DIRECTOR, CREATIVE AND BRAND SERVICES (GRAPHIC DESIGN)

ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES AND AIR FORCE ACADEMY FOUNDATION

The United States Air Force Academy Association of Graduates (“AOG”) and the Air Force Academy Foundation (“Foundation”) believe strongly that the United States Air Force Academy (“Academy”) is a vital national resource, upholding the invaluable mission of developing leaders of character for our Air Force, Space Force and nation. The AOG and Foundation have joined forces to accomplish their complementary missions to actively support these leaders as well as the Academy and its cadets.

The core values of the United States Air Force Academy are Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. These same core values guide the AOG and Foundation, as well as our boards and staff.

POSITION PURPOSE

The United States Air Force Academy Association of Graduates (“AOG”) and the Air Force Academy Foundation (“Foundation”), in support of the United States Air Force Academy (“Academy”), seek a dynamic and creative professional to serve as the Director of Creative and brand services (“Director”) that will report to the Vice President of Marketing and Communications (“VP”). The Director will provide creative strategy, production leadership, and brand stewardship for both the AOG and Foundation. The Director will bring a holistic, cohesive and contemporary approach to their work as the AOG and Foundation work together to further the USAFA mission and serve its alumni. The Director will manage a wide range of projects and contribute as a key leader on the Marketing and Communications leadership team. The Director will manage the strategic and day-to-day brand operations for the AOG, Foundation, and the Defining Our Future comprehensive campaign.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understand, uphold, and promote the ethical standards and core values of the Academy, the AOG, and the Foundation.
• Learn and understand how the AOG and the Foundation interacts with the Academy and other Academy-related nonprofit organizations that support various areas of the Academy.
• Lead and develop a team that will execute the creative and brand services projects; establish performance standards, tracks metrics and goals, and conduct annual performance evaluations.
• Work in partnership with the Marketing and Communications team and other stakeholders to identify, clarify and lead the development of creative needs for engagement, campaign and other types of projects, ensuring a collaborative, inclusive approach.
• Ensure all work is aligned with the brand standards of the organizations and exemplifies the excellence of the Academy.
• Steward and champion the brand and its expression across all channels.
• Stay up-to-date and current on emerging trends in brand experience creation, ensuring the AOG and Foundation are at the forefront of creative expression
• Create, rollout and manage brand guidelines that ensure cohesion in look and feel across all organizational and departmental communications.
• Thoughtfully balance the imperatives of the established brand with flexible, audience-appropriate expressions that engage, inspire and activate.
• As needed and as directed by the VP, serve as creative lead for brand refresh and development projects, coordinating necessary internal and external resources.
• Lead creative development process resulting in branded concepts and products across print and digital/web that deliver an excellent user experience and support engagement and fundraising goals.
• Oversee creative direction and execution for publications (such as reports, Checkpoints magazine, printed mailers), events (signage, banners, programs), social media (graphics, photos), illustrations, templates (design elements), web experiences, advertisements, promotions, donor proposals, fundraising appeals, etc.
• Serve as creative director for the award-winning, quarterly Checkpoints magazine, working closely with the managing editor and the VP to layout and design the magazine.
• Ensure that project expectations and deadlines are understood (seeking clarification when needed), managed appropriately, and ultimately met.
• Coordinate with the other functional units across the AOG and Foundation to ensure that all areas are working in a cohesive environment towards the cohesive goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently, which will require significant organizational skills.
• Apply initiative, creativity and sound judgment to appropriate situations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are required. Must be able to present complex subjects in a clear and compelling manner.
• A proven ability to present and connect with multi-generational audiences through immersive, tactile, and interactive creative experiences and approaches within a brand framework.
• A proven ability to use visual storytelling techniques to engage audiences.
• A strong work ethic, a commitment to high performance and teamwork and a proven ability and desire to reach increasingly aggressive goals.
• A willingness to work collaboratively with colleagues and with a diverse constituent base.
• A proven ability to meet project deadlines and maintain productive professional relationships to include balancing long-term strategic goals with current priorities.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Work accurately and thoughtfully under pressure.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in design or related field.
• A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in graphic design with supporting design portfolio is required.
• A background with managing external vendors, such as production vendors or freelancers is required.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office 365 is required.
• A background with web design using platforms such as WordPress is preferred.
• A background with management or supervisory experience is preferred.
• A background working in an internal or external creative agency is preferred.
• A valid driver’s license and any related insurances is required.
• An ability to pass a DBIDS Background check for which are required in order to maintain access to the AOG and Foundation’s principal offices on the Academy.
• Individuals with service in the military, especially the U.S. Air Force, will be given strong consideration.A bachelor’s degree in design or related field is preferred.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range is $80,000-$85,000 and will be commensurate with experience. The AOG offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, retirement, sick time, and vacation time.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, a portfolio of graphic design work, and three professional references to receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Applications are encouraged to be submitted before January 31, 2023.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Please include a portfolio for full consideration.

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Graphic design: 7 years (Preferred)

Work Location: One location

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