Brand Studio Art Director — Visual storyteller & leader

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

University Communications at the University of Virginia seeks an Assistant Art Director or Art Director to translate strategy into clear, accessible visual solutions across digital and print media. You will own assignments, lead small to medium projects, and guide collaboration with photographers, video producers, designers and vendors.

Reporting to the associate creative director, you’ll shape on-brand concepts, manage schedules and budgets, apply typography and layout mastery, and ensure

Qualifications

• Strong command of design principles and current digital and print practices, including typography, layout, composition, color theory, image selection and production.
• Knowledge of digital accessibility requirements and accessible design principles.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Proficiency with project management software such as Asana or similar.
• Working knowledge of Figma and Microsoft Office.
• Demonstrated ability to develop concepts, articulate strategic thinking and design rationale and maintain high visual standards within an established brand.
• Experience owning projects from concept through final production, including knowledge of prepress, printing and proofing.
• Ability to collaborate and provide visual direction to photographers, illustrators, video producers or other creative partners on assigned work.
• Collaborative, deadline-driven work style; sound judgment; attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience with responsive web design, HTML/CSS or website prototyping and wireframing.

Responsibilities

• Concept, design and deliver content for marketing, digital, licensing, environmental usages across print and digital media for a range of audiences and platforms.
• Translate communication strategy and organizational goals into original visual concepts, coherent design systems and polished executions.
• Provide art direction for assigned photo, video, illustration, animation, and environmental design components; develop mood boards, visual references, shot concepts and production guidance.
• Own assignments and lead small-to-medium projects from brief through final delivery, including production details, file preparation, coordinating creative and internal review, coordination with internal production partners and vendors, version control, and proper cataloguing and archiving of files.
• Apply advanced layout, typography, composition, color and asset-selection skills to articulate the University brand in fresh, effective and accessible ways.
• Use and interpret University graphic standards and style guides; recommend practical refinements when needs arise to improve consistency or usability.
• Collaborate with writers, developers, photographers, video producers, designers, marketing professionals, licensing partners and University stakeholders.
• Present multiple concepts and design rationales to project teams and partners, integrate feedback and guide work toward agreed communication goals.
• Prepare production-ready files, coordinate with internal vendors to ensure proper reproduction of work.
• Track day-to-day work, manage several assignments concurrently and deliver work on schedule and within established budgets.

Skills

Design principles

Typography

Adobe Creative Suite

InDesign

Illustrator

Photoshop

Accessibility

Project management

Asana

Figma

Microsoft Office

Prepress

Art direction

Responsive design

HTML/CSS

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Asana

Figma

Microsoft Office

Job description

University Communications at the University of Virginia seeks an Assistant Art Director or Art Director to translate strategy into clear, accessible visual solutions across digital and print media. You will own assignments, lead small to medium projects, and guide collaboration with photographers, video producers, designers and vendors.

Reporting to the associate creative director, you’ll shape on-brand concepts, manage schedules and budgets, apply typography and layout mastery, and ensure