Creative Director

Posting Detail Information

Working TitleCreative Director

Position LocationFort Collins, CO

Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person

Research Professional PositionNo

Posting Number202400531AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleProf/Indiv Contrib III

Number of Vacancies1

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary Range$63,000 - $65,000

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (~~~/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here. (~~~)

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (~~~/) .

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (~~~/) !

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on04/15/2024

Description of Work Unit

Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation's leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.

The Colorado State University Department of Athletics sponsors 16 men's and women's intercollegiate sports and competes as a member of the NCAA Division I- FBS and the Mountain West Conference. The University is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, 65miles north of Denver. More information on the University and its intercollegiate athletics program can be found at ~~~ and ~~~.

Position Summary

The Creative Director is responsible for leading the visual brand of Colorado State Athletics. Reporting to the Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Communications and Brand Enhancement, the Creative Director will oversee the Director of Graphic Design and develop and lead a group of freelance and student staff. The Creative Director is responsible for developing engaging graphical content for the purpose of internal and external stakeholders to elevate the visual appeal of Colorado State Athletics across digital platforms, in-person experiences, physical materials, and more.

Required Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in graphic arts, creative design, marketing, business, advertising, communications or related field required

• Minimum of three years of professional or internship experience in graphic design or related field required

• Submission of a portfolio representing a diverse variety of projects and abilities, especially those that pertain to sports/athletics required

• Proficiency in Adobe CC graphic design software, including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign required

• Must be a team-player who is able to handle multiple projects simultaneously

• Must be able to meet tight completion deadlines, work independently and communicate effectively

• Must be able to demonstrate creativity and continuous progression with graphic design concepts

• Must be proficient in the Adobe CC graphic design software, including but not limited to Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign

• Must have experience with print design and layout for sales and marketing collateral, flyers, posters, trade-show materials, multipage brochures and catalogs

• Needs the ability to exercise sound discretionary judgment and to interface and consult with various individuals on the coordination of projects.

• Needs strong artistic and graphics skills including an "eye" for detail and a high aesthetic for graphic and interactive design, typography, photography, etc.

• Must be well-versed with Mac OSX and familiar with Windows OS

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Experience working in intercollegiate athletics, professional sports, or related design/production entity strongly preferred

• Experience with motion graphics and animation platforms, including but not limited to After Effects and Blender

• Experience leading a graphic design staff - either full-time or hourly employees - as well as brand campaigns

Diversity Statement

Personal or professional commitment to diversity and inclusion as demonstrated by persistent effort, active planning, allocation of resources and/or accountability for diversity and inclusion outcomes.

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryGraphic Design

Duty/Responsibility

• Working with the Director of Graphic Design, the Creative Director/Senior Director of Graphic Design will have direct input and lead the visual brand of Colorado State Athletics.

• Develop and ideate social media graphics for departmental and program use.

• Develop and ideate website graphics in applicable sizes.

• Develop and ideate graphic content to be used in the department's e-mail marketing platform

• Develop and ideate physical design elements including but not limited to customized apparel, billboards, postcards, pamphlets, etc.

• Work with the Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Fan Experience, the Assistant Athletic Director for Broadcasting and Creative Video, and Ram Sports Properties to enhance to visual brand of Colorado State on in-venue boards including but not limited to rotational boards and score boards.

Percentage Of Time50

Job Duty CategoryCreative Direction

Duty/Responsibility

• Working in concert with members of the communications, digital media, creative video, and other applicable external unit members, serve as a thought leader in the department's overall creative direction.

• Provide input and, when necessary, materials to enhance the department's digital offerings for specific social media campaigns and/or creative video pieces.

• Provide input and, when necessary, direction during team content days to add necessary insight during content capture sessions.

• Provide input and, when necessary, direction for event photography and videography as it relates to needs for future graphical content.

• Provide input and, when necessary, direction for designed elements to support on-campus visits for coaches and prospective student-athletes.

Percentage Of Time25

Job Duty CategoryUnit Management

Duty/Responsibility

• Lead the Graphic Design team comprised of full-time, part-time, student, and freelance staff to enhance the department's visual offerings and brand consistency.

• Participate as a member of the External Affairs unit and Strategic Communications and Brand Enhancement department by attending staff meetings and collaborating on initiatives.

• Effectively plan, for the benefit of the unit and external team, in advance of graphic requests where possible.

• Manage, train and coordinate student employees for various roles within Graphic Design department including daily, weekly, and long-term design projects.

• Coordinate freelance staff as deemed necessary and coordinate freelance payments with Business Office.

• Ensure compliance with all departmental, University, conference and NCAA procedures, rules and regulations.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Percentage Of Time25

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)

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EEO Statement

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (~~~/) is located in 101 Student Services.

The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, ~~~,~~~.

The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, ~~~,~~~.

The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University's Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, ~~~,~~~.

Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (~~~) .

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested3

Maximum Requested3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you have a minimum of three years of experience in graphic design or a related field?

• Yes

  • No
• • Are you willing and able to engage in occasional out-of-town and overnight travel; are you willing to work occasional nights and weekends in order to meet the business needs for the department?

• Yes

  • No
• • Are you legally eligible to work in the United States?

• Yes

  • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• Portfolio

Optional Documents