Associate Creative Director

Location:  Chicago, IL 60631 Status:  Full Time, Employee Job Category:  Marketing/Product Career Level:  Manager (Manager/Supervisor of Staff) Education Level:  Bachelor's Degree Job Description Job ID: 578Position Description: Challenging work. Good people. Commitment to success. These three short phrases define the True Value Company. It’s that simple. True Value Company is one of the world’s largest member-owned cooperatives. As a wholesaler with a strong retail focus, we provide products and programs to 6,000 True Value retailers worldwide with our 3,000 employees around the country. Manage the art direction and design for external and internal marketing materials, ensuring that all communications & projects meet corporate objectives and strategy.Position Requirements:Actively participate in creative meetings to develop the appropriate strategy and message for project execution that will appeal to the target audience. Works closely with designers and other creative team members to provide art direction and design strategy on creative projects which meet or exceed advertising and marketing objectives provided by the business owner. Ensure all projects align with established brand and design standards.Manages outside agencies and vendors as it relates to the art direction and design in overall presentation of each project.Train and manage internal design staff and freelancers. Foster growth, teamwork, idea exchange.Manages design group deadlines and production schedules, ensuring project budgets are met. Designs and maintains corporate design guidelines and standards.Ensure that projects follow printer’s prepress setups and specifications.Position Attributes:- Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design requiredMinimum Type and Years of Related Experience Required:[Describe the minimum experience requirements for this job, including years and type of experience]- 7+ years experience in an internal creative department or advertising agency.- Previous supervisory/people management experience- Retail experience a plus- Project management experience- Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams- Ability to evaluate creative to ensure effective design and brand consistency- Demonstrate knowledge, education, skills and training to determine the art direction/design approach that most effectively meets project objectives and deadlines.- Ability to manage individual project budgets- Portfolio review required- Computer literacy (Microsoft Office suite, Word, Excel, Powerpoint)- Must be proficient on PC and Mac - Proficiency in:o Quark Xpresso Photoshopo Adobe Acrobato Adobe Illustrator- Working knowledge of Pitstop- Knowledge of Prepress/Print functions- Ability to collaborate at all levels of the True Value organization - Ability to manage multiple complex projects and teams and prioritize initiatives, resources and workloads to achieve company and department goals- Ability to design effective communications- Superior client service skills- Must be self-motivated- Organized with strong attention to detail- Some night and weekend work and travel will be requiredThe True Value Company provides an environment that will encourage you to embark on a career that will stimulate your mind, while satisfying your need to work in an open, enjoyable atmosphere. Our salary and benefits package is competitive. For immediate consideration, please apply online.EOE:M/F/D/V.Additional Information: Travel Percentage: 10%