T

Graphic Design/Creative Manager

The Phoenix Zoo
Full-time
On-site
Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Job Details

Phoenix Zoo - Phoenix, AZ
Full Time

Description

Department: Graphics

Supervisor: Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Events

Supervises: Graphics Team

FLSA Status: Full Time, Regular, Exempt

Starting Salary: $84,321

Application Submission Deadline: Open until filled

General Statement:

The Graphic Design/Creative Manager is a strong leader and team player; a self-starter and problem solver, who can interface with staff, thrive on high-pressure challenges and deliver high-performance operations in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. This position is responsible for the overall aesthetic look and feel of the ACNC’s brand and implementing it in all collateral, promotional materials and on-grounds signage. The Graphic Design/Creative Manager oversees a team of designers and manages the creation of initial design concepts and collaborates on approval of final drafts, while ensuring internal design needs are met. The Graphic Design/Creative Manager provides direction and oversight to third-party designers that are utilized by the ACNC and coordinates relations and work output with all related external vendors. In collaboration with the Marketing team, this individual provides creative direction on the look of all collateral being output by the ACNC.

Essential Duties:

  1. Provides quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.

  2. Manages, mentors, motivates, and inspires a team of graphic designers by providing guidance and feedback to ensure high quality deliverables.

  3. Researches, negotiates, supervises and coordinates vendor/contractor relationships, deliverables and installations.

  4. Collaborates with the Marketing team and ad agency implementing creative processes and design, ensuring the overall management of the brand and messaging throughout all external and internal marketing communications.

  5. Coordinates photography, copy and sponsor logos for collateral as needed.

  6. Intricate knowledge of the printing process across a variety of media (including everything from out-of-home advertising, to exhibit/habitat signage, to printed invitations).

  7. Collaborate with internal ‘clients; (from other Zoo departments) to discuss needs, propose strategies and determine objectives and solutions for projects.

  8. Works with supervisor to prepare and manage department budget and maintains inventory of all supplies.

  9. Tracks, manages and schedules the design/production of all departmental assignments.

  10. Manages vendor and client relationships and the print/production process.

  11. Researches, defines and recommends new tools, software and graphic resources.

  12. Maintains a flexible, positive attitude under deadlines.

  13. Designs, strategizes, provides direction for and participates in the conceptual development of creative deliverables.

  14. Stays up to date on design trends, tools, and best practices to keep the Zoo’s materials fresh and engaging.

  15. Conducts Park inspections for signage look, accuracy and existence.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).

Qualifications

  1. Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual or Fine Arts, and 5+ years equivalent experience.
  2. 2+ years in managerial or leadership capacity.
  3. Strong portfolio showcasing expertise on branding, digital and print design, creative storytelling, including mix of interior and exterior graphics, illustrations and infographics.
  4. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and other relevant design tools.
  5. Self-motivated, detail-oriented, organized, creative problem solver with exceptional proofreading abilities.
  6. Comfortable with hands-on production skills such as cutting, drilling, hanging/installing vinyl lettering and signage.
  7. Experience and willingness to participate in the theming of traveling exhibits, or theming of various experiences at the Zoo is essential.
  8. Strong project management skills with a proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and efficiently in a deadline-driven environment.
  9. Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and inspire a team of designers while fostering a positive and productive work environment.
  10. Ability to work cross-functionally and collaboratively across departments and teams.
  11. Possession of a valid driver’s license.
  12. Ability to pass pre-employment background check and drug test.