Art Director I TFT

About the role

This position exists to direct the graphic design activities of the design team under the supervision of the Director. Responsibilities include the development, direction, supervision, and presentation of graphic design for print magazines, accompanying websites, and digital publications. The role involves both direct design work and overseeing the work of additional designers, illustrators, and photographers. The Art Director I collaborates with editorial teams on project strategy while demonstrating a superior understanding of client goals and audience needs.

Responsibilities

• Creates and/or directs concept development, design, layout, and art production, requiring independent, creative thinking.
• Actively participates in and/or leads creative meetings, brainstorm sessions, and team activities.
• Familiarity with contract negotiations for freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and stock photo houses.
• Assists 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 and freelancers.
• Takes responsibility for the quality, completeness, and on-time delivery of projects.
• Works closely with print buyers to ensure quality of printed pieces; participates in press checks.
• Ensures quality and design integrity standards are met consistent with the magazine’s mission and Focus on the Family principles.
• Monitors progress to schedule—from conceptualizing to final proofs.
• Makes efficient and effective use of computer systems, magazine production software, and digital asset management system.
• Responsible for design staff’s use of digital asset management system and the archival of creative assets.
• 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 the department and participates in editorial planning sessions.
• May take photographs for various Focus on the Family events and assignments.
• Performs other duties, including the development and creation of a variety of copyrightable works (e.g., print, photography, voice work, film, music, visual arts) for distribution in any and all media and formats worldwide.

Requirements

• Exemplifies Ephesians 5:1-2 and pursues the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:19-20.
• Is a consistent witness for Jesus Christ; maintains a courteous, Christ-like attitude in dealing with people within and outside of Focus.
• Adheres to the Standard of Moral Conduct and Statement of Faith; upholds Focus on the Family’s ministry in prayer.
• Prays personally for Focus on the Family’s staff and constituents and may occasionally lead in public prayer.
• Engages in Christian ministry and demonstrates behaviors aligned with Focus on the Family’s core values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Art or equivalent work experience.
• 5-7 years of 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’s mission, philosophy, values, and objectives.

Skills

• Advanced graphic and organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to think creatively in artistic endeavors.
• Ability to accept criticism of creative work.
• Excellent interpersonal and listening skills.
• Ability to function effectively and efficiently in a team environment.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to organize work effectively to meet time constraints.
• Ability to deal with stress due to deadline pressure.
• Ability to build and maintain solid teamwork for a common goal.
• Able to delegate responsibilities to the appropriate personnel.
• 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, Photoshop, and InDesign.

Personal Characteristics

• Team-oriented.
• Detail-oriented.
• Teachable, flexible, and reliable.
• Positive, dependable, and takes initiative.
• Desire to expand and learn new skills and stay current on industry trends.
• Can graciously give and receive constructive criticism on creative work.

Benefits

Employees scheduled for 20 hours or more per week are eligible for:

• 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.

Employees scheduled for 30 hours or more per week are eligible for all the above and:

• Medical Plan.
• Dental Plan.
• Vision Plan.
• Life Insurance.
• Disability Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Warehouse Membership Reimbursement.

Temporary employees are not eligible for benefits, except for:

• Sick Time.
• Bookstore Discount.
• Fitness Center.

Pay

Pay Range: $29.00 to $34.74 per hour. This position offers a $500 hiring bonus. The bonus will be paid to the hired candidate half after 30 days ($250) and half upon the successful completion of 6 months of work ($250). Employees must be active and in good standing at the time of bonus payout to be eligible for hiring bonuses.

Schedule

This role may require occasional travel, including nights and weekends. The work environment is primarily an office setting.