Head of Creative Services Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Position Description

Provides creative services to support the activities of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Serves as principal graphic designer, providing consultation and guidance on setting and maintaining the graphic identity of the institution. Delivers and supervises creative product as it relates to both internal and external materials; this includes design, art direction, illustration, print-and-digital file preparation, and creative presentations. The position also provides the design process and oversight required to manage production of the museums internal and external materials.

Responsibilities

Graphic Design and Art Direction

Works with Head of Communications and Marketing and project managers to develop and execute visual concepts appropriate for museum materials, in a variety of mediums and for a variety of audiences, including but not limited to:

  • Advertisements (social media, print and web ads, billboards, street banners, etc.)
  • Interpretation materials
  • Digital signage
  • Membership mailings
  • Invitations
  • Exhibition ephemera
  • Members magazine
  • Gallery guides
  • Promotional pieces
  • Fundraising materials
  • Manages signage both internal and external
  • Provides design for materials in coordination with the museums internal processes
  • Consistently collaborates and communicates with internal and external resources during the development and execution of the creative process.
  • Promotes the museums mission by ensuring all design for public consumption is easy to read, understandable, reflects the brand, and is engaging.

Production Management

  • Manages production of printed pieces, from preparing design files for delivery to the printer to representing the museums interests on press.
  • Manages and secures production quotes with Creative Services Manager to facilitate purchase orders and check requests with job managers.
  • Manages development of working relationships with printing firms to identify and cultivate viable printers; serves as principal liaison between museum and production vendors. Follows competitive bid process for production vendors.
  • Reviews and assists in development and management of project budgets.
  • Collaborates with Collection Manager for all in-house production and fabrication.
  • Oversees production proofs, and the internal flow of production management, through the Creative Services Manager.

Visual Identity

  • In coordination with the Communications and Marketing Department, maintains and implements design standards, in keeping with the Brand Identity Guidelines.
  • Serves on related institutional committees as a principal advisor in design, print, and related technologies.
  • Works closely with Exhibition Designer to ensure design standards are maintained and museum identity is consistent.
  • Maintains design archives using accessible, searchable, and intuitive naming conventions.
  • Gives close attention to grid-based design and detail, grammar, and cost versus quality.
  • Maintains confidentiality.

Illustration

  • Conceptualize and create original images for print and web use for special events and programs.
  • Determine ideal medium, style, and technique to achieve desired results.
  • Draw sketches for presentation and approval; combine hand-drawing and painting with digital media to create illustrations.
  • Refine designs with illustration software; ensure printed illustrations meet quality and color standards and achieve approved concepts.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervises Creative Services Manager, external creative freelancers, and manages artists on special projects.

Skills and Requirements

  • Demonstrated ability to create museum-quality designs in a wide variety of media for a wide variety of uses; practiced knowledge of production components, such as papers, inks, and printers; extensive on-press experience and color-separation skills; proficient in the production of printed materials from concept to delivery.
  • Excellent communication and project-management skills essential.
  • Ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines on quick turnaround projects.
  • Commitment to following current thinking and trends in graphic design, as well as in print and web-graphic productions, techniques, and technologies.
  • Budget development experience required.

Key Characteristics and Traits

  • Excellent time management.
  • Logical thinker (finding the best, most effective way to deliver the product).
  • Solid knowledge of printing industry standards and current design trends.
  • Strong attention to detail; finds motivation in challenge.
  • Passionate about design; can take constructive criticism.
  • Strong work ethic.
  • Demonstrated sense of color and layout balance, proven illustration skills.
  • Works well under pressure.
  • Broad thinker able to offer a variety of design solutions.
  • Collaborative and service oriented.

Qualifications/Education

  • Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design with a minimum of seven years of relevant industry experience.
  • Experience in bid negotiations and knowledge of budgetary procedures.
  • Skilled with Macintosh platform; expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) essential. Working familiarity with Microsoft Office.
  • Knowledge of web design HTML/CSS, Content Management tools; experience working with web developers to realize virtual design.
  • Excellent production skills in print and web.

Other Job Requirements

  • Successful completion of MVR, background and drug screens.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this JD describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.

3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth, TX 76107

$75,000/year

Apply online: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=108323&clientkey=7DE652AD2B0C5EC19EBC3E25055F3A94

Listing start date 6/8/2022

Listing end date 6/26/2022