Art Director I

About the role

Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Focus on the Family has nearly 700 employees who work to achieve the mission of enriching the lives of families, engaging the culture, advocating for life and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Art Director I position exists to direct the graphic design activities of the design team under the supervision of the Director.

Responsibilities

• Creates and/or directs concept development, design, layout, and art production, requiring at times, independent, creative thinking
• Actively participates and/or leads creative meetings, brainstorm sessions and team activities
• Familiarity with contract negotiations for freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and stock photo houses and working with AE’s
• Aids in the guidance, training and mentoring of other designers
• Interfaces and conducts contract negotiations with freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and stock photo houses
• Coordinates, schedules, supervises, and directs photography and off-site photo shoots
• Helps coordinate art direction activities of other designers, as well as freelancers
• Takes responsibility for the quality, completeness, and on-time delivery of projects
• Works closely with print buyer to ensure quality of printed pieces; participates in press checks
• Works closely with others to ensure quality and design integrity standards are met consistent with the magazine’s mission and Focus on the Family principles and standards
• Makes efficient and effective use of computer systems, magazine production software and digital asset management system
• Works closely with DMS, IT, Print Buyers, and Sr. Designers to ensure quality and timely delivery of print, web, and mobile publications
• Stays abreast of developments within department
• Participates in editorial planning sessions

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Graphics Art or equivalent work experience
• 5-7 years professional design experience with an agency, studio, publisher, or equivalent
• In depth understanding of design fundamentals for a wide range of creative and conceptual challenges
• Working knowledge of Focus on the Family mission, philosophy, values, and objectives
• Advanced graphic and organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to think creatively in artistic endeavors
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent listening skills
• Ability to function effectively and efficiently in a team environment
• Ability to organize work effectively to meet time constraints
• Ability to deal with stress due to deadline pressure
• Demonstrates superior use of graphic design principles (knowledge of typography, photography, composition, white space, color, etc.)
• Advanced skill in use of Macintosh equipment, including experience with QuarkXPress, Adobe Illustrator and PhotoShop and InDesign

Benefits

• Norton LifeLock ID Theft Coverage
• Legal Shield/ID Shield Coverage
• AFLAC 403B Retirement Plan
• Vacation Time & Vacation Payout
• Sick Time
• Holidays
• Service Awards
• Community Service Days
• Bookstore Discount
• Fitness Center