Reporting to the Vice President, Marketing, the Director, Creative Services is responsible for development of innovative sales and marketing solutions that support ALMs broad portfolio of legal, real estate and event products and services. The Director oversees all phases of the creative process to produce high quality, strategically grounded, creative materials that aid the advertising sales process, increase brand awareness, generate leads and drive web traffic. Responsible for directing a team of five, the Director must ensure that work flows through the department in a manner that allows timely delivery of marketing collateral to internal clients. The right candidate possesses energy, passion, and a desire to deliver innovative successful solutions for clients. The candidate will not only ensure the department runs effectively, but creates an environment that inspires creativity and the best design and copy from his/her team.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Creative Ideation and Problem Solving - In partnership with Sr. Brand Manager, VP and internal clients, the Director, Creative Services must be able to think strategically and help shape branded compelling communications that break through clutter, generate leads, and drive traffic. Director leads the development of all creative and must understand and apply brand strategies in the execution of creative assignments.
Digital and Web Development - Create new digital products and websites from idea through development. Coordinate with internal and external developers to achieve cost-effective high-quality results that integrate well with current digital initiatives.
Digital Solutions/Social Media Champion - Possess a passion for digital MARCOM. Adept at using technology in developing client solutions, creating process efficiencies, delivering MARCOM and improving productivity. Demonstrated experience with social media platforms like Twitter, Linked-In, Facebook, and You-Tube to drive brand relationships and traffic.
Branding - In coordination with the VP of Marketing, oversees implementation of corporate branding including consulting with marketers company-wide on proper application of ALM brands. Understands and champions the building of the brand through creative that builds brand awareness.
Strong Written and Verbal Communication Skills - Using custom and syndicated market research, the Director Creative Services must have the ability construct compelling messages that sell. Responsible for ensuring customer insights are integrated in all MARCOM, the Director must also be able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, have a strong creative point of view and able to effectively communicate this point of view to the VP and marketers. Must have the ability to write copy and provide the direction to develop and refine copy.
Department Administration - Oversees Creative Services budget. Ensures that all creative service deliverables are produced in a timely, cost effective manner while maintaining the creative integrity of the brands. Manages the timeline and critical dates on assigned projects both internally and with vendors. Responsible for the intake and timely trafficking of all creative service jobs from ideation to deliverable. Develops and maintains departments digital design assets/ archives.
Team Building - Ability to identify, coach and train talent. Provides clear, constructive and creative feedback to all designers and copy writers. Motivates staff to produce creative out of box MARCOM solutions.
REQUIREMENTS
7-10 years work experience as an art director and/or in a creative services director in b-to-b publishing, media, new media or agency environment.
Basic understanding of technology supporting a creative services department. Knowledge of hardware and networking skills for the installation and maintenance of graphics software and peripherals is a plus.
Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate and sell ideas to clients and senior management.
Experience in developing creative digital marketing solutions.
Strong organizational and project management skills required.
Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite to include: In Design, Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, Dreamweaver, Fireworks. Also knowledge of MAC OSX, PowerPoint, and creating PDFs is required.
Strong working knowledge of CSS, (X) HTML, JavaScript, PHP, video production and editing and working within CMS based environments.
Must be a strategic thinker, a problem solver and be extremely knowledgeable in the print and digital design and production processes.
Strong client management skills with the ability to collaborate and provide vision, direction and suggestions/solutions to design problems and assist in the art direction and copy writing process is essential.
Creative, solution-oriented, self starter who works equally effectively as a leader or team member.
Demonstrated ability in creating and directing others to provide persuasive, professional copy.
Strong proof reading skills.
Must have a portfolio of projects designed by the candidate (not just art directed).
Must be a poised professional able to excel in a fast pace, deadline-oriented environment.
Poised, results-driven, flexible professional with a passion for marketing.
Able to think strategically and expertly execute the tactical.
Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated tact and diplomacy and the ability to communicate effectively up, down and laterally within the organization. Customer service orientation required with all internal and external clients.
Can establish clear priorities, meet deadlines and budgets and remain laser focused on the goal in an environment of change.
Positive, can-do attitude combined with flexibility is a winning combination for this role.
ALM places a high value on employees and strives to be an employer of choice. To that end we offer competitive salaries, professional growth opportunities, and a comprehensive selection of benefits that include: medical, dental, vision, 401(K) and life insurance options.
Qualified candidates should submit resume, cover letter with salary requirements and online portfolio to opportunities@alm.com for immediate consideration. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls or agencies please. ALM is an equal opportunity employer that encourages and values diversity. M/F/D/V
ALM, an integrated media company, is a leading provider of specialized business news and information, focused primarily on the legal and commercial real estate sectors. ALMs market-leading brands include The American Lawyer, Corporate Counsel, GlobeSt.com, Insight Conferences, Law.com, Law Journal Press, LegalTech, The National Law Journal and Real Estate Forum. Headquartered in New York City, ALM was formed in 1997. For more information, visit www.alm.com.
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Director, Creative Services (Manhattan)