Graphic Design Manager

VISIT Milwaukee is seeking a highly creative and inspired designer to join our Marketing Department in the role of Graphic Design Manager. The position is perfect for a well-rounded artist with a diverse creative skillset, capable of overseeing a multitude of creative assignments from different disciplines.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Graphic Design Manager, as the sole in-house creative lead, is responsible for the development and creation of traditional graphic design, digital design, video production, photography, and copywriting. Working closely with the Senior Director of Marketing & Communications and agency-of-record, the creative services manager will be responsible for overall project management, and for producing marketing and advertising pieces that are on-brand and representative of the greater Milwaukee area.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Generate innovative, creative concepts and provide art direction on all in-house design initiatives. Work closely with VISIT Milwaukee’s agency of record to ensure all marketing and promotional elements designed on behalf of Milwaukee are on-brand and reflective of our brand promise.
• Manage all phases of the creative process, including overall project management, gathering and organizing assets, design, review process, editing/proofing, file delivery, backup and archiving of projects.
• Manage the brand to maintain consistent look, tone and feel of assignments based on VISIT Milwaukee’s graphic standards.
• Creative projects as assigned, including, but not limited to: logos, illustrations, and infographics. Company collateral: business cards, letterhead, envelopes. Publication design including guides, maps, banners. Invitations, flyers, brochures, posters, postcards. Traditional print & digital ads, sell sheets. Website mastheads, email newsletters, social media graphics. Tradeshow booth graphics and signage. Design of corporate reports and PowerPoint presentations. Photo shoots and video production.
• Oversee internal system to traffic creative jobs, and monitors work-in-process to ensure projects are meeting deadlines. Responsible for the accuracy of all final marketing materials going to print or to publications.
• Manage projects identified for outsourcing to agency or freelancers, including vendor selection as needed. Write creative briefs for outsourced projects. Serve as primary point of contact on all outsourced creative assignments.
• Serve as point of contact with vendors, including printers and suppliers. Interact with VISIT Milwaukee partners to collect images, b-roll, and copy/content as required to complete design and development of assigned projects.
• Manage budget as it relates to suppliers, including photographers, illustrators, printers, freelancers, copywriters, and others.
• Maintain and manage image library on VISIT Milwaukee server and hosted digital asset management system. Maintains records of photography agreements and licensing, and ensures proper credits on photo usage.
• Capture photos and videos onsite at designated VISIT Milwaukee and partner/community events.
• Oversee graphic design intern program, including supervision and training of interns. Assign duties and projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required education and experience:

• A minimum of an associate’s degree in advertising, communication design, or visual arts. A bachelor’s (4 year) degree is preferred. Equivalent work experience in an agency setting will be considered. If no degree, a minimum of five years of  related experience is required.
• Agency or marketing department experience desired. Previous experience within the tourism and/or hospitality industry experience a plus.

Required skills & knowledge:

• Exceptional computer skills (both on Mac & PC platforms).
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of the following software applications is required: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, iMovie, FinalCut Pro, FLASH, Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint and Outlook, Prezi.
• Demonstrate a complete understanding of: Color theory and color relationships. Typographic terms that identify type forms and the specifications required to refer to typographic settings (i.e., points, leading, kerning, tracking, cap-height, etc.) Perspective and space relationships. Page composition and grid structures. Print production process, knowledge of production techniques, and paper sourcing. Photography experience (photo capturing, retouching, resizing, color correcting, etc.) Video shooting, lighting, editing, production.
• Demonstrated ability as a strategic and creative thinker; ability to provide marketable solutions in conceiving, developing, and producing eye-catching marketing pieces.
• Knowledge of basic marketing principles. Understanding of developing creative strategy and design execution for different target audiences. Understanding of brand evolution through consistent creative and on-message voice/tone at all marketing touch points.
• Experience in project and print management, and overall support that comes with working within a small-to-midsize marketing department or agency.
• Keen attention to detail and focus on quality.
• Ability to communicate proactively to management and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated participation within the Milwaukee arts community. Membership/involvement in professional chapters a plus.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines.
• Must be able to work occasional nights and weekends as requested.

Salary commensurate with experience.  Competitive full benefit package including health, dental, vision, retirement, and PTO.