Art Director

Under the direction of the Creative Director, the Art Director designs creative campaigns and projects that blend storytelling and visual innovation. The ideal candidate will be able to express their ideas clearly, provide direction and leadership to team members, execute company objectives, and partner with cross-functional departments on creative strategy and execution. This position has an active role in creating visual and storytelling deliverables with a focus on brand awareness, student enrollment/retention and fundraising.

The Art Director must be well-versed in digital-first, video and print best practices to bring concepts in line with current platforms and media. They will design and evaluate projects and help connect them to the larger university goals. Offering strategic direction that enhances the overall creative vision and execution, they must be able to provide constructive criticism and feedback on both writing and design. They must be highly proficient problem solvers that can help lead the creative team toward relevant yet novel solutions.

Reviews creative assets, project briefs, and content to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with brand standards. This review process guarantees that all materials resonate with the brand's identity and meet the highest quality expectations.

The Art Director leads in the pre-planning and execution of video/photo shoots. Strong campus relationships are required to successfully lead these initiatives. Exceptional attention to detail is essential to ensure that every aspect of photo and video shoots is thoughtfully planned and executed. Must be able to pivot quickly in response to changing circumstances or feedback, adapting plans and strategies to ensure project success and meet evolving needs.

• At all times employees are expected to uphold Creighton’s core values and demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment, while adhering to all University Ethical Standards of Conduct, rules, regulations, and job requirements, including required educational trainings.
• Layout/design of marketing campaigns and projects.
  • Create visually compelling graphics, layouts, and user interfaces across various platforms.
  • Ensure all design work adheres to established brand guidelines, maintaining consistency in visual identity, tone, and messaging across all platforms and materials.
  • Be intimately familiar with the consumers’ experience and provide insight into what makes a customer act.
• Idea Generation and Concept Development
  • Brainstorm innovative concepts and ideas for various types of content including website, social media, print pieces, digital advertising, videos, photos, etc..
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, web and content strategists to ensure creative solutions meet project objectives.
• Plan and direct photo and video shoots
  • Coordinates all aspects of photoshoots and video shoots, including location scouting, recruiting participants, creating shot lists, collaborating with team members, and ensuring the smooth execution of the shoot to capture high-quality visuals aligned with the project’s goals.
  • Oversee hiring freelance photographers and videographers, when needed at both campus locations (Omaha and Phoenix), ensuring budgets and deadlines are met.
  • Oversee PhotoShelter, our photo management system, to ensure photos are tagged, organized and available to campus partners.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, advertising, or a related field, preferred. 
• 8+ years of design experience for digital media and print, preferably from a traditional advertising agency setting. Motion graphics/animation a plus.
• Experience as an Art Director is preferred.
• Experience using project management systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities;

• Demonstrate exceptional attention to detail by meticulously reviewing creative assets, project briefs, and content to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with brand standards.
• Exceptional proficiency in computer applications, particularly within Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback, conflict resolution and transparent communication.
• Well-developed communication skills including the ability to articulate creative concepts and rationale to department members and campus partners.
• Self-motivated, organized and accountable. Ability to multitask and work efficiently under pressure with careful attention to detail. Manage time to ensure projects are delivered on time.
• Strong understanding of brand awareness, with student enrollment and fundraising preferred.
• Demonstrates strong technical skills and a keen ability to adapt to new software and tools.
• Strong creative vision with attention to business objectives
• Solid knowledge of photography and video production
• Strong understanding of digital marketing and advertising principles with experience in working within brand guidelines in complex organizations.