Focus on the Family is hiring: Art Director in Colorado Springs

Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Focus on the Family has nearly 700 employees who work to achieve the mission of enriching the lives of families, engaging the culture, advocating for life and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This position is responsible for the development, direction, supervision, and presentation of the graphic design activities of print magazines as well as accompanying websites and digital publications as assigned; this involves direct design responsibilities as well as overseeing the work of the additional designers, illustrators, and photographers. Collaborates with editorial teams on project strategy while showing a superior understanding of the client goals and audience needs.Essential Duties/ResponsibilitiesCreates and/or directs concept development, design, layout, and art production, requiring at times, independent, creative thinkingActively participates and/or leads creative meetings, brainstorm sessions and team activitiesFamiliarity with contract negotiations for freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and stock photo house and working with AE’sAssists in the guidance, training and mentoring of other designersInterfaces and conducts contract negotiations with freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and stock photo housesCoordinates, schedules, supervises, and directs photography and off-site photo shootsHelps coordinate art direction activities of other designers, as well as freelancersTake responsibility for the quality, completeness, and on-time delivery of projectsWork closely with print buyer to ensure quality of printed pieces; participates in press checksWorks closely with others to ensure quality and design integrity standards are met consistent with the magazine’s mission and Focus on the Family principles and standardsMonitors progress to schedule-from conceptualizing to final proofsMakes efficient and effective use of computer systems, magazine production software and digital asset management systemIs responsible for design staffs’ use of digital asset management system and the archival of creative assetsWorks closely with DMS, IT, Print Buyers, and Sr. Designers to ensure quality and timely delivery of print, web, and mobile publicationsStays abreast of developments within departmentParticipates in editorial planning sessionsOther Duties/ResponsibilitiesMay take photographs for various FOF events and assignmentsPerforms other duties, including but not limited to duties as assigned, some of which may include the development and creation of a variety of copyrightable works (e.g., print, photography, voice work, film, music, visual arts, etc.) for distribution in any and all media and formats (such as television, radio, internet, wireless, DVD, satellite and digital) on a world-wide basis, all of which shall be for the benefit of Focus on the FamilyManagerial Breadth/Scope of JobNoneWorking Environment/Physical RequirementsOffice environmentTravel may be necessaryThis role may require occasional travel including nights and weekendsJob Qualifications/RequirementsCharacter/SpiritualExemplifies Ephesians 5:1-2, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us…”Pursues the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”Is a consistent witness for Jesus Christ; maintains a courteous, Christ-like attitude in dealing with people within and outside of Focus; adheres to the Standard of Moral Conduct and Statement of Faith; upholds Focus on the Family's ministry in prayerPrays personally for Focus on the Family’s staff and constituents and may occasionally lead in a public prayerEngages in Christian ministryDemonstrates behaviors aligned with FOF core valuesPersonal CharacteristicsTeam OrientedDetail OrientedTeachable, flexible, and reliablePositive, dependable and takes the initiativeDesire to expand and learn new skills and stay up on industry trendsCan graciously give and receive constructive criticism to creative workKnowledge/ExperienceBachelor's Degree in Graphics Art or equivalent work experience5-7 years professional design experience with an agency, studio, publisher, or equivalentIn depth understanding of design fundamentals for a wide range of creative and conceptual challengesWorking knowledge of Focus on the Family mission, philosophy, values, and objectivesSkills, Abilities, and Special Talents/GiftsAdvanced graphic and organizational skillsStrong attention to detailAbility to think creatively in artistic endeavorsAbility to accept criticism of creative workExcellent interpersonal skillsExcellent listening skillsAbility to function effectively and efficiently in a team environmentAbility to handle multiple projects and meet strict deadlinesAbility to organize work effectively to meet time constraintsAbility to deal with stress due to deadline pressureAbility to build and maintain solid team working for a common goalAble to delegate responsibilities to the appropriate personnelDemonstrates superior use of graphic design principles (knowledge of typography, photography, composition, white space, color, etc.