Direct report:
Full-time/Part-time:
FLSA Status:
VP/Communications
Full-time
Exempt
Art Director
Mission:
The mission of the Art Director is four-fold:
1. To oversee and execute design of various print and digital products of the U.Va. Alumni
Association, including the association’s website, print magazine, magazine website, enewsletter and various membership and development pieces.
2. To play a key role in conceiving and executing the long- and short-range future of the
University of Virginia Magazine and its related digital products through active participation
in all strategic and planning meetings, ensuring that the visual perspective is integral to all
discussions.
3. To make the University of Virginia’s nationally recognized alumni magazine and its
related digital products the most visually compelling alumni publications in the country
by constantly expanding and exploring the ways stories can be told visually, both in print
and digitally, including interactive graphics and videos.
4. To establish the graphic/brand identity of the Alumni Association and fulfill the design
needs of the various departments of the Alumni Association by providing full-service
graphic design and web design support.
Overall responsibilities
Participates in all planning sessions from the beginning of the process for each magazine issue
through all story status meetings. Proactively works with editors to develop design concepts for
U.Va. alumni magazine, e-newsletters and accompanying website.
Oversees and executes design of various print and digital products of the U.Va. Alumni
Association, including association’s website, print magazine, magazine website, e-newsletter and
various membership and development pieces.
Responsible for creating graphic identity and overseeing the proper implementation throughout
the Alumni Association’s various departments
Works collaboratively with editors and others within the association to ensure innovation and
consistency of brand
Attends professional conferences and trainings, working constantly to assert innovative design
practices into association’s products
More specific duties
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Designs quarterly alumni magazine, including feature stories, departments, covers and
some display advertising while adhering to production deadlines
Directs and manages planned redesign of print and digital products of University of
Virginia Magazine, in collaboration with editors
Designs wide variety of collateral materials for departments throughout the Alumni
Association (brochures, posters, banners, cards, t-shirts, calendars, etc.)
Coordinates freelance photographers and videographers and obtains other art for the
magazine. Provides some photography, photo manipulation and correction; scanning.
Coordinates vendors, including printers and mailing houses. Serves as a primary contact
with printers
Partners with the Director of New Media to design layout, graphics and content of
Virginia Magazine and Alumni Association websites, and tablet version of the magazine
Collaborates with VP of Communications and various departments on
marketing/advertising strategies for products and services. Examples include
membership materials and development pieces.
Develops and designs interactive graphic features to enhance print and e-news content
Produces and oversees direction of engaging videos that enhance print and online
content
EXPERIENCE:
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Bachelor’s degree in art, graphic design, or related field
Professional/college training in the principles of graphic design, typography, and printing
At least six years’ experience as senior graphic designer for a print publication that also
has online, mobile and/or tablet aspects
Experience designing, producing and implementing interactive graphics and videos.
SKILLS/CERTIFICATIONS:
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Knowledge and experience using page layout programs (Adobe InDesign)
Knowledge and experience using graphics programs (Illustrator, PhotoShop, etc.)
Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and HTML editors/FTP clients
Knowledge of video editing software is a plus
ABILITIES:
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Must have the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize appropriately within a
fast-paced work environment
Must have the ability to analyze and solve problems creatively and independently, but
must also be able to take creative direction from supervisor when necessary
Must possess a positive, cooperative attitude and welcome collaboration
Strong customer service skills
Must be detail-oriented
Strong creative (conceptual and design) skills
CONTACTS:
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U.Va. Alumni Association staff
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University of Virginia alumni/members
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External vendors/providers for purchases of products and services
ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS:
General fast-paced office environment