Institute for Contemporary Art Creative Designer

Virginia Commonwealth University•Richmond, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) invites applications for the position of Creative Designer. Designed by Steven Holl Architects and located at the corner of Broad and Belvidere, the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU presents the art of our time and provides an open forum for dialogue and collaboration across the region and throughout the world. With free admission, the ICA is a major resource for VCU, Richmond, and beyond. Within this context, the ICA is seeking a talented designer to join the Communications & Public Engagement team. This team seeks to enhance the ICA’s mission and brand through digital engagement, storytelling, editorial strategies and public relations, raising awareness of the ICA’s local, regional and international reputation. The Creative Designer will set the tone for designed content for the website, social media, ads, as well as videos and photography. Through compelling marketing and communications campaigns and projects, the team engages audiences and public in ways that embody the ICA’s mission to listen, create, and make art public. You'll be responsible for producing content that matches the company's brand, aesthetic, and marketing strategy, including social media graphics, email templates, website design, exhibition support, and promotional design needs. The ideal candidate should be able to efficiently combine creativity, functionality, and technology to produce engaging content. In this role, organizational and technical skills are key, and ideal candidates must possess in-depth knowledge of digital design and design software programs. The person in the role will work closely with the ICA’s curatorial and exhibitions teams, artists, the development team, communications colleagues in the VCUarts Office of Communications, the facilities and experience design teams, the director of the community media center, and external web design, print, and installation vendors.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in graphic design, or a related field plus 3+ years of experience in a professional design role or an equivalent combination of education, technical training, and professional experience
Solid knowledge of Google Suite and design software programs
Excellent working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, with an emphasis on InDesign
Working knowledge of web design
Ability to clearly present design ideas and concepts for campaigns and projects
A team player with exceptional organizational, collaboration, and technical skill
Project Management experience
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Nice To Haves

Experience working within Asana software
Experience with video editing software and animation
Experience physical production (including printing, mounting, binding, lamination)
Museum, corporate or agency experience

Responsibilities

Designing, producing, and managing visual assets, including email templates, social media, promotional artwork, web design, ads, and digital productions
Collaborating with all internal departments to ensure that all designs align with the brand guidelines, while also meeting usability and website standards
Ensuring consistency in designs and content across all institutional platforms, and development of sub-brands as needed for programs and events
Collaborating with external designers to execute design briefs and produce materials for exhibitions, programs, and events
Coordinating the creation of a new website with an external vendor, and a strategy for long-term maintenance of web content and design assets
Managing design projects from conception through delivery within a project management system
Design and production management of print materials
Print and production of physical materials, including signage for interior and exterior of building, exhibition labels, etc.
Assist on video shoots and photoshoots
Develop and manage relationships with external vendors and agencies
Presenting design ideas to all the relevant stakeholders, including colleagues, curators and artists
Providing guidance and feedback on the aesthetic for campaigns, projects, and promotional events
Mentoring design interns and students