Reporting to the Associate Athletics Director for Marketing, Digital Media and Licensing, the Director of Graphic Design/Digital Media is a key member of the external relations team, involved in making recommendations, and developing the direction and campus-wide adoption of the university brand identity. Working independently, under general direction, this position will spearhead the creation of engaging digital graphics and motion graphics to promote events, accolades, awards and recognition of San Jose State University, Athletics, and the programs. The position will also be responsible for recruiting and leading a team of student assistants, serve as the lead designer on all logo/branding needs for the Athletics Department, including but not limited to facility upgrades, billboards, digital screens, internal branding, and marketing collateral.
Essential Functions and Associated Tasks
Athletic Department Branding
- Serve as key member of Athletics Department Marketing team that makes decisions shaping the department’s brand identity, function as a strategist, Art Director and content creator
- Provide creative direction within Marketing and Communications team, facilitating a cohesive execution of creative materials across print, mobile, web and online
- Oversee and define creative direction on all logo/branding graphic needs for the Athletic Department, including but not limited to facility upgrades, billboards, digital screens, internal branding, and marketing collateral
- Spearhead SJSU Athletics visual identity and brand design initiatives
Planning, Art Director, Production
- Create concept compositions, graphic templates, and layouts; refine final designs to meet theneeds of communications and marketing teams.
- Advise and assist campus stakeholders on effective planning and execution of their creativeprojects, as needed.
- Provide creative direction, design, and collateral.
- Oversee the maintenance of graphics and photography library.
- Train and lead intern(s) and design and social media staff.
- Travel with selected teams for postseason contests and special events to capture content and create social media posts.
- Coordinate media day shoots for all sports and serve as lead photographer.
Digital Strategy/Creative Services
- Serve as a key strategist and creative director/producer for the creation of engaging digital graphics and motion graphics to promote events, accolades, awards, and recognition of San Jose State University, Athletics, and the programs.
- Provide direct contributions and strategy to the Associate AD, Marketing, Digital Media & Licensing in the creation and execution of a comprehensive Digital Strategy.
- Manage and curate content and strategy for social media platforms for SJSU main and sport- specific accounts.
- Other duties as assigned by the Associate AD for Marketing and Licensing.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES
- Comprehensive knowledge of graphic design and production principles and communication theory
- including a basic understanding of marketing and promotion concepts
- Strong graphic design skills and artistic ability in order to translate communication needs into an
- artistic design
- Working knowledge of copyright laws applicable to design work and creative properties
- Ability to consult and communicate effectively with coaches, staff and students and to interpret
- and translate their needs into effective visual formats
- Ability to plan, coordinate and direct graphic art communications projects and handle multiple priorities
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects and Illustrator
- Proficient in use and knowledge of all social media platforms, specifically Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat
- Proficient knowledge of techniques, materials and equipment used in the production of instructional media and related communication assignments
- Solid working knowledge of applicable graphic design software packages and hardware systems
- and peripherals
- Capacity to juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously in deadline-driven environment
- Proficient knowledge of full range of production techniques including graphics, photography, videotaping, lighting, editing methods and equipment
- Basic photography skills such as film speed, light, and color requirements
- Ability to use and maintain studio, camera and related equipment
- Working knowledge of PC and MAC based computer systems
- Ability to work with, manage and train students and part-time staff involved in production projects
- Knowledge of and skills in graphics, still or motion photography, or television production
- Solid writing and editing skills, including a strong foundation in English grammar; Ability to compose and appropriately format correspondences and reports
- Ability to learn quickly and apply a variety of state, federal, CSU, and SJSU policies and procedures
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain working relationships with staff and students
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent technical experience and/or relevant coursework in graphic design, fine arts, or a related field of study
Experience: Three years of full-time experience with graphic application and publishing tools required
Preferred Qualifications
Education: Master’s Degree
Experience
- Experience with art direction, project planning, and project management
- Experience in still and motion picture photography, including a thorough knowledge of digital/graphic production and motion graphics
- Experience working in a D1 institution
Interested individual should send a resume to Associate Athletics Director for Marketing, Digital Media & Licensing Michael Smoose at michael.smoose@sjsu.edu