Art & Production Director

Colorado Christian University•Lakewood, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Art & Production Director supports the University’s creative initiatives by providing strategic creative direction and overseeing the production of high-quality visual communications across print and digital platforms. This role leads the design team, manages production workflows, and ensures that all creative work aligns with CCU’s institutional brand standards and broader messaging objectives. Working closely with CCS leadership and campus partners, the position requires strong creative judgment, production expertise, and the ability to manage multiple projects and team members in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or related field preferred; equivalent portfolio-based experience considered.
8+ years of professional design experience with demonstrated progression into creative leadership, art direction, or production management roles.
Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat) on a Mac-based system.
Working knowledge of AI-powered creative tools (e.g., Nano Banana, ChatGPT, Topaz, and emerging generative design platforms) that support concept development, workflow efficiency, image refinement, and production accuracy.
Strong understanding of typography, layout systems, color theory, and visual hierarchy across both print and digital platforms.
Deep knowledge of print production processes including file preparation, vendor coordination, proofing, and quality control.
Demonstrated experience managing creative teams and coordinating production across multiple simultaneous projects.
Ability to maintain brand integrity across diverse mediums including print, digital communications, web, signage, and event materials.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint for layout adaptation and file preparation.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to oversee multiple concurrent deadlines.
Exceptional attention to detail and proofing accuracy.
Clear verbal and written communication skills with the ability to guide designers, provide constructive feedback, and communicate effectively with internal stakeholders.
Professional and collaborative leadership style with the ability to mentor creative staff and maintain a productive, solutions-oriented team environment.
A professional visual portfolio demonstrating strong art direction, brand stewardship, and production execution is required.
Committed follower of Jesus Christ, who believes there is no salvation apart from faith in his atonement on the cross, by grace alone becoming "born again" thus beginning a personal relationship with Christ, the Son of God.
Able to effectively communicate personal faith and apply biblical principles and convictions in the workplace.
Must have a strong sense of calling to the ministry of Colorado Christian University.
Regularly attend and be engaged in meaningful involvement in a Bible-believing evangelical local church.
Knowledgeable about the Word of God and passionate about Christian education.
Must be a traditional evangelical Christian whose lifestyle is in consonance with sound Christian principles, is compatible with CCU’s Statement of Faith, and is in agreement with the Strategic Priorities promulgated by the University.

Responsibilities

Provide creative leadership and art direction for all Communications and Creative Services design projects to ensure high-quality, brand-aligned visual communications.
Supervise and mentor two full-time Graphic Designers, freelance design contractors, and the department’s Creative Project Manager, ensuring effective workflow, clear expectations, and consistent quality standards.
Provide creative oversight and strategic collaboration with the University Web Designer through a dotted-line reporting relationship to ensure consistency across web, digital, and print platforms.
Establish and maintain visual design standards that ensure alignment with CCU’s institutional brand identity and broader creative goals.
Supervise and approve design work to ensure quality, brand consistency, and technical accuracy prior to production or publication.
Direct the creative development of major University publications, marketing collateral, signage systems, event materials, and other strategic communications.
Manage production workflows including print vendor coordination, file preparation, proofing, and quality assurance.
Oversee print vendor selection and bid comparisons as needed, ensuring cost efficiency and production quality.
Ensure all creative deliverables adhere to brand guidelines, typography standards, color systems, and visual identity frameworks.
Maintain oversight of file organization, archiving systems, and production documentation.
Collaborate with CCS and UEM leadership and campus stakeholders to translate strategic objectives into effective visual communications.
Identify opportunities to improve creative workflows, production efficiencies, and emerging technology adoption within the design process.
Maintain high standards of service, professionalism, and responsiveness when working with internal University partners.
Other duties as assigned.