Art Director, Invitations & Correspondence

University of Texas at Austin

6d•Onsite

About The Position

As a member of University Marketing and Communications (UMAC) Creative Studio, the Art Director provides creative direction and design leadership for invitations, correspondence, event collateral, and related print materials. The position oversees projects from concept through production, applying expertise in typography, formal invitation and correspondence conventions, institutional protocol, and premium print production. The Art Director creates materials for presidential and leadership events, donor engagement initiatives, academic ceremonies, athletics-related experiences, campus traditions and other high-profile University occasions, moving between highly formal, traditional design and more spirited expressions of the Texas brand while maintaining exceptional standards of quality and execution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communication or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
At least three years of professional graphic design or art direction experience, including work on invitations, stationery, event collateral, print design or other high-end brand materials.
Portfolio demonstrating sophisticated design, exceptional typography and the ability to carry a cohesive creative direction across multiple deliverables.
Strong knowledge of invitation and correspondence conventions, print production, premium papers and specialty finishes.
Experience creating distinctive work within established brand standards.
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
Strong project management and proofreading skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of relevant professional design or art direction experience.
Experience designing invitations, correspondence and event materials for senior executives, institutional leaders, boards, donors or VIP audiences.
Experience presenting creative concepts and recommendations to senior leaders and stakeholders.
Experience working directly with specialty printers and production partners on techniques such as engraving, letterpress, foil stamping, embossing and die cutting.
Ability to work across highly formal, traditional design and contemporary or expressive creative applications.
Experience with Figma a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead the concept development and design of invitations, save-the-dates, programs, menus, place cards, stationery, correspondence, envelopes and related print and event collateral, ensuring a cohesive creative approach across all assets.
Establish the visual direction for assigned projects and apply exceptional standards of typography, hierarchy, spacing, composition and editorial detail.
Translate the University brand into sophisticated communications for presidential, donor, academic, institutional and other high-profile audiences.
Adapt the creative approach across formal ceremonies and dinners, athletics-related experiences, celebrations and campus traditions.
Present concepts, provide design rationale and incorporate stakeholder feedback while protecting the quality and integrity of the work.
Serve as a University resource for invitation etiquette, formal correspondence standards and event-related protocol.
Develop and refine invitation copy, including host lines, names and titles, dates, times, locations, attire, RSVP language, and other event information.
Partner with event professionals, communications teams, and University stakeholders to ensure materials are accurate, appropriate for the occasion and aligned with the intended audience.
Direct production from initial concept through final delivery, providing expertise in paper selection, engraving, letterpress, foil stamping, embossing, die cutting, and other specialty printing and finishing techniques.
Identify and evaluate appropriate production approaches, materials and vendors based on creative requirements, timelines and budgets.
Cultivate productive relationships with printers, stationers and specialty vendors to ensure exceptional quality, service and value for the University.
Review estimates, production specifications and proofs, and conduct press checks as appropriate.
Collaborate with the Executive Creative Director, art directors, designers, event professionals, communications teams, and University partners throughout the creative and production process.
Provide creative guidance and production expertise to other designers and contributors as appropriate.
Develop templates, guidelines and best practices that strengthen the quality and consistency of University invitations and correspondence.
Manage multiple concurrent projects, schedules and deliverables while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Other related functions as assigned.