DEPARTMENT: Communications
REPORTS TO: Institute Communications Officer
FLSA Status: Exempt
JOB PURPOSE: The Designer sets direction and goals for the design team and organization. The Designer is responsible for defining the vision, strategy and values of the design function and aligning them with the mission and needs of the Sisters of Mercy. The Designer fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration and excellence and plays a critical role in shaping the overall direction of design, setting a clear and inspiring vision for design’s contribution to the Sisters of Mercy and their mission. The ideal candidate will also have experience in other languages and cultures, to support the international and intercultural reality of the community.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Establish creative direction for the organization.
- Ensure timely delivery and completion of projects, on budget and to highest standards of quality.
- Lead and undertake periodic review of brand and visual identity. Draft RFPs and oversee selection of firms and consultants to support brand audit and, if warranted, oversee implementation of recommendations and updates.
- Focus on creating meaningful connections with Community across a wide range of platforms.
- Create and design materials for print and digital materials including Mercy Now, Merced, reports, pamphlets and any new publications, platforms, and channels of distribution.
- Research new platforms to improve and enhance internal and external communications (e.g., possible replacement for Constant Contact; platforms for production and distribution of audio files).
- Lead, develop and supervise design staff and communications staff working on design projects.
- Work with material in other languages (English and Spanish required.)
- Create professional development plans for staff working on visual and design tasks.
- Act as a mentor to junior staff, providing direction and assisting in their development.
- Develop and maintain current a roster and network of freelance design consultants (e.g., videographers, photographers, designers)
- Contract and supervise free-lance artists, illustrators, designers, photographers, and videographers as needed.
- Prioritize and lead multiple projects from conception to completion, within design specifications and budget restrictions.
- Stay up to date on trends and new design techniques to develop thoughtful content that is engaging and relevant.
- Develop an Institute-wide calendar for design projects.
- Produce interactive and multimedia projects such as web pages, videos, on-line advertising and emails, social media, and mobile applications.
- Ensure projects are on schedule, adhere to the Institute style guide and public image guidelines, and have been approved by the communications and appropriate department directors.
- Anticipate challenges that may affect project timelines and address with others involved on the project.
- Work within budget and time constraints.
- Review and update Institute style guide periodically and as appropriate.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Competencies and Experience
- To perform the job successfully, an individual should have the following education, competencies, and experience:
- Minimum 15 years of related experience and degree in a relevant field preferred (e.g., graphic design, videography,).
- Managerial and leadership experience
- Bilingual, English-Spanish. Working knowledge of other languages, a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively create and implement design solutions for different departments, committees, campaigns.
- Creative thinker
- Demonstrated mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, HTML, CSS, experience with website content management systems a plus.
- Ability to clearly communicate the reasoning behind design choices.
- Excellent time managements skills and flexibility
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the capacity to successfully develop and manage relationships.
- Prior experience in a non-profit organization is critical. Must be comfortable working for a religious organization. Knowledge of and appreciation for the role of women religious in the Roman Catholic church and society. Sensitivity to the culture and decision-making processes of a faith-based community a plus.
- Ability to work independently with a proven track record of meeting deadlines and deliverables; ability to think on the fly.
- Flexible, collaborative approach including capacity to work in a changing environment, make recommendations for improvements, and receive feedback.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk, sit; speak; hear; use hands to handle objects. The employee may be required to occassionally bend, stoop, twist and/or lift and carry up to 20 lbs. The employee may be required to occasionally push or pull luggage and equipment up to 50 pounds, primarily associated with occasional business travel.
- The employee will be required to operate office equipment such as computers, telephones and fax machines and work with manual filing systems for extended periods of time.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Work is performed in a modern office environment.
- Some overnight travel is required.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be in an office environment
Please send your resume to cfarrell@sistersofmercy.org.
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