Director, Creative Services

The Director of Creative Services is responsible for overseeing the creative production process of a wide range of print, digital and environmental communications projects for University Branding and Marketing, and the university as a whole. From a design perspective, the Director will deliver on and execute towards the external strategic marketing objectives and positioning initiatives of the university and all other internal communications by ensuring compliance with and use of the university's brand, logo and graphic identity standards, resolving design questions, and contributing to the evolution of DePaul's brand and graphic identity. 
 

What You'll Do:
 

• Responsible for the annual development of nearly 1,000 print and digital communications/assets by the Creative Services department. Lead the successful development and execution of annual integrated marketing materials leading to an increased likelihood of awareness, consideration and affinity. Ensure all materials reflect the DePaul brand and graphic identities established for unique segments.
• Conduct annual statement of work requirements for each potential university client partner (e.g., Office of the President, college, school, departments), provide budget estimates for each and cumulative-total expected expenditures for Creative Services as part of the annual FY budgeting process. Track and maintain quarterly budget summaries/rack-ups and project year end guidance.
• Provide creative services brand and graphics expertise as an internal consultant to senior-level internal university stakeholders for their high-priority and high-visibility strategic projects and initiatives. Create and direct the production of brand and recruitment materials from initial concept to final execution. 
• Manage and oversee the work of a freelance pool and external vendor partners, such as graphic designers, photographers and printers. Provide guidance and advice to ensure proper management of projects, production and relationships, quality, timely work, brand compliance and accurate archiving/filing.
• Serve as a front-line brand steward for the university by maintaining university brand and graphic standards by resolving design questions,  contributing to the evolution of DePaul's brand and graphic identity, and ensuring that all materials produced are brand compliant. Help manage photography resources for the university, including assessment of the need for photography, management of photo shoots, archive of existing assets and photo library database management. Ensure logo policy compliance university-wide including assessment, research, verification and response to approximately 20 requests each month.
• Accurately estimate projects and immediately discuss substantial changes in project expense with client so that informed decisions can be made. Ensure that projects are charged to the correct client accounts. Accountable to manage and track upwards of $400K project line items (i.e., external freelance resources, printing, software, etc.).
• Role is main point of contact in overseeing external vendors.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What You'll Need:

• 3-5 years leading/managing a Creative Services department: operations, statement of work, project intake, creative strategy brief development, work product delivery, vendor management (e.g., freelancers, printers), equipment acquisition, budget management.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional graphic design experience required. Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree desirable.
• Portfolio of complex and effective professional publication work required.
• Expertise in leadership demonstrated through progressively more responsible employment history.
• Advanced computer and design program skills required, including word processing, Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), etc.
• Management: Demonstrate strong performance and project management skills, organizational skills, negotiation skills, problem solving, decision making and leadership.
• Professional: Thorough knowledge of direct response principles, visual communication and print and electronic production. Evaluate and direct graphic designers, freelancers, photographers, printers, and other external vendors. Presentation skills, written and verbal communication, flexibility, creativity, leadership required.  An understanding of higher education programs and academic processes helpful.
• Professional Attributes: High level of organizational ability with excellent communication and visual design skills. Must be creative, highly resourceful and able to work under pressure with multiple deadlines. Strong sense of fiscal responsibility.  Flexibility to adapt to constant change.

Perks: