University of Georgia
Creative Director
University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, us, 30604
Posting Details
Posting Details
Posting Number S12233P
Working Title Creative Director
Department DAR-Communications
About the University of Georgia
Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.
About the College/Unit/Department
Division of Development and Alumni Relations
The Division of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Georgia advances the goals, objectives, and priorities of the university by generating private financial support, building, and maintaining relationships with alumni and donors, and assisting students with career development opportunities.
Development and Alumni Relations' Office of Communications
Call us DARCOMM. We proudly serve as an in-house marketing agency for the Development & Alumni Relations division (DAR) at the University of Georgia. Twice a year, we plan. The rest of the time, we design mailers, build websites, write, film, photograph, tweet, and a lot more.
Collaboration is how we do our best work. White-boarding and idea-bouncing get us going. Data and analytics teach us how to do better next time. We love to learn from one another. We often partner with
the Marketing & Communications division
and build templates and tools to help all schools, colleges, and units with development and alumni relations. We streamline. And dot-connect. And always do our best to consider our audiences' perspectives.
We are always searching for new ways - more creative ways - to reach our alumni and donors. To help our division achieve its mission and help every DAR unit achieve its goals.
College/Unit/Department website https://give.uga.edu/ and https://dar.uga.edu/ and https://dar.uga.edu/communications/
Posting Type External
Retirement Plan TRS or ORP
Employment Type Employee
Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time Full Time
Work Schedule
Additional Schedule Information
8:00am-5:00pm; Must be willing and able to work evenings and weekends as necessary
Advertised Salary $75,000+ Commensurate qualifications and experience
Posting Date 06/12/2024
Open until filled Yes
Closing Date
Proposed Starting Date 08/01/2024
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position is structured as a permanent position within the Division of Development & Alumni Relations. We are unable to sponsor a work visa for this position.Location of Vacancy Athens Area
EEO Policy Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
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 online 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 online at
https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Position Information
Classification Title Assoc/Asst Director, Subdivision/Unit AD
FLSA Exempt
FTE 1.00
Minimum Qualifications
Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications
Graphic Design degree from an accredited college or university and at least 5 years of previous graphic design experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experienceAt least 3 years' experience developing brand strategy and working within brand guidelinesAt least 3 years' experience supervising and coaching staffAttention to detail a mustAt least one year of experience working with print and promotional item vendorsAt least 3 years professional experience using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and PhotoshopComfortable receiving feedback and staying solution-focusedExperience with building motion graphics in After Affects a plusExperience with video editing in Premiere Pro a plusKnowledge of CSS, JavaScript, or other web programming a plus
Position Summary
This position is the driving creative force behind the Division of Development & Alumni Relations Communications team (DARCOMM). This employee leads a sub-team within the DARCOMM department within the Division of Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) and reports to the Senior Director of Marketing & Communications.
This position guides creative strategy and development for all major initiatives for DAR and provides art direction for major division programs and priorities while also coaching a team of designers to do the same. This position is responsible for managing all design resources, including both staff and freelance designers. The employee develops and manages an efficient process that both ensures colleagues get their design projects completed in a timely manner.
The position provides style guides for all related projects, enabling great efficiency in the work and making the work more streamlined and effective.
This position ensures all DAR's work complies with the visual identity and branding of the University of Georgia as well was the Division of Development and Alumni Relations. The employee develops word marks that accompany the UGA logo to identify and brand specific units within Development & Alumni Relations for specific programs and events. This includes working with the Creative Design Specialists to set rules for the usage of these branding elements to ensure a consistent look and feel. In addition, this position helps brainstorm new communication strategies and tactics to make the work of DAR more effective.
This position is critical to help the division of Development & Alumni Relations create and implement a consistent, branded communication plan. This helps to ensure that alumni and donors recognize UGA communication instantly, and it makes our communication more effective.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Effective supervisory skillsSelf-starter, takes initiative, and can work independently as well as in a team environmentMust manage time and adhere to deadlinesAbility to collaborate with others and enlist buy-in from different groupsExemplary communications skills (both written and verbal)Organizational skills and ability to multitaskDemonstrates a commitment to outstanding customer serviceMust have expert-level experience in creative design and strategy including branding, color theory, and typographyKnowledge of the design/printing process; experience working with print shopsMust be thoroughly fluent with InDesign, Illustrator, and PhotoshopMust have experience with video production and editingExperience with image/photo editing and retouching requiredExhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the University of GeorgiaCommunicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conductKnowledge of current industry trends and best practices
Additional Division Expectations:
Through open, honest, and respectful communication, all staff, supervisors, and colleagues of the Division of Development & Alumni Relations are expected to interact with fairness, compassion, and decency. All employees will be held accountable for meeting the expectation of promoting a stable, productive, and healthy work environment.Adherence to CASE standards and commonly accepted industry standards relating to fundraising reporting are expected of all fundraisers. All fundraisers will be held accountable for meeting this expectation.Physical Demands
Work in a standard office environmentSit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods of timeWork using electronic mail, telephone, face-to-face discussions, paper form correspondenceCommunicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listeningOrganize and establish priorities; Remember detail; multi-taskLift and/or move up to 20 poundsWalk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climbWork evenings and weekends, as necessaryTravel in and out of state, as necessary
Is driving a responsibility of this position? No
Is this a Position of Trust? No
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No
Does this position require a P-Card? No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No
Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the
UGA Credit Background Check website .
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the
UGA Background Check website .
Duties/Responsibilities
Duties/Responsibilities
Provide leadership to the Creative Design team that develops all visual assets - including print material and digital graphics - for all departments within the Division of Development & Alumni Relations (DAR).
Manage and supervise employees reporting directly to this position to ensure everyone is meeting all his/her goals, objectives, and project timelines.Evaluate performance of each employee reporting to this position annually.Lead other designers in producing artwork for high-profile projects and delegate tasks, as necessary.Develop performance initiatives and expectations for employees reporting to this position. Mentor and evaluate his/her performance annually.Actively participate in planning - and encourage team members to engage - with units and identify creative solutions that can help the division and specific units reach their goals.Help prioritize creative projects to ensure (1) focus remains on the most strategically important projects and (2) expectations are set and clear for the units.Ensure Development & Alumni Relations Communications (DARCOMM) is consistently putting forth an excellent creative product that is both high-quality and accurate.Lead assigned high-profile projects as appropriate (depending on staffing and needs).Troubleshoot design challenges with team members as they arise.Work through staffing or process problems as they arise.Actively seek ways to improve design department processes.Identify creative resource for upcoming design projects (team member, freelance, etc.).Percentage of time 50 Duties/Responsibilities
Develop creative style guides for appropriate DAR units, programs and initiatives and provide art direction for the division.
Lead team in creation of appropriate branding for DAR units and programs as appropriate.Direct artwork strategy for the division in collaboration with the creative team, communication team, digital team.Lead design efforts for division-wide projects from concept to final execution within deadlines.Develop style guide - including goals, copy and visuals - for 2+ initiatives per year.Distribute style guides to DARCOMM team and beyond; encourage and guide compliance with usage.Understand marketing initiatives, strategic positioning, and target audience.Work with other members of DARCOMM to evaluate campaign needs, develop project strategies, and create visual elements for campaigns.Produce sketches, mood boards, roughs to visualize ideas.Generate clear ideas and concepts in tandem with the copywriters and digital specialists.Contribute to and in certain projects lead content ideation and development.Work with Multimedia Specialist to request and guide photography based on needs of graphic designers.Work with DARCOMM team to provide updates, receive feedback, and present final ideas.Deliver design assets within established budgets and timelines.Stay on top of all trends and maintain best practices.Manage division design assets including, logos, typefaces, templates, samples, photography needs and other resources.Manage visual identity of assigned units in alignment with university guidelines.Manage and steward relationship with print vendors.Ensure final designs are up to standards through testing, proofing, and press checks.Percentage of time 35 Duties/Responsibilities
Manage DAR's compliance with UGA brand usage.
Set clear expectations for brand usage within DAR; interpret and translate the UGA brand for the alumni and donor audience, including:
Logos and visual assets.Brand story.
Address questions and gray areas about UGA and DAR brand issues as they arise; as appropriate, lead team projects to develop formal DARCOMM recommendation.Manage DAR logo needs along with appropriate usage for DAR materials.Ensure DARCOMM colleagues and division are knowledgeable about the UGA brand and DAR's use of it.
Percentage of time 15
Contact Information
Recruitment Contact
Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name Development & Alumni Relations' Office of Talent Management
Recruitment Contact Email dartalent@uga.edu
Recruitment Contact Phone
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* How did you hear about this vacant position?
African American Development Officers (AADO)Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)Annual Giving NetworkCASEChronicle of Higher EducationChronicle of PhilanthropyCurrent UGA EmployeeDiverse JobsHandshakeHigherEdJobsInsight Into DiversityLinkedInTalent Management NewsletterUGAJobs (UGA's job board)Other (please provide)
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Resume/CVCover LetterOptional Documents
Posting Details
Posting Number S12233P
Working Title Creative Director
Department DAR-Communications
About the University of Georgia
Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.
About the College/Unit/Department
Division of Development and Alumni Relations
The Division of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Georgia advances the goals, objectives, and priorities of the university by generating private financial support, building, and maintaining relationships with alumni and donors, and assisting students with career development opportunities.
Development and Alumni Relations' Office of Communications
Call us DARCOMM. We proudly serve as an in-house marketing agency for the Development & Alumni Relations division (DAR) at the University of Georgia. Twice a year, we plan. The rest of the time, we design mailers, build websites, write, film, photograph, tweet, and a lot more.
Collaboration is how we do our best work. White-boarding and idea-bouncing get us going. Data and analytics teach us how to do better next time. We love to learn from one another. We often partner with
the Marketing & Communications division
and build templates and tools to help all schools, colleges, and units with development and alumni relations. We streamline. And dot-connect. And always do our best to consider our audiences' perspectives.
We are always searching for new ways - more creative ways - to reach our alumni and donors. To help our division achieve its mission and help every DAR unit achieve its goals.
College/Unit/Department website https://give.uga.edu/ and https://dar.uga.edu/ and https://dar.uga.edu/communications/
Posting Type External
Retirement Plan TRS or ORP
Employment Type Employee
Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time Full Time
Work Schedule
Additional Schedule Information
8:00am-5:00pm; Must be willing and able to work evenings and weekends as necessary
Advertised Salary $75,000+ Commensurate qualifications and experience
Posting Date 06/12/2024
Open until filled Yes
Closing Date
Proposed Starting Date 08/01/2024
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position is structured as a permanent position within the Division of Development & Alumni Relations. We are unable to sponsor a work visa for this position.Location of Vacancy Athens Area
EEO Policy Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
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 online 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 online at
https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Position Information
Classification Title Assoc/Asst Director, Subdivision/Unit AD
FLSA Exempt
FTE 1.00
Minimum Qualifications
Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications
Graphic Design degree from an accredited college or university and at least 5 years of previous graphic design experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experienceAt least 3 years' experience developing brand strategy and working within brand guidelinesAt least 3 years' experience supervising and coaching staffAttention to detail a mustAt least one year of experience working with print and promotional item vendorsAt least 3 years professional experience using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and PhotoshopComfortable receiving feedback and staying solution-focusedExperience with building motion graphics in After Affects a plusExperience with video editing in Premiere Pro a plusKnowledge of CSS, JavaScript, or other web programming a plus
Position Summary
This position is the driving creative force behind the Division of Development & Alumni Relations Communications team (DARCOMM). This employee leads a sub-team within the DARCOMM department within the Division of Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) and reports to the Senior Director of Marketing & Communications.
This position guides creative strategy and development for all major initiatives for DAR and provides art direction for major division programs and priorities while also coaching a team of designers to do the same. This position is responsible for managing all design resources, including both staff and freelance designers. The employee develops and manages an efficient process that both ensures colleagues get their design projects completed in a timely manner.
The position provides style guides for all related projects, enabling great efficiency in the work and making the work more streamlined and effective.
This position ensures all DAR's work complies with the visual identity and branding of the University of Georgia as well was the Division of Development and Alumni Relations. The employee develops word marks that accompany the UGA logo to identify and brand specific units within Development & Alumni Relations for specific programs and events. This includes working with the Creative Design Specialists to set rules for the usage of these branding elements to ensure a consistent look and feel. In addition, this position helps brainstorm new communication strategies and tactics to make the work of DAR more effective.
This position is critical to help the division of Development & Alumni Relations create and implement a consistent, branded communication plan. This helps to ensure that alumni and donors recognize UGA communication instantly, and it makes our communication more effective.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Effective supervisory skillsSelf-starter, takes initiative, and can work independently as well as in a team environmentMust manage time and adhere to deadlinesAbility to collaborate with others and enlist buy-in from different groupsExemplary communications skills (both written and verbal)Organizational skills and ability to multitaskDemonstrates a commitment to outstanding customer serviceMust have expert-level experience in creative design and strategy including branding, color theory, and typographyKnowledge of the design/printing process; experience working with print shopsMust be thoroughly fluent with InDesign, Illustrator, and PhotoshopMust have experience with video production and editingExperience with image/photo editing and retouching requiredExhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the University of GeorgiaCommunicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conductKnowledge of current industry trends and best practices
Additional Division Expectations:
Through open, honest, and respectful communication, all staff, supervisors, and colleagues of the Division of Development & Alumni Relations are expected to interact with fairness, compassion, and decency. All employees will be held accountable for meeting the expectation of promoting a stable, productive, and healthy work environment.Adherence to CASE standards and commonly accepted industry standards relating to fundraising reporting are expected of all fundraisers. All fundraisers will be held accountable for meeting this expectation.Physical Demands
Work in a standard office environmentSit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods of timeWork using electronic mail, telephone, face-to-face discussions, paper form correspondenceCommunicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listeningOrganize and establish priorities; Remember detail; multi-taskLift and/or move up to 20 poundsWalk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climbWork evenings and weekends, as necessaryTravel in and out of state, as necessary
Is driving a responsibility of this position? No
Is this a Position of Trust? No
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No
Does this position require a P-Card? No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No
Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the
UGA Credit Background Check website .
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the
UGA Background Check website .
Duties/Responsibilities
Duties/Responsibilities
Provide leadership to the Creative Design team that develops all visual assets - including print material and digital graphics - for all departments within the Division of Development & Alumni Relations (DAR).
Manage and supervise employees reporting directly to this position to ensure everyone is meeting all his/her goals, objectives, and project timelines.Evaluate performance of each employee reporting to this position annually.Lead other designers in producing artwork for high-profile projects and delegate tasks, as necessary.Develop performance initiatives and expectations for employees reporting to this position. Mentor and evaluate his/her performance annually.Actively participate in planning - and encourage team members to engage - with units and identify creative solutions that can help the division and specific units reach their goals.Help prioritize creative projects to ensure (1) focus remains on the most strategically important projects and (2) expectations are set and clear for the units.Ensure Development & Alumni Relations Communications (DARCOMM) is consistently putting forth an excellent creative product that is both high-quality and accurate.Lead assigned high-profile projects as appropriate (depending on staffing and needs).Troubleshoot design challenges with team members as they arise.Work through staffing or process problems as they arise.Actively seek ways to improve design department processes.Identify creative resource for upcoming design projects (team member, freelance, etc.).Percentage of time 50 Duties/Responsibilities
Develop creative style guides for appropriate DAR units, programs and initiatives and provide art direction for the division.
Lead team in creation of appropriate branding for DAR units and programs as appropriate.Direct artwork strategy for the division in collaboration with the creative team, communication team, digital team.Lead design efforts for division-wide projects from concept to final execution within deadlines.Develop style guide - including goals, copy and visuals - for 2+ initiatives per year.Distribute style guides to DARCOMM team and beyond; encourage and guide compliance with usage.Understand marketing initiatives, strategic positioning, and target audience.Work with other members of DARCOMM to evaluate campaign needs, develop project strategies, and create visual elements for campaigns.Produce sketches, mood boards, roughs to visualize ideas.Generate clear ideas and concepts in tandem with the copywriters and digital specialists.Contribute to and in certain projects lead content ideation and development.Work with Multimedia Specialist to request and guide photography based on needs of graphic designers.Work with DARCOMM team to provide updates, receive feedback, and present final ideas.Deliver design assets within established budgets and timelines.Stay on top of all trends and maintain best practices.Manage division design assets including, logos, typefaces, templates, samples, photography needs and other resources.Manage visual identity of assigned units in alignment with university guidelines.Manage and steward relationship with print vendors.Ensure final designs are up to standards through testing, proofing, and press checks.Percentage of time 35 Duties/Responsibilities
Manage DAR's compliance with UGA brand usage.
Set clear expectations for brand usage within DAR; interpret and translate the UGA brand for the alumni and donor audience, including:
Logos and visual assets.Brand story.
Address questions and gray areas about UGA and DAR brand issues as they arise; as appropriate, lead team projects to develop formal DARCOMM recommendation.Manage DAR logo needs along with appropriate usage for DAR materials.Ensure DARCOMM colleagues and division are knowledgeable about the UGA brand and DAR's use of it.
Percentage of time 15
Contact Information
Recruitment Contact
Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name Development & Alumni Relations' Office of Talent Management
Recruitment Contact Email dartalent@uga.edu
Recruitment Contact Phone
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* How did you hear about this vacant position?
African American Development Officers (AADO)Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)Annual Giving NetworkCASEChronicle of Higher EducationChronicle of PhilanthropyCurrent UGA EmployeeDiverse JobsHandshakeHigherEdJobsInsight Into DiversityLinkedInTalent Management NewsletterUGAJobs (UGA's job board)Other (please provide)
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Resume/CVCover LetterOptional Documents