Department: Law Communications
Salary/Grade: EXS/8
Job Summary:
This position is responsible for conceptual and graphic design and production of print and multimedia marketing materials for the Law School. The associate director provides direct support to clients through all stages of project development and executes strategic marketing initiatives as directed by Marketing and Communications supervisors. Under the direction of the associate dean, responsible for concept development, design, print production, and project management of publications (including obtaining cost estimates, preparing final artwork for printers, and giving final approval for printing), ensuring that all publications conform to the Law School’s identity system and Strategic Plan. Handles a high volume of diverse publications under intense deadline pressures. Also designs and produces artwork for signs and merchandise, and collaborates with web team to produce graphics for web site and other electronic publications.
Target hiring range for this position will be between $67,978 -$89,973 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Specific Responsibilities :
• Direct responsibility for graphic design assignments from concept to delivery of printed documents, merchandise/promotional items, signage, and multimedia presentations
• Lead initial client meeting
• Develop creative approach and concepts
• Prepare and present mock-ups to client
• Range of projects from simple (e.g., invitations, banners, signs, posters, ads) to complex portfolios (e.g., admissions catalogs and related promotional collateral, as well as web/html design direction)
• Design and production of all assigned projects
• Propose and create original design solutions that meet the client department’s needs based on the target audience, budget and timeline
• Determine typographical treatment; image selection; choice of color palette; format of printed document or multimedia solution appropriate to delivery method and audience
• Use professional design/page layout software and multimedia applications
• Prepare files for printer with instructions
• Seek and analyze competitive bids from vendors; recommend vendor selection
• Set and maintain production schedule
• Select, assign and direct photography and illustration. Take photographs of events and individuals for use on web site or in print publications as necessary.
• Assure quality of projects throughout production cycle
• Ensure project solutions meet defined goals
• Check printer’s proofs to ensure that final product will match electronic files submitted to print vendor
• Occasionally attend press checks to ensure that printed product matches quality expectations appropriate to the project
• Collaborate with web team on design of Web-based communications. Provide art direction for Select images and design original graphics for web site and other html based communications.
• Build and oversee a common library/database of photographic assets for use across multiple projects. Receive and process requests by third parties for use of graphics. Manages graphic image collection, maintains photo files, and chooses images for the Web site and print publications. Maintain, follow and communicate Law School graphic design standards.
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field or equivalent professional experience
• Exceptional graphic design and typographical skills
• Three years professional experience in graphic design environment
• Design portfolio available of past work
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
• Advanced proficiency with Macintosh production systems and software, including Quark Express, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign
• Superior graphic design skills and creativity.
• Knowledge of the production process from beginning to end, from raw creation to image preparation and enhancement to final printed output
• Meets tight deadline schedules
• Manages multiple projects simultaneously
• Exceptional interpersonal and verbal communications and organizational skills
• Works well in teams and independently
• Confident, professional, positive attitude with a sense of humor
• Accepts direction and design critiques
• Ability to make sound judgments
Preferred Qualifications:
• Four or more years professional experience in graphic design environment, including professional design firm
• Experience working in marketing role or group
• Experience working on projects for a broad range of clients and industry
• Experience with digital photography, online or interactive design, and/or information design is beneficial
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
• Awareness and knowledge of Web page design and functionality (including CSS) in order to collaborate with technical and editorial teams to produce Web pages
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Fluent in Flash development, other multimedia applications
• Working knowledge of The Chicago Manual of Style
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more .
Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.