Art Director

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at [email protected].

Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Marketing, the Art Director provides high-level creative communications leadership and project management within Communications & Marketing to support enrollment goals and strategic fundraising initiatives by leading the creative and graphic design services for the College. Responsibilities include ensuring the proper implementation of the Smith College brand across all visual communications and producing a variety of communications that serve the needs of the many constituencies throughout the College and that promote public recognition, awareness, and support of Smith College.

As the lead creative professional, the Art Director has an eye for detail and develops, manages, extends, and implements creative solutions across multiple platforms, including print, video, photography, social media, web, interactive media, and events for a diverse audience. With the insights of a marketer and the skills of a graphic designer, the Art Director is at heart a storyteller who turns complex information into strong creative concepts.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Brand Champion & Quality Assurance (25%): Protect, enforce, and evolve Smith’s visual identity and brand guidelines across print, digital and other media platforms. Contribute to brand strategy and establish creative standards and quality benchmarks across all creative disciplines, manage inspection of proofs for accuracy and adherence to appropriate production standards and suggest improvements and go on press with print vendors as needed.

Cross-Campus Collaboration & Design (25%): Resource, Ownership and Advocate of Self-Service Design Template platform: Partner with Admissions, Advancement, and other campus partners to support specific visual needs. Make recommendations to and influence campus partners regarding graphic design needs and ink and paper choices for print collateral. Meaningful contribute to strategy for and oversee self-service system of brand kit and templates available to campus partners.

Design Expertise and Creative Leadership (20%): In coordination with management, conceptualize and execute marketing campaigns and produce a variety of communications, including brochures, invitations, brand and enrollment advertisements, posters, web graphics, etc. Informed Aesthetic: Stay current with design trends, technologies, and best practices in higher education marketing and continuously develop new design and technical skills as needed.

Art Direction (10%): Provides art direction to the Smith Quarterly Editor. Supervises and/or art-directs photo and video shoots, both studio and on-location.

Management/Leadership (15%): Manage a team of graphic designers and design projects from concept to completion while balancing deadlines, budgets, and stakeholder feedback.  Accountable for hiring, development / coaching, and performance-related decisions with support from Human Resources. Makes informed decisions impacting team and college including setting priorities, allocating resources, and problem-solving. Effectively communicates expectations, provides feedback, and ensures alignment with department goals. Addresses conflicts and challenges within the team to promote a positive work environment. Formulates and implements policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned by management (5%)

MINIMUM REQUIRED Qualifications (education, experience, certifications, licenses, knowledge, skills)

Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication or Fine Arts

8+ years design experience in higher education, in-house marketing or agency setting

Active driver’s license and the ability to drive

Knowledge of accessibility standards, strong understanding of creative production processes across multiple platforms and mediums, proven track record managing and developing creative teams

Technical Skills: Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Express) and familiarity with web/digital platforms.

Soft Skills: Exceptional creative, conceptual decision-making skills, project management, organizational skills, presentation abilities, and a proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative and high-performing academic environment.

This is an in-person position based in Northampton, MA.

Position Type

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

Review of applications will begin

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts.  A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at [email protected].

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of  equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty.  The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.