Director Creative Services

Summary

The Director, Creative Services leads the team responsible for the visual identity of NYPA and Canals – including graphic design, videography and photography. This leader will work closely with the Senior Director, Corporate Communications to assist internal clients in ensuring a consistent, creative and forward-thinking direction for all visual assets, from employee-facing communication to social media, website design, integrated marketing opportunities, etc.

Responsibilities

• Leads the team responsible for the creative conceptualization through production of end-products at NYPA and Canals, including graphic designers, videographers and photographers.
• Researches, plans, designs, maintains and implements communication assets and vehicles that enhance the NYPA and Canals image, identity and brand.
• Manage, or partner in managing, all activities that ensure brand consistency and relevance.
• Oversees and assists in creation of graphic designs (e.g., art, color themes, photographs, web pages) and audio, photography and video to support the organization's image, identity and brands.
• Develops and maintains the organization's graphics standards, techniques and methods.
• Works closely with the Corp Comm peers (digital, social, marcomm, etc.), as well as cross-departmentally (IT, Marketing, Events, etc.); and manage a wide variety of external parteners; all in design and development of external-facing channels and collateral.
• Develop and manage projects with support of team members, incorporating innovative communications solutions and metrics where possible.
• Must possess a clear understanding of business requirements and the target audience in order to develop a wide range of A/V and design projects (internal and external).
• Counsel and be comfortable working with all levels of management, directing and influencing highly matrixed teams across business units while upholding the NYPA Values.
• Strong leadership skills, with a focus on developing team members in both hard and soft skills, and individual development, while fostering a strong team mentality.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Creative thinker with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Expert ability as either a graphic designer or videographer/editor and must possess advanced skills in technologies and software as related to main area of expertise
• Understanding nuance, promoting creative license and openness to new ideas is necessary.
• Ability to adapt both interpersonal communication and end-product style to the demands of the client and/or final audience.
• Ability to develop effective solutions in the face of a very fluid work environment.
• Flexible, positive and collaborative under any circumstance, focusing on how to best solve for opportunities and requests.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills to work effectively at all levels within the Authority and Canals.
• Strong research, planning and analytic ability.
• Strong managerial skills with the ability to train and develop staff.
• Ability to coordinate the activities of all persons involved in projects to assure on-time products that meet goals.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite, desktop publishing (Adobe) experience a plus; knowledge of digital and social platforms and their use.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• College degree in design, creative or fine arts, or communications (or related study).
• Minimum 15 years of experience in primary field of expertise.
• Minimum 10 years progressive responsibility in a corporate environment.

Physical Requirements

Approximately 10% travel, primarily within NY State.