Creative Manager

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee (the Society) is seeking a Creative Manager to join a fun and talented team of professionals in supporting one of the most cherished community assets – the Milwaukee County Zoo. This role is responsible for designing and producing high quality artwork, marketing materials and signage for the Zoological Society and Milwaukee County Zoo, taking the lead on certain projects and acting as a mentor and supervisor to the design staff.

This role works 100% on-site with no remote option. In order to be considered, please ensure a link to your portfolio is included on your resume.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage creative team, including assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and providing feedback - ensuring quality standards are met/exceeded. 
• Lead creative projects workflow including developing ideas, presenting concepts, and managing execution. 
• Create, modify, monitor and maintain the Creative Department and interpretive sign budgets to ensure alignment with strategy, minimizing expenses and adjusting spending as needed.
• Collaborate with Interpretive Graphics Manager to set design direction, budget, and lead design team to produce effective interpretive graphics. 
• Conceptualize, design and produce a variety of high-quality digital and print promotional materials such as brochures, publications, web graphics, videos, animations, signage and multimedia displays. 
• Act as a technical resource and lead worker to the team, addressing inquiries, resolving problems, assessing work and delegating work assignments. Conduct mid-year check-ins and annual reviews for direct reports. 
• Interface with clients to determine project/client needs and determine design solutions that align with budgets. 
• Collaborate across the organization to drive up standards of digital creativity. 
• Understands organization identity, branding guidelines and technical restraints. Helps to manage the brand through design integrity and consistency. 
• Oversee annual print bid packet process to acquire competitive bids while ensuring best prices and highest quality. 
• Contributes to and leads ongoing improvement of departmental systems and processes.
• Advocates for and cultivates a positive environment that supports creativity, an open exchange of ideas and problem solving, and continued learning. 

• Bachelor's degree or technical certification in graphic design, fine arts, and commercial art or other related field, plus at least 8 years of experience in a graphic arts position. 
• At least 2 years prior experience supervising others. 
• Advanced proficiency with current Adobe Creative Cloud suite; including lnDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, Premiere, Animate, and After Effects. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook. 
• Proven track record of successful creative project management (PM). Proficiency with PM software preferred. 
• Detail-oriented, highly organized team player able to generate innovative ideas while grounding them in effective design principles. 
• Knowledge of print, video, animation and online/web technologies. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to effectively present information, strong interpersonal skills, customer service skills and professionalism. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize workflow while still meeting deadlines. 
• Experience with project management software preferred. 
• Ability to work independently and in teams. 
• Ability to work Monday - Friday, with flexible hours when necessary, including weekends and overtime. 
• Must have reliable transportation to the Milwaukee County Zoo. 
• Passion for animals and the environment and willingness to support the Society's and Zoo's missions and goals.

This is a full-time position eligible for a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, complimentary dental, vision, life, STD and LTD coverage, 401k with up to a 5% match, PTO, paid holidays, and a complimentary zoo pass, up to the family level.