Creative Design Manager

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)•San Diego, CA

11d

About The Position

Under direction of the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Creative Design Manager is responsible for the art direction, design and production of all print and digital graphic communication content. The MTS Marketing & Communications Department is a fast-paced, high-energy working environment. The team is tight-knit and works across various disciplines at times to help the agency succeed. The Creative Design Manager works with all Marketing & Communications team members and also works directly with most departments at MTS. The Creative Design Manager acts as the lead designer for all MTS creative projects, manages and directs design staff and implements creative design strategies to meet the strategic goals and objectives of MTS while ensuring brand quality.

Requirements

Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations
Ability to read, understand and apply MTS policies, regulations and union labor contracts
Knowledge of government procurement process
Ability to write letters, memoranda and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct English
Ability to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively in person-to-person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy
Ability to coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities to appropriate personnel
Ability to establish and maintain priorities in order to complete assignments by deadlines without detailed instructions
Skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports
Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn and use other software that MTS might have or acquire
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups, managers, customers and the general public
Ability to represent MTS in a positive way while working with the public
Knowledge of the principles and theories of graphic design
Ability to conceptualize, design, develop and produce creative designs with a variety of media
In-depth knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
Exceptional knowledge of printing processes
Knowledge of local printing companies
Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in graphic design or related discipline. Requisite knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted for the degree requirement.
A minimum of ten years of full-time design experience managing graphic design projects is required.
Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver License or be able to utilize alternative transportation when needed to perform job-related essential functions.

Responsibilities

Manages a design team to implement the creative design strategies of the agency.
Manages and directs design staff, delegates projects as necessary from conceptualization to design completion and reviews/approves design staff work.
Utilizes a thorough knowledge of design, typography, paper stocks, reproduction methods, photography and printing processes to create quality marketing materials and design projects.
Acts as the lead designer for all MTS graphic design projects including print and digital media, while incorporating the MTS brand guidelines.
Acts as the lead designer for integrated marketing campaigns, public information projects, specialty programs, partnerships, and internal communications.
Acts as the lead designer and manages production of fare media, newsletters, brochures, reports, banners, displays, shelter displays, presentations, flyers, ads, campaign materials, signage, video projects and other various marketing materials.
Manages the art direction and design of all digital design projects including the MTS website, advertising, signage and social media assets.
Oversees brand management and consistency, monitors usage of brand in different environments (e.g., on vehicles, at stations, social media, corporate materials) to ensure consistency in usage.
Updates agency brand style guidelines to ensure collateral is in line with industry best-practices and consults on branding of materials and signage.
Manages and updates the design standards manuals for both the MTS corporate brand and MTS bus and trolley station signage.
Makes budgetary recommendations based on the needs of the marketing department design team and maintains oversight of budget on design projects.
Makes recommendations for design staff hardware and software needs.
Obtains cost estimates for printing, production, and photograph purchases.
Assists in contracting a variety of services and products to third-party vendors and contractors, including stations signage, vehicle wraps and photography.
Manages, reviews and approves work performed by outside vendors and contractors to ensure that MTS standards are followed, as well as for accuracy, quality and visual effectiveness.
Researches, analyzes and implements new communications concepts for maps, timetables, and other graphic communication design projects.
Completes minor copy writing for marketing materials.
Directs the maintenance of the computer file retrieval system, resource and purchase order files, and project sample files.
Acts in place of the Director of Marketing and Communications when directed.
Performs other duties as assigned.