Position: Design Director

Department: University Communications

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Website: The University of the Arts

• The Design Director will be fully engaged, doing creative, engaging design work and managing a small creative team
• A unique design approach to communicating and problem-solving, expertise in communication-focused design, and the ability to create visual design and messaging continuity across platforms and vehicles (print and digital).
• The ability to lead the development and implementation of a cohesive visual aesthetic that communicates UArts’ unique points of differentiation from its competitors.
• Serves as the brand manager for all university activities, working with internal resources throughout the university and with all external agencies to guarantee the integrity of the UArts visual identity.
• Anticipate needs and launch projects proactively with pace-setting creativity and almost compulsive attention to detail.
• Works closely with Admissions to develop engaging print and digital materials that communicate the University’s unique brand message engagingly to help increase enrollment
• Works with Development and Alumni & Parent Relations, among other areas, in support of donor- and alumni & parent-related engagement strategies

• The Design Director will report to the Associate Vice President for University Communications, who reports to the Vice President for Advancement.
• The Design Director works closely with the Office of Admissions in support of enrollment marketing efforts, and the other areas of Advancement—Development, and Alumni & Parent Relations.

• An experienced, resourceful, forward-thinking, innovative designer is required Marketing and communications expertise: Strong knowledge of marketing and communications across media, and the ability to lead discussions in in both arenas.
• Experience in providing art direction, design direction and oversight on multiple projects while managing external vendors, internal resources, production schedules, budgets and deadlines.
• Skilled visual storyteller who can provide design direction, creative development and implementation; who can; and the ability to parse complex information down to its essentials to make it clear and engaging for key audiences—most importantly prospective students and related audiences.
• The successful candidate will be an idea generator who can handle every aspect of a project from concept through completion
• The ideal candidate will have extensive agency or corporate graphics experience and is very comfortable developing creative design solutions to promote the University’s innovative curriculum and brand identity/aesthetic.
• Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and occasionally Microsoft Office.
• Ability to manage departmental budget, negotiate contracts for printing, advertising and other services and direct both staff and vendor resources.
• Ability to work well with and collaborate with an open, energetic and professional creative team as both a leader and a partner.
• Experience in agency, corporate graphic design experience and web design a plus.

• Bachelors or master’s degree in graphic design or related field.
• At least 8 to 10 years’ experience in a creative design environment with an extensive portfolio of work in graphic design, advertising, marketing communication and publication design and production.