Art Director

The Art Director helps carry out the Creative Director’s creative vision and furthers the University’s brand by sharing design expertise in support of institutional strategic priorities. This role is responsible for creating compelling visuals that speak directly to key audiences while translating strategy into clear, effective and on-brand design approaches in both digital and print mediums.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:
1. Meets with academic and administrative partners to understand challenges, objectives and strategies for each project, then creates and presents design concepts that meet those needs and engage target audience(s).
2. Manages creative production of videos, from developing storyboards to directing location/studio shoots, to guiding final edits for various media, including broadcast, web, social media, etc.
3. Develops designs for a range of projects in the digital and print space, including but not limited to:
a. Display ad suites (static and animated)
b. Digital signage and environmental graphics
c. Mass emails
d. Short videos and video graphic packages
e. Social and web assets, platform-specific content, icons and user interface animations
f. Web page design
g. Presentations
h. Direct mail, advertisements, publications, collateral and other print projects
4. Utilizes project management software to keep the team informed and assignments on track
5. Self-reviews materials for quality control
6. Stays abreast of current design trends, tools and media
7. Upholds visual identity standards by demonstrating best practices and guiding and assisting members of the university community and outside vendors
8. Identifies and manages production partners (including photographers, videographers, printers, illustrators, editors, etc.) as needed, to obtain estimates, define parameters, review proofs, resolve problems and ensure high-quality deliverables
9. Reviews materials created within or outside of the design department for brand consistency and provides guidance as needed
10. Performs other related duties as assigned

Requirements

Required Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years’ in environment working with clients, printers, paper reps, writers, proofers and photographers.
OR
• 5 years of relevant design experience in the marketing, advertising or interactive industry.

Preferred Education & Experience:
• Online portfolio with relevant examples of digital, video, print work
• 5-10 years of design experience in the marketing, advertising or interactive industry. Agency experience a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
• Excellent visual and conceptual skills to solve problems with original, engaging solutions
• Ability to ideate multimedia campaigns for a range of audiences and bring those idea to reality
• Understanding of video production
• Well versed in Adobe Creative Suite and other industry standard production tools
• Solid understanding of typography, layout, visual hierarchy and color
• Ability to produce designs that explore a range of styles or adhere to a predefined look, as needed
• Strong understanding of responsive design, accessibility, user experience and associated best practices
• Ability to optimize artwork for various digital and print media, ensuring final product looks its best while meeting specs
• Extensive understanding of print design and production
• Ability to select quality photography that successfully tells TCU’s story, illustrates big ideas and supports the institution’s DEI efforts
• Resourceful, self-starter with the ability to prioritize work
• Adaptability to changing circumstances and requirements
• Positive attitude with willingness to collaborate productively
• Willingness to seek, understand and incorporate feedback on design work from management and stakeholders
• Ability to adhere to brand guidelines while still pushing creative boundaries
• Comfortable owning projects from initiation to completion, including finalizing production-ready files to spec for various media
• Ability to create organized files and make revisions with a high attention to detail
• Flexibility to effectively apply creativity and design skill toward new opportunities as they present themselves
• Passion to keep learning

TCU Core Competencies:
University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):
• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:
• Work is primarily indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• This role is an on campus, in-person position.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.

AA/EEO Statement:
As an AA/EEO employer, TCU recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

TCU Annual Security Report & Fire Safety Report Notice of Availability
Texas Christian University is committed to assisting all members of the campus community in providing for their own safety and security. TCU’s Annual Security Report and Fire Safety Report is published in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy & Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and the Higher Education Opportunity Act. This report includes statistics for the previous three calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by the University, and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The statements of policy contained within this report address institutional policies, procedures, and programs concerning campus security, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, emergency notifications and timely warning of crimes, sexual and interpersonal violence, and personal safety at TCU. Additionally, this report outlines fire safety systems, policies and procedures for on-campus housing facilities, as well as residence hall fire statistics.