Responsible for the strategic creative direction and continuity for all brand communications. Develops creative concepts & campaigns that adhere to marketing strategies, business objectives and goals. Effectively collaborates with key stakeholders and initiative owners to provide creative solutions to that include multiple sources of input and direction while maintaining the integrity of the brand and the communication strategies. Responsible for project managing their creative requests from brainstorming tactics, design development, production, making decisions, and mentoring graphic designers.
Must be able to effectively intake creative requests and translate the need into a creative strategy that meets the business needs & brand communication strategy. Creates projects within the workflow program, assigning designers & team members, determining & maintaining timelines, providing design direction and approving artwork.
Develop, maintain and evolve, as needed, the brand standards across all brand communication needs.
Advanced design skills and creative copy writing skills are a key element in this position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Primary accountability for specific functions and results. The list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented or changed as necessary.)
Collaborate with the Creative Team, Creative leaders, and internal key stakeholders to develop creative strategies and solutions that deliver the business needs of the brand.
Define, maintain and strategically evolve (as needed) the brand standards: brand style guides & logo application.
Create strategic and effective positioning, design, copy and layout for brand communication including but not limited to:programs, campaigns, and advertising through mass advertising channels, in store materials, weekly circular, social media, digital marketing and internal communication collateral.
Provide creative solutions to meet feedback and communication opportunities in a timely manner.
Lead creative brainstorming and ideation with internal and external resources in development of campaign concepts.
Responsible for accuracy and thoroughness of own work.
Provide optimization of processes when opportunities arise.
Manage workflow within the Workfront project management tool to plan, track and traffic creative assets.
Provide optimization to the creative process as needed.
Photography/Videography:
Create photography for use in all print, digital & social media.
Assist in the direction and management of photo & video shoots with
outside vendors when necessary.
Adhere to brand standards across photography and videography projects.
Manage and optimize brand photography style and guidelines.
Develop and maintain asset management and sharing.
Create and or update processes when opportunities arise.
Presentations:
Develop pitch decks to present creative strategy and corelating creative concepts.
Create brand templates and standards in Microsoft office documents for internal brand communication needs through copy and layout including but not limited to: annual sales meetings, board meetings, internal presentations, training materials, and formal documents, etc.
Some travel may be required for all sales meeting events.
Direct and manage third-party vendors during all sales meeting events.
Competency:
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
Decision Making - Able to make decisions quickly and with limited information and minimal guidance.
Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.
Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
Interpersonal - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
Team Work - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed; Recognizes accomplishments of other team members.
Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
Qualifications:
Strong analytical/strategic thinker
Ability to manage multiple priorities/projects
Proficiency in wide range of media including photography and CAD
Ability to lead through influence
Highly proficient in InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop
General knowledge of Microsoft Office: Word, PowerPoint, Excel in Mac and PC environment
Education/Experience:
Minimum Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school.
5+ years work experience in design or retail advertising field is required.
Previous experience in an ad agency or corporate in-house creative team
Must be able to produce a portfolio of professionally published work, either in a physical portfolio or website.