This position is no longer published.

Responsibilities:

As a key member of the Global Content & Brand team, the Art Director/Lead Designer is a results-driven, “master visual storyteller,” driving the, gathering, design, creation and application of key visual elements that enhance the visual impact and story effectiveness of our content as presented to CI’s external  & internal constituents. Under the guidance of the Director, Brand & Content and in partnership with the Editorial Director/Lead Journalist, the Art Director/Lead Designer works to concept, research and develop the look and feel our content strategy and the development of the storylines that are on brand, on strategy and drive audience team results. The AD/LD has a strong understanding of brand and branding, and develops strong partnerships with CI’s field personnel to ensure the delivery of fresh, relevant content. The Art Director/Lead Designer is an excellent design thinker and agency partner and is responsible for the guidance and skill development of designers in the Marketing organization. The role is responsible for brand stewardship and leading the community of practice for the design resources across the organization. 

This position is critical to the future of Children International. It promises to be challenging – but you’ll see the reward of the job in the eyes of the youth who graduate from our programs and in the gratitude of the employees who have grown and developed to make it happen. If you believe art can change the way we see the world and you want work that aligns with a cause you can support, join us!

Specific responsibilities include:

• Supports the Director in the development of the global content strategy and visual “look and feel” and brand voice.
• Use your unique eye to develop messaging that appeals to the visual side of creativity and helps others see child poverty in a whole new way.
• Builds story ideas that bring field marketing highlights to life, take CI donors and potential givers “there” and bringing sights, sounds and faces to the issue of childhood poverty. Close collaborator with Marketing Manager Global Programs.
• Partners with outside agencies in the development of content as required.  Engages with freelance community as needed to supplement internal editorial resources.
• Scans external environment for creative trends, storytelling approaches, technology for capture
• Lead curator and steward of Design resources in Digital Asset Management System
• Co-leads the community of practice for the creative community.  Provides mentoring, coordinates technical training and gives performance feedback on design competency. 
• Partners with Digital team to build linkage processes for theme and content to align with overall strategy.
• Manages the designer/editors in the Marketing Organization.  Provides performance objectives, feedback and coaching to this group.

Personal characteristics & qualifications:

• Bachelor’s in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, PR or related discipline;
• Design Portfolio Required
• 7-10 years’ experience in Graphic Design, Illustration, or commercial design
• Brand design, marketing publications, corporate communications, experience
• Advertising or design Agency experience a plus
• 3-4 years creative staff management experience
• Demonstrated excellent design and branding skills
• Visual layout, font, color, skills
• The ability to translate storylines from international field sources into compelling content across forms
• Story and mood board development to ensure a coherent look across content
• Design strategy development across CI audience teams
• Design trend awareness and translation for business partners
• Leadership and influence skills to respectfully shape the work of other designers
• The ability to “pitch” storylines and ideas to leaders and other content stakeholders
• Strong creative judgment
• Understand design for a digital audience
• An understanding of Brand beyond visual branding
• Possess a passion for children and youth and be committed to making a difference in the world.
• Exceptional leadership capabilities with the ability to serve as an inspiring and influential leader who can develop and empower diverse teams.
• An ability to critically and strategically think to address an ever-changing work environment.
• Exhibit the highest standards of honesty and integrity reflective of a leader within an outstanding organization.
• Excellent interpersonal, relational and communication skills, with a history of inspiring collaboration across various functions.
• Results-oriented with demonstrated ability to achieve strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve outcomes within established resources and work effectively in a flat organization.
• Dedicated to diversity with compassion for other cultures and respect for a wide range of faiths, beliefs, experiences, and ethnically diverse populations.
• Ability to project and maintain a calm work atmosphere while concurrently operating in a time and deadline intensive, customer-driven environment.
• Embrace and foster a positive outlook toward change.