ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR - WASHU MEDICINE, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS (HYBRID)

Scheduled Hours

Position Summary

The Associate Creative Director is responsible for mentoring Art Directors and Production Artists as well as helping direct all facets of design and serving as the guardian of best practices and quality of product.

They are a captivating visual storyteller, an expert communicator and passionate problem solver and will help establish and implement standards for the creative design and production process.

The Associate Creative Director will also serve as a senior creative on various clients and will partner with the Executive Creative Director, Creative Directors or Brand and Account Strategy as needed.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Visual Communications and Graphic Design

• The Associate Creative Director is responsible for setting the bar for the development of all visual marketing communications and making sure that the quality of product is preserved from concept to production.
• Design chops to transform a great idea into a visual masterpiece that communicates the right message in the right way and to the right audience based on the brief and strategy developed by the team.
• These should not only be visually arresting but help deliver the right message in the most effective way ensuring it elevates the brand while adhering to brand standards and brand personality.
• Works with the team to ensure the work delivers on the strategy, determines the effectiveness of the work after it has been activated, and uses the learnings to make the necessary adjustments and improvements to future work.
• Designs for a wide variety styles for necessary mediums and channels that correspond to the client's needs and provide appropriate direction to team members.
• Get your hands dirty, but don't get stuck in the weeds. Pitches in and helps whenever and wherever needed, but this should not come at the expense of the development and productivity to other team members.
• Monitors projects through all phases of production.
• Effectively handles multiple assignments at one time and adhere to client budget and time constraints.

Concepting and Idea Development

• The Associate Creative Director routinely leads concepting and development of creative solutions that effectively communicate the strategic intent of an assignment and solves the client's business and marketing challenges.
• Interacts with members of the creative team, especially Creative Directors and Copywriters, to develop creative concepts and executions of assigned product(s) and presents them to internal team members.
• Possesses solid understanding of the market dynamics and challenges of the medical and higher education categories.
• Presents new ideas to members of the team.

Mentorship

• Ensures that the Art Directors are learning, growing, and getting better every single day. Mentors and responsible for their development and growth.
• Oversees the Art Directors and Production Artists and ensures a high level of quality for all work produced.
• Talent to inspire and motivate team members, and ultimately the target consumer with great visual design.

Performs other duties as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on healthcare, pharma, medicine or higher education.
• Experience in both traditional and digital media.
• Strong understanding of graphic design and marketing.
• Talent to inspire clients and the target consumer with great visual design.
• Thinker and doer, being an active designer on work as needed.
• Working knowledge of the print production process and techniques and how they will affect their visual communications solutions.
• Working knowledge of the digital production process and techniques and how they will affect their visual communications solutions.
• Ability to direct photo and video shoots.
• Polished presentation skills demonstrating a clear vision of how the work addresses the client challenge.
• Strong attention to detail. The Art Director is required to use a keen eye and sense of design and communication to ensure that every piece of visual work agency is mistake free and lives up to the Marketing and Communications Team's high standards.
• Think creatively and strategically and provide marketable solutions in concepts, development, and producing tactics with visual design.
• Ability to lead by example and continue their own development within the company.
• Desire to work collaboratively as part of a larger team in a fast-paced environment.
• Desire to take on new challenges, grow and learn every day.
• Have a passion for marketing, staying informed of industry best practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Design, Marketing, Communications, Advertising, or related field and three (3) years of proven experience in a similar role.

Grade

Salary Range

$65,900.00 - $112,700.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.

edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position.

The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure / certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and / or governmental registry checks.

All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays / coinsurance.
• Want to Live Near Your Work and / or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs.

Need adult care? We've got you covered.

WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit : https : / / hr.wustl.edu / benefits /

EEO / AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups.

It is the University's policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment - fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.