Managing Director of Creative Strategy

University of Oklahoma

Oklahoma, OK

ID: 7135915 (Ref.No. ta230695)
Posted: March 23, 2023
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Job Description

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University of Oklahoma Athletics is seeking a talented and dedicated individual to fulfill the role of Managing Director of Creative Strategy. The Managing Director of Creative Strategy directly oversees the graphic design and photography departments and is responsible for devising, implementing and managing the strategy, vision and direction of the Oklahoma Athletics brand, comprising all external print communications and digital campaigns for various departments and Oklahoma’s 21 sports programs.

 

Essential Functions / Responsibilities:

  • Oversee and manage the graphic design and photography staff, managing department workflow and job intake related to design and photography needs and assets.  Assign projects to design and photography staff and track until completion, providing feedback to maintain and elevate the brand standard.
  • Manage department budget and work with other departments, senior leadership and coaches to maintain budget integrity and workflow as it relates to their design/photography requests.
  • Contribute to the overall vision and goals of Oklahoma Athletics by developing and executing storytelling, brand-building and engaging content that creates compelling narratives through multimedia and enhances the OU Athletics brand story. Formulate design concepts, presentations, templates, layouts, merchandise and other collateral from initial concept to final execution. Attend and contribute to sport-specific content planning meetings and be a primary liaison between the design and photography unit and sport programs, coaches and staff for creative vision and maintaining brand standards.
  • Design advertisements, print and promotional materials for all athletics-related departments and teams, while meeting self-imposed and external deadlines.
  • Collaborate with other departments and key partners to contribute to the invention and implementation of marketing, communications, ticketing and Sooner Club initiatives. Ideate and present ideas, briefs and concepts to various parties.
  • Participate in new content development, research and idea generation to help reach departmental objectives, with emphasis on those that propel the brand and generate revenue.
  • Coordinate and provide creative direction to photographers and student-athletes at photoshoots.  Maintain an accessible photo archive to help departments and sports use our photos for promotional needs.
  • Collaborate with other external leadership on brand management decisions and quality control for printers and outside vendors.
  • Create graphic content for digital and print from conception through completion using the Adobe Creative Cloud (primarily but not limited to Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator). Production of multimedia content (motion graphics, video and still photography) for distribution on digital and social platforms.
  • Formulate graphic concepts and templates that can be distributed and deployed for others' use within the department.
  • Assist in advancing the department's mission, vision, and strategic plan.
 

Job Requirements

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Required Education: Bachelor's degree, AND:  

  •  24 months web/graphic design experience.

Equivalency Substitution: Will accept 48 months of related experience in lieu of the Bachelor's degree for a total of 72 months of related experience.

 

Skills: 

  • Proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, After Effects, Premiere)
  • Comprehensive knowledge of digital/social/web design and coding language
  • Knowledge of key messaging and department initiatives and the ability to communicate through design with excitement and energy
  • Strong understanding of college athletics and Oklahoma Athletics’ history and tradition
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • Strong understanding of design layout and typography in both print and digital media
  • Adherence to University, Big 12 and NCAA rules
  • Experience with managing a staff
  • Ability to make high-level decisions quickly and efficiently
  • Strong initiative, goal-oriented and self-motivated
  • Detail-oriented for accuracy of data, information and brand standards
  • Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple collaborative projects in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills

Hours of Work:

  • Standard, weekday office hours are expected; however, some days and hours of work will vary based on the needs of the department, sporting events and as job duties demand. Early morning, evening, weekend and holiday work is often expected, sometimes on short notice.

Advertised Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to engage in repetitive motions, grasp, feel, touch, communicate, hear and see including color, depth perception and clarity.

Departmental Preferences:

  • Working knowledge of Univ, Big 12, & NCAA rules & regulations

Supervision: 2 Assistant Directors of Graphic Design, Director of Photography, Director of Creative Content

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit  https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing

Diversity Statement: The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.