Job Information
University Of Denver Art Director in Denver, Colorado
About the University of Denver
Located where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, the University of Denver embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery that defines our region and our history. DU is a private institution built on exploration through research and collaboration among educators, students, and local and global communities. With nationally recognized academic programs, a history of widespread influence, a forward-looking vision for a 21st-century education, and a deep commitment to promoting inclusion, we open a world of opportunity to students and empower Pioneers to make a difference around the world. Through learning, scholarship and practice, students gain the experience, knowledge and courage they need to tackle big challenges in the real world and guide diverse communities and organizations.
About the Division of Marketing & Communications
The Division of Marketing & Communications (MarComm) aims to strengthen DUs strategic position locally, regionally, and nationally through data-driven and authentic storytelling across multiple channels with focused support on the university's value drivers: academics and research; enrollment and admissions, athletics, and advancement. Whether through public or media relations, digital strategies, social media, print, podcast, issues or crisis management, community relations or thought leadership and training, MarComm drives results through narratives that involve words, pictures, and design. With true understanding of and connection with our diverse audiences, we aim to foster collaborative problem solving, creativity and innovation. MarComm speaks with a unified, authentic, and resonant voice to strategically advance the University of Denver
- To promote and protect DUs reputation.
- To inspire students to enroll and engage.
- To increase inclusion.
- To strengthen the University.
It is a moral imperative that all staff within MarComm not only feel they are in a safe environment but also that the community is actually safe and protected. MarComm's community-created, shared sense of belonging definition says, that "A shared sense of belonging in MarComm means building a collaborative, trusting community where we feel and are safe, valued, and appreciated being ourselves as we contribute to something meaningful." Being safe, seen, and heard was the impetus for developing a Bias Incident Protocol and Resources Guide, which provides a clear and accessible channel for reporting incidents of bias with the division.
Position Summary
This position reports to the Director of Creative & Brand Management (DCBM) and will lend their considerable experience and energy towards creative art direction (design, photography, video and digital) for all of the broader MarComm team's work. This work encompasses all types of traditional and digital media as well as related workflows and processes. The Art Director (AD) reflects and actively supports the University of Denvers vision, values, mission and goals, as well as the strategic goals of MarComm.
Visual Identity Management - The AD is strategic in helping lead university design and photography, optimize the brand's visual identity and establish new standards as needed, and is responsible for working alongside the AVC of Marketing & Strategic Positioning, DCBM and others to set the tone for central marketing and communications campaigns as well as support the development of the universitys many sub-brands. Under the general direction of the DCBM, the AD oversees visual development and strategically as well as efficiently brings creative to life as needed to support stakeholder's objectives. It is expected that developed concepts and their team's managed portfolio of work is strategic, thoughtful and will push the boundaries while maintaining the University of Denvers brand standards and showcasing how they can be effectively used to advance the DU brand in the market.
Design Team Management + External Vendor Collaboration / Consultation for Campus-Wide Teams - This position has responsibilities in supervising, mentoring and directing the design team, which currently consists of two graphic designers and a production artist. Additionally, they will regularly working with other unit creative staff across campus to ensure continuity in Universitys brand execution and visual direction as well as serve as the primary shoulder partner for the multimedia producer to ensure the visual standards of the University's photographer. The AD will add efficiency and design depth to the division, remain knowledgeable and hands-on in assigned projects, and communicate effectively to leadership about emerging trends that can help raise the bar on design output and further develop and maintain the team's reputation for quality. The AD is responsible for establishing necessary internal workflows, timelines and resource workload balancing to ensu en on are effectively and efficiently moved through their team's queue. They will regularly partner and consult with external partners (vendors) to ensure consistency as well as support both ongoing and emerging priorities.
Campus Partner & Stakeholder Management - In collaboration with other MarComm team leads and subject matter experts as well as MarComms leadership team, the Art Director serves a primary contact for campus partners. The incumbent must have excellent communication skills and be able to effectively present work, ideas, information, suggestions and recommendations in compelling ways that enables others to listen and consider alternative ways to accomplish stated goals and objectives. The Art Director must be confident and comfortable in their own design recommendations, ensure internal alignment and agreement with the DCBM/AVCs as well as MarComm shoulder partners through developed workflows, and able to subsequently discuss work clearly with stakeholders while remaining open to the value found in different perspectives, feedback and points of view.
Essential Functions