Art Director

Smith College•College Place, WA

7d•$86,593 - $117,155•Onsite

About The Position

The Art Director provides high-level creative communications leadership and project management within Communications & Marketing, supporting enrollment goals and strategic fundraising initiatives by leading creative and graphic design services for Smith College. The role ensures proper implementation of the College’s brand across visual communications and produces communications for College constituencies to promote public recognition, awareness, and support of Smith College. As the lead creative professional, the Art Director develops, manages, extends, and implements creative solutions across print, video, photography, social media, web, interactive media, and events. The role combines marketing insight with graphic design expertise to turn complex information into strong creative concepts. The Art Director also supports a diverse workforce and contributes to a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. This is an in-person position based in Northampton, Massachusetts. Applicants must submit a design portfolio in addition to a cover letter and resume. The position is regular, and annualized pay is typically $86,593.05–$117,155.30; actual compensation varies based on qualifications and work schedule if less than full-time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or Fine Arts.
At least 8 years of design experience in higher education, an in-house marketing setting, or an agency setting.
Active driver’s license and ability to drive.
Knowledge of accessibility standards.
Strong understanding of creative production processes across multiple platforms and mediums.
Proven track record managing and developing creative teams.
Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Express.
Familiarity with web and digital platforms.
Exceptional creative and conceptual decision-making skills.
Project management and organizational skills.
Presentation abilities.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative, high-performing academic environment.
Submit a design portfolio, cover letter, and resume with the application.

Responsibilities

Protect, enforce, and evolve Smith’s visual identity and brand guidelines across print, digital, and other media platforms.
Contribute to brand strategy; establish creative standards and quality benchmarks across creative disciplines; inspect proofs for accuracy and production standards; suggest improvements; and attend press checks with print vendors as needed.
Partner with Admissions, Advancement, and other campus partners to support visual needs, and advise and influence campus partners on graphic design needs and print ink and paper choices.
Contribute to strategy for and oversee a self-service brand kit and template system available to campus partners.
In coordination with management, conceptualize and execute marketing campaigns and produce communications such as brochures, invitations, brand and enrollment advertisements, posters, and web graphics.
Stay current with design trends, technologies, and best practices in higher education marketing, and develop new design and technical skills as needed.
Provide art direction to the Smith Quarterly Editor.
Supervise or art-direct photography and video shoots in studio and on location.
Manage a team of graphic designers and design projects from concept to completion while balancing deadlines, budgets, and stakeholder feedback.
Make hiring, development and coaching, and performance-related decisions with support from Human Resources.
Make decisions affecting the team and College, including setting priorities, allocating resources, and problem-solving.
Communicate expectations, provide feedback, and ensure alignment with department goals.
Address team conflicts and challenges to promote a positive work environment.
Formulate and implement policies and procedures.
Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.