Art Director

Art Director

About the Organization: The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world, representing the interests of more than 550,000 nurses who are charged with caring for acutely and critically ill patients. AACN is dedicated to creating a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and families where acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution. Visit us online at https://www.aacn.org.

Application Instructions: Interested individuals should send their resume to [email protected] with “Art Director” in the subject line. The position can be performed remotely and/or hybrid on-site at the Aliso Viejo, CA national office. Ability to travel may be required.

Position Purpose: The Art Director is the key publishing resource to develop, oversee, and uphold the aesthetic direction of print and digital publications including multimedia, web design, and online experience. The job of the Art Director is to help guarantee a coherent and memorable artistic experience across channels in accordance with AACN standards and expectations, leading staff and freelancers in the timely production of high quality, cost-effective, association-owned and branded publications.

Main Accountabilities:

• Oversees artistic direction and graphic design for print, web, and multimedia presentation of AACN periodicals, books, and other publications.

1. Ensures that print and digital publications reflect the highest quality standards and unique look and feel while remaining consistent with association branding and publishing industry best practices.
2. Creates original artwork and design for print and digital delivery of AACN publications, including layout and typography, carrying initial concepts through design, review and approval, and final publication.
3. Maintains quality control of content, specifications, design strategy, and execution.

• Ensures the ongoing relevance of AACN publications that stand out among internal and external products.

1. Develops systems to ensure that AACN journals, books, websites, and other products maintain their visibility and are recognized within the association and in the broader scholarly publishing market.
2. Regularly acquires knowledge of issues, trends, and emerging technologies used in scholarly, consumer, nursing, and healthcare publications for development of print and online products and experiences.
3. Develops themes and designs for multiple purposes, integrating accumulated knowledge to ensure state-of-the-art graphics and images for legacy periodicals and future print and digital products.

• Provides authentic leadership and development of other team members in the design and production workflow.

1. Oversees work of Production Manager and provides leadership and effective communication with editorial and production staff, artists and photographers, ad sales staff and representatives, and printers.
2. Role models and integrates established team norms into work processes and relationships.
3. Manages fiscal resources to ensure departmental outcomes are maintained and systems are improved.
4. Evaluates and negotiates contracts for artwork, photography, and illustrations.

Skills Required:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator), Acrobat Pro.
• and comparable software skills using Mac desktop publishing and the latest tools and interfaces.
• Demonstrated design and artistic ability based on previous experience and capacity to create and innovate.
• Familiarity with best practices in design specific to academic, association, and scholarly publishing fields, with specific knowledge of best-in-class print and web-based artistic and design-related practices.
• Strong project management skills including knowledge of digital, printing, broadcast, and distribution processes.
• Working knowledge of the printing industry and bindery processes, equipment, ink, paper, and pricing.
• Ability to manage personnel and maintain multiple priorities, adhere to deadlines, make decisions, and thrive in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, without close supervision.
• Demonstrated ability as a team player and collaborator with strong communication and presentation skills.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in art, design, or equivalent. Art school experience is a plus.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience with art direction, graphic design, or equivalent.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating artistic vision, creativity, and achievement in a publishing environment.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Position is eligible for remote work.
• Travel may be required for the role.
• Prolonged periods sitting/standing at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.

Total Compensation:

The target pay range for this role is $99,125 – $123,907**

**In addition to the salary range listed, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at AACN even more rewarding. Benefits include generous paid time off, low-cost health plans for medical and mental health services, dental, and vision, company paid life and short-term disability insurance, a variety of other benefits, and retirement savings program with employer matching and additional company contribution. AACN is committed to a culture of inclusive excellence and offers various alternative and flexible work arrangements to support work/life balance for our team members. Note: Our full time workweek is 37.5 hours per week.

Conditions of Employment:

Any candidates selected for hire with AACN must be able to satisfactorily complete a background check clearance and provide proof of eligibility to work in the U.S.

Under Federal Law, AACN may only employ individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documentation specified in the Immigration and Control Act of 1986. Upon employment, individuals will be required to provide documentation to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.

Closing Statement:

AACN is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person employed by or seeking employment with AACN on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin and ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, age (40 and above), military and veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

AACN (American Association of Critical-Care Nurses)