Harvard University

Creative Director (66217BR)

Harvard University Cambridge, MA

Job Summary

Harvard University Press seeks a Creative Director with global responsibility for the visual iteration and evolution of the Press’s core brand identity across its entire range of products, across all formats, media, and platforms. The following areas will be under the Creative Director’s direct oversight: HUP branding, design and branding of the Press’ books and digital products, and design and branding of all promotional activities, including but not limited to advertisement, visual assets for print and digital marketing, and site-specific conference and trade show creatives in North America, UK, Europe, and South Asia. The successful candidate will maintain a diverse list of world-class design professionals (print, digital, animation, illustration, typography, photography, and creative strategy) and work closely with them to deliver successful design solutions to meet the Press’s publishing needs and core mission; train relevant HUP staff on design and branding fundamentals; work closely with editorial, sales, and marketing to constantly articulate, refine, and evolve the Press’s overall visual idiom with special emphasis on how each product is designed to succeed within its publishing category while also communicating the brand’s design signature in aggregate.

Position Description


  • Plan and oversee the design development and execution of all print and digital products, and all matters related to brand identity in keeping with HUP’s publishing schedule
  • Design and branding of all promotional activities, advertisements, visual assets for print and digital marketing, and site-specific conference and trade show creative
  • Submit ideas for projects and oversee the development of all creative content
  • Supervise all work completed by the creative department
  • Work with executives and other creative leaders to set project deadlines and content goals
  • Present project information, including deadlines and budgets to the Director
  • Recruit freelance print and digital design professionals; negotiate their fees and contract
  • Train in-house staff to execute designs according to industry standard
  • Oversee the creative budget in alignment with the Director’s strategic priorities

Basic Qualifications


  • Bachelor’s degree in design or related field, plus 15+ years of experience indesign, or in-house publishing environment
  • Minimum of five years successfully managing or leading self-directed creative teams
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Indesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, packaging, competency working in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe After Effects, and Canva
  • Proven track of designing high-profile publications and bestsellers required

Additional Qualifications And Skills


  • Photography, illustration, and hand-lettering skills a plus
  • Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines
  • 4-5 years of experience in teaching design in a higher education institution preferred
  • International design experience (outside the U.S.) a plus

Additional Information

Please note: This position's orientation and review period will be 6 months.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:


  • Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
  • Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
  • Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
  • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
  • Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
  • Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
  • Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Arts

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

AR0160 Arts Director

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Salary Grade

060

Department

HUP

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

  • Seniority level

    Not Applicable
  • Employment type

    Full-time
  • Job function

    Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
  • Industries

    Higher Education

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