Magazine Designer / Art Director

The Magazine Designer / Art Director I position exists to direct the graphic design activities of the design team under the supervision of the Director. This position is responsible for the development, direction, supervision, and presentation of the graphic design activities of print magazines as well as accompanying websites and digital publications as assigned; this involves direct design responsibilities as well as overseeing the work of the additional designers, illustrators, and photographers. Collaborates with editorial teams on project strategy while showing a superior understanding of the client goals and audience needs., * Creates and/or directs concept development, design, layout, and art production, requiring at times, independent, creative thinking

• Actively participates and/or leads creative meetings, brainstorm sessions and team activities
• Familiarity with contract negotiations for freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and stock photo house and working with AE’s
• Assists in the guidance, training and mentoring of other designers
• Interfaces and conducts contract negotiations with freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and stock photo houses
• Coordinates, schedules, supervises, and directs photography and off-site photo shoots
• Helps coordinate art direction activities of other designers, as well as freelancers
• Take responsibility for the quality, completeness, and on-time delivery of projects
• Work closely with print buyer to ensure quality of printed pieces; participates in press checks
• Works closely with others to ensure quality and design integrity standards are met consistent with the magazine’s mission and Focus on the Family principles and standards
• Monitors progress to schedule-from conceptualizing to final proofs
• Makes efficient and effective use of computer systems, magazine production software and digital asset management system
• Is responsible for design staffs’ use of digital asset management system and the archival of creative assets
• Works closely with DMS, IT, Print Buyers, and Sr. Designers to ensure quality and timely delivery of print, web, and mobile publications
• Stays abreast of developments within department
• Participates in editorial planning sessions

Other Duties/Responsibilities:

• May take photographs for various FOF events and assignments
• Performs other duties, including but not limited to duties as assigned, some of which may include the development and creation of a variety of copyrightable works (e.g., print, photography, voice work, film, music, visual arts, etc.) for distribution in any and all media and formats (such as television, radio, internet, wireless, DVD, satellite and digital) on a world-wide basis, all of which shall be for the benefit of Focus on the Family

Managerial Breadth/Scope of Job:

• None

Working Environment/Physical Requirements:

• Office environment
• Travel may be necessary
• This role may require occasional travel including nights and weekends

Character/Spiritual

Exemplifies Ephesians 5:1-2, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us…”

Pursues the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Is a consistent witness for Jesus Christ; maintains a courteous, Christ-like attitude in dealing with people within and outside of Focus; adheres to the Standard of Moral Conduct and Statement of Faith; upholds Focus on the Family’s ministry in prayer, * Team Oriented

• Detail Oriented
• Teachable, flexible, and reliable
• Positive, dependable and takes the initiative
• Desire to expand and learn new skills and stay up on industry trends
• Can graciously give and receive constructive criticism to creative work

Knowledge/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Graphics Art or equivalent work experience
• 5-7 years professional design experience with an agency, studio, publisher, or equivalent
• In depth understanding of design fundamentals for a wide range of creative and conceptual challenges
• Working knowledge of Focus on the Family mission, philosophy, values, and objectives

Skills, Abilities, and Special Talents/Gifts:

• Advanced graphic and organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to think creatively in artistic endeavors
• Ability to accept criticism of creative work
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent listening skills
• Ability to function effectively and efficiently in a team environment
• Ability to handle multiple projects and meet strict deadlines
• Ability to organize work effectively to meet time constraints
• Ability to deal with stress due to deadline pressure
• Ability to build and maintain solid team working for a common goal
• Able to delegate responsibilities to the appropriate personnel
• Demonstrates superior use of graphic design principles (knowledge of typography, photography, composition, white space, color, etc.)
• Advanced skill in use of Macintosh equipment, including experience with QuarkXPress, Adobe Illustrator and PhotoShop and InDesign

Pulled from the full job description

• Tuition reimbursement
• 403(b)
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance, Focus on the Family puts a high value on our team members and offers a unique benefit package.

Employees scheduled for 20 hours or more per week are eligible for:

• Norton LifeLock ID Theft Coverage
• Legal Shield/ID Shield Coverage
• AFLAC
• 403B Retirement Plan
• Vacation Time & Vacation Payout
• Sick Time
• Holidays
• Service Awards
• Community Service Days
• Bookstore Discount
• Fitness Center

Employees scheduled for 30 hours or more per week are eligible for all the above and:

• Medical Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Warehouse Membership Reimbursement

Note: This is a summary and should not be construed as future promises to continue to provide benefits as outlined above. For complete and definitive language, refer to the governing plan documents.

• Temporary employees are not eligible for benefits, except for:
• Sick Time
• Bookstore Discount
• Fitness Center

Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Focus on the Family has nearly 700 employees who work to achieve the mission of enriching the lives of families, engaging the culture, advocating for life and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The work is meaningful, the culture is rewarding, and the purpose is eternal.