo house and working with AE’s
Assists in the guidance, training and mentoring of other designers
Interfaces and conducts contract negotiations with freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and stock photo houses
Coordinates, schedules, supervises, and directs photography and off-site photo shoots
Helps coordinate art direction activities of other designers, as well as freelancers
Take responsibility for the quality, completeness, and on-time delivery of projects
Work closely with print buyer to ensure quality of printed pieces; participates in press checks
Works closely with others to ensure quality and design integrity standards are met consistent with the magazine’s mission and Focus on the Family principles and standards
Monitors progress to schedule-from conceptualizing to final proofs
Makes efficient and effective use of computer systems, magazine production software and digital asset management system
Is responsible for design staffs’ use of digital asset management system and the archival of creative assets
Works closely with DMS, IT, Print Buyers, and Sr. Designers to ensure quality and timely delivery of print, web, and mobile publications
Stays abreast of developments within department
Participates in editorial planning sessions
May take photographs for various FOF events and assignments
Performs other duties, including but not limited to duties as assigned, some of which may include the development and creation of a variety of copyrightable works (e.g., print, photography, voice work, film, music, visual arts, etc.) for distribution in any and all media and formats (such as television, radio, internet, wireless, DVD, satellite and digital) on a world-wide basis, all of which shall be for the benefit of Focus on the Family