POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Art Director manages the design and production of the university’s premier print and online communication vehicles: Terp magazine and the daily digital publication, Maryland Today.

This individual is responsible for the art direction, design, production, scheduling, planning, prioritizing, research and quality control of the magazine in print and online and of Maryland Today. The 48-page magazine is printed three times a year, and the circulation is 180,000/issue.

As an experienced designer, the Art Director will help tell the University of Maryland’s stories by designing and managing content for print and digital platforms with a high level of creativity and sophistication. This person will develop concepts relating to stories with accuracy and visual flair, whether a short Web-only infographic for the daily news site or a feature for the award-winning Terp. This individual will be versatile, creative and able to conceive and produce innovative visuals for targeted audiences—such as prospective students, faculty or alumni—to inform, inspire and entertain.

The Art Director will manage the visual content for Maryland Today, in particular, planning and developing artwork for daily publication. This will include daily and weekly scheduling; identifying, curating or creatively repackaging content created by colleagues across campus and external media; and regularly collaborating with designers, photographers, writer/editors, the digital content manager and the digital asset manager.

In addition, the Art Director will be responsible for overseeing the coordination, production and design of a diverse range of other visual communications. These include publications, branding campaigns, special events packages, and other presentation materials and products to meet the university’s communications and marketing needs. S/he will set an example of design excellence and provides design leadership to staff designers and production assistants.

While managing projects, the Art Director will lead a small group of designers and an intern. S/he will provide technical advice and guidance to design staff and campus clients in the preparation of magazine design and general university publications. S/he may be required to work evenings and weekends as necessary with occasional local travel for press inspections and photo shoots.

Submitted portfolio of printed pieces must primarily include magazine feature and design work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education (include licenses, certifications, etc.):
Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for the degree.

Experience:

7 years in the field with proven skills in design and typography with a Bachelor’s Degree. OR

9 years in the field with proven skills in design and typography with an Associate Degree. OR

11 years in the field with proven skills in design and typography with a High School Diploma or GED.

Submitted portfolio of printed pieces must primarily include magazine feature and design work.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• A portfolio that showcases thoughtful editorial design with a sophisticated design aesthetic; exceptional conceptual skills and creative vision along with strong executional ability; expertise in typography; and a keen eye for photography/illustration and use of color.
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, with mastery of InDesign.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, attention to detail, and an understanding of editorial and production workflow.
• Good presentation skills and ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Expert knowledge of industry innovations and trends.
• Ability to multitask and manage several projects simultaneously, within budgets and timelines. 
• Ability to develop procedures and specifications for printing.
• Expert knowledge of printing methods, procedures, techniques and media available for design production. Thorough knowledge of sheet-fed and web printing processes, vending procedures and quality control.
• Project management expertise.
• Ability to plan and art-direct photo shoots.
• Ability to direct designers and freelancers.