Associate Creative Director

Job Description

The Creative Manager will help manage the graphic design / creative team, which is responsible for conceptualization, design and execution of retail in store signage components. This role will provide thought leadership and excel in aligning personnel across creative, traffic, proofreading and project management in the on-time and accurate delivery of creative services projects. He/she must have experience in communications design including business strategy, design, typography, production and prepress skills. He/she must have the ability to work creatively within a corporate brand and a fast-paced environment. They will manage all creative resources to provide quality products and services, on schedule, within budgeted cost parameters.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with the creative management team, design team, traffic, proofreading and project management to identify project needs and design finished product to support the businesses and marketing objectives of client’s brand strategy and maintain the creative concept of the work, keeping it on strategy, meaningful and visually impactful

• Works to mentor and coach graphic design team members

• Develops creative and graphic concepts (for print) in collaboration with assigned team

• Provides production support to produce technically correct, print ready mechanicals for release

• Solves business challenges through marketing and smart creative design

• Takes ownership, leads initiatives and successfully executes through all stages of creative development on target, on time and on budget

• Maintain and enhance the Firm’s identity by working creatively within the corporate Brand.

• Manage the execution of the work, ensuring that creative projects are completed meeting budget and schedule targets.

• Understands the client’s design needs and methodology

• Effective communication with peers, senior management and clients across all topics from business to creative.

• Leads creative teams and will have direct reports.

Qualifications

• 4 Year / Bachelors Degree.
• 10+ years of professional experience related to the role. 

Skills and Certifications

• Ability to lead creative teams & collaborate with varying internal and external clients

• Possesses a strong developing portfolio of imaginative work

• Retail, agency or in-house corporate design experience preferred

• Well versed on Macintosh platform (OSX) and industry standard applications:

• Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and MS Office. SketchUp or similar

• 3D rendering programs a plus. Must be highly proficient in CS3 Design software and other applicable programs

• Experience presenting/pitching concepts to internal clients and external customers and sourcing vendors

• New ideas, great design sense, copywriting skills (a plus) and the ability to prepare projects for print are essential

• Organizational skills, adaptability and composure under fire are equally important

• Understanding of print production, basic web development and good user interface concepts

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the proven ability to build and maintain strong and effective customer and internal relationships

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, along with the ability to listen for understanding to execute the work according to the customers needs

• Strong project management skills, organizational skills and time-management skills

Additional Information

RRD's current salary range for this role is $105,900 to $169,500 / year. The salary range may be adjusted based on the applicable geographic location of the hired employee, and the range may change in the future. At RRD, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions may vary based upon, but not limited to education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift and location. Depending on the role, in addition to base salary, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. RRD’s benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance and employer/partner discounts.

All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of both a pre-employment background and drug screen.

RRD is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans