Design Director

** HYBRID OPPORTUNITY | OPEN TO REMOTE APPLICANTS **

SUMMARY OF POSITION

You have a deep appreciation for the discipline of design and see it as a gateway for not only communicating bold concepts but also immersing communities in connective experiences.

You appreciate that no one day is like another and enjoy the opportunity that an entrepreneurial environment provides.

As Design Director at August Jackson you will embrace being an active ambassador in supporting the team’s mission to “elevate design and be known for it.”

You will seek every opportunity to contribute to the agency’s mission to bring a client’s ‘purpose into practice’ while collaborating with agency colleagues from Market Development, Strategy, Creative Direction, and Production. Working with Senior Design Directors, you will be accountable for the design output and final execution of a myriad of innovative, relevant, and expressive creative solutions that are exemplary of AJ’s high standards.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develops concepts and designs for client projects and proposals

• Demonstrates the ability to apply principles of narrative design, visual storytelling, audience journey, and messaging hierarchy to design work
• Develops concepts and designs with context in mind, considering and defining factors such as: audience, client, project objectives, strategy/creative direction, venue/location
• Works with Senior Design Directors to create original design concepts and realize them through production and final execution
• Interprets and implements design direction and feedback
• Ensures the quality of final execution with print, fabrication, and technology vendors
• Elevates design by being a steward of quality control, ensuring design output meets August Jackson’s high standards

Articulates and presents design concepts, insights, and rationale to internal team members and clients

• Presents vetted work for review by leadership and stakeholders

Constantly seeks new and innovative techniques and technologies to employ in the design of experiences

• Identifies and incorporates modern design aesthetics and trends
• Continuously seeks professional development and the advancement of design skills

Works effectively in a team environment

• Works collaboratively with Senior Design Directors, internal partners (Accounts, Strategists, Creative Directors, Producers) and external vendors/talent—as well as independently— to craft powerful experiences
• Fosters a “start with yes and” approach to creative problem solving
• Is a model of the “AJ Principles” through exemplary professional conduct and demeanor

REQUIREMENTS

Experience:

• BA degree in Design or related field or equivalent in field experience demonstrated through work history and an outstanding portfolio
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in Design or related field

Skills:

• Extensive proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
• Extensive proficiency in PowerPoint and Apple Keynote
• Proficiency in web design (Figma) or 3D software is a plus (3ds Max, SketchUp, etc.)
• Proficiency in motion design is a plus
• Demonstrates a mastery of production skills, typography, color, composition, layout, and visual storytelling in graphic applications including: print, environmental (wayfinding, branding, thematic, experiential), and digital applications (screen graphics, online communications, media)
• Possesses the ability to interpret, work within, and augment existing brand standards
• Has an aptitude for research to uncover insights, inspirations, assets, and resources
• Demonstrates the ability to realize concepts from start to finish, including the production of files for final distribution to vendors (print and/or screen-ready files)
• Strong traditional and environmental design skills to be used in a variety of applications (i.e. motion, visual campaigns, branding, presentations, scenic, environmental)

Competencies:

• Highly organized, flexible, and possesses the ability to re-prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, ever-changing creative environment
• Great interacting with people at all levels
• Willingness to go beyond a job description and jump in wherever needed
• Confident and engaging communicator and presenter
• Impeccable attention to detail, particularly in the production and execution of final files and artwork
• Ability to offer creative problem-solving solutions
• Ability to speak to a design’s supporting rationale and purpose

August Jackson