Art Director

The Art Director is expected to possess an aptitude for creating and ideating strong graphic design concepts. Working directly with the client and support staff, the Art Director must bring to life ideas that support client initiatives and goals. The Art Director must understand and be aware of the Quad production/design capabilities/processes, and a knowledge of industry standards and practices related to Graphic Arts in retail. The Art Director must have the ability to multi-task and work with the client to coordinate project flow and deadlines. Additionally, the Art Director must have the experience/ability/maturity to read, understand, and work with client data to fulfill his/her role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the concept, design and execution of retail advertising (direct mail, ROP, circular, etc.)
• Participate in the management of the Cub’s brand visually, giving guidance and recommendations to client
• Lead design counterparts
• Ensure concept/design consistency across client initiatives and mediums
• Create, develop and execute more complex quality designs for marketing vehicles including print, digital and interactive mediums
• Coordinate and prioritize design efforts across campaigns
• Present concept/design decks and storyboards to clients
• Collaborate with manager, designers, writers, Cub marketing team members and internal stakeholders to ensure the appropriate concepts, themes and messages are represented
• Work in a client-facing capacity in tandem with client services to understand business needs and execute appropriately
• Annotate corrections and modifications to client proofs as requested
• Assist in project and/or client customer service needs
• Assist in finding efficiencies for the department and processes
• Must have strong project management skills, ability to think strategically and manage multiple priorities, anticipate demands, coordinate stringent deadlines and properly estimate time for work
  
  

Qualifications

Appropriate education and/or experience may be substituted on an equivalent basis

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or equivalent
• Knowledge of printing, prepress, digital output. Preflight and packaging of files necessary.
• General advertising, marketing, media, TV and radio terminology and processes
• Knowledge of POS and store signage
• Knowledge of technical solutions and troubleshooting techniques
• Expert familiarity with visual design process and visual design principles
• Familiarity with digital proofing systems (SoftProof Manager is a plus)
• Demonstrates the ability to perform well and remain organized under pressure and tight deadlines
• Knowledge of all steps required for the print process and an understanding of production methods to ensure designs can be produced for print delivery
• Proficiency in all Mac-based, industry-standard software programs including, but not limited to, InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. Some knowledge of the Windows platform is also required
• High-level expertise in constructing clean, layered files, and knowledge of creating and working with templates and style sheets
• Proactive, appropriate and timely communication skills across department, agency and clients
• Adapts as needed to clients’ needs, feedback and critiques
• Can adjust and streamline priorities within multiple assignments to ensure all goals and objects are met or exceeded