Art Director

*All applications must be emailed directly (see instructions below). Applications submitted directly through LinkedIn will not be considered.*

About us

University Health Network (UHN) is a major landmark in Canada´s healthcare system and a teaching hospital of the University of Toronto. UHN Foundation raises funds for research, education and the enhancement of patient care at Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto Rehab and the Michener Institute of Education at UHN. The Foundation is one of Toronto’s top fundraisers and is looking to build our creative capacity to help tell its story to broader, more diverse audiences. 

Position summary

If you are currently at a creative agency or freelancing and beginning to wonder whether you could make a bigger impact on the world – this may be the opportunity for you. UHN has been a well-kept secret for just about anyone who doesn’t work in health care. This is a hybrid position that requires the big picture idea skills of an art director along with the detailed craft skills of an experienced graphic designer. A true thinker/doer. This is a new position at the Foundation as we are evolving towards more visual communications. We have a number of brand journalists keen to partner on ideas to move our mission forward with donors. We have direct and digital marketing experts who need their thinking brought to life in compelling execution. You would drive us to be more visually innovative in our marketing approaches, whilst ensuring brand integrity across channels. 

Responsibilities

It won’t be easy. You are experienced in digital graphic design and are able to manage multiple priorities and coordinate/organize multiple project teams. You will lead the brand’s look and feel and champion visual excellence across all properties, channels, publications, reports and campaigns. You are known for having a professional manner and would be comfortable communicating with Foundation colleagues, members of the Senior Leadership Team, and colleagues across UHN’s hospitals and institutes. This role is a critical support to the Foundation as it works with an outside agency to embark on a new brand campaign to diversify sources of giving and requires increasing our presence across multiple channels.

Your core competencies must include:

• Big picture thinking and creative problem-solving
• Timely development of on-brief creative ideas
• Extensive experience in traditional, digital and experiential media 
• Expert knowledge of the principles of design as well as the ever-changing digital landscape
• Demonstrated ability to juggle competing priorities and still deliver on time
• Extremely professional and experienced working with complex organizations and multiple stakeholders
• Ability to provide coaching to multiple individuals throughout the organization
• Action-oriented demonstrating initiative, not waiting to be asked

Accountabilities

• Partners with communications specialists to lead creative strategy across the Foundation including all digital and traditional properties, proposals and reporting templates, community giving campaigns, paid marketing campaigns, signage, emails and more 
• Develops a creative idea for key integrated campaigns, while leading the design team in executing it
• Ensures the team meets strict brand, quality and consistency requirements while adhering to deadlines and mitigating any risk to achieving goals
• Directs the creative team in the execution of landing pages, videos, digital ads and other digital marketing components to campaign specifications
• Maintains a high level of understanding of the Foundation’s strategy and priorities and knows when to say no

Experience

• Passion to drive change and make an impact
• 10+ years in art direction and design building compelling brands, campaigns, and digital experiences. Several years of agency experience is a must.
• 3-5 years as a People Manager and/or overseeing the work of a Design team(s)
• Evidence of creative ability/talent (e.g. book of work)
• Expert in MAC software, Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint Design an asset) and Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. Ability to work with multiple design programs.
• Demonstrated experience designing mobile, digital and new technology solutions
• Experience delivering solutions that achieve desirable business outcomes and strategies
• Ability to think big picture and tactically take solutions to market
• Experience building trusted partner relationships with internal stakeholders and external Marketing, Advertising, and/or Design agencies
• Ability to work in a collaborative, supportive way with cross-functional teams and the ability to work independently (and with ambiguity) to achieve results
• Bachelors’ degree in communications, visual design, or related field

Work Environment

• Fast paced, service and results oriented environment. 
• May have some activity outside of the office to support meetings with volunteers and donors.
• The Foundation has a hybrid work model. Staff will be required to have a safe home office set-up 3-4 days per week and will be in office for 1-2 days per week, (specifics to be planned with your manager).
• Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues in all positions throughout the Foundation.
• Shared commitment and support of the overall Foundation goals.

Interested candidates should send your resume and cover letter via email to the UHN Foundation People and Culture inbox: [email protected]

Please put this role title in the subject line.

University Health Network thanks all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. UHN has a diverse workforce and is an equal-opportunity employer.

Closing date: Sunday, January 22, 2023

Please note: Job posting will close 11:59pm on the date identified as the closing date. All applications must be received by that time in order to be considered.

UHN Foundation