Director, Design Services

About Us

Are you ready to join a community leading in innovative teaching and learning? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With our growing enrollment and global reach, we are enjoying increased prominence among Georgia's colleges. We offer more than 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 43,000 students. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics also draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, mission and values and rich benefits make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia. Kennesaw State will exemplify the power and promise of a student-centered, research-driven university. Our institutional values are student-inspired, promise-fulfilling, true to ourselves, elevational, open and impact-generating. In addition, we support the University System of Georgia core values of accountability, excellence, integrity and respect. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University. Come to KSU and find your passion.

Location

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Job Summary

Responsible for the development of the University's graphic design services strategy and managing the creative development and execution of the graphics group. Guides all projects and is responsible for inspiring, building and leading an outstanding design team of digital and traditional graphic designers along with evaluating, coaching and hiring creative talent. Supports university brand development, management and stewardship.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees the creative design process from concept to completion
• Translates communcations objectives into clear creative strategies and impactful executions
• Works closely with multidisciplinary project teams
• Leads and directs the design team in the production of all marketing and communications ,collateral, including digital and traditional advertising, brochures, University magazine, etc
• Ensures visual communication and brand standards are met and evolves brand standards as needed
• Meets with clients and management to explain campaign strategies and solutions
• Reviews work, troubleshoots and provides feedback to design teams
• Remains actively involved in hiring and training design staff
• Manages and cultivates the career development of staff members, including graphic and digital designers
• Manages brand visual identity, the university stationery and freelance design contracts
  
  

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in related field

Required Experience

Seven (7) years creative experience in copywriting, graphic and digital design or previous art director experience to include previous management and supervisory skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Educational Qualifications

Master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in related field

Abilities

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Able to work collaboratively across the entire communications and marketing team

Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE

Extensive knowledge of graphic fundamentals, print, digital and web capabilities, as well as branding, marketing and advertising principles

Experience with a variety of Adobe Creative Suite software, including Photoshop, InDesign, illustrator, Dreamweaver, Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Flash

Strong creative background and intimate understanding of design, copy and digital web best practices and guidelines

Strong understanding of brand development and multichannel marketing concepts

Skills

Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills

Strong people, persuasion and presentation skills

Excellent leadership, team building and coaching skills

Comfort interacting with clients and internal staff alike

Strong persuasive skills

Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite, Desktop Publishing software)

Strong attention to detail and follow up skills

Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.

For additional information or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu.

Other Information

This is a supervisory position.

This position does not have any financial responsibilities.

This position will not be required to drive.

This role is not considered a position of trust.

This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).

This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time

Background Check

• Standard Enhanced
• Education
  
  

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening

results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.

https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf