Creative Design Manager

Overview

Lead designer managing creative projects, staff, and brand for MTS marketing.

Key Responsibilities

• design management
• brand guidelines
• digital design
• print production
• vendor management
• budget oversight

Tasks

Under direction of the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Creative Design Manager is responsible for the art direction, design and production of all print and digital graphic communication content. The MTS Marketing & Communications Department is a fast-paced, high-energy working environment. The team is tight-knit and works across various disciplines at times to help the agency succeed. The Creative Design Manager works with all Marketing & Communications team members and also works directly with most departments at MTS. The Creative Design Manager acts as the lead designer for all MTS creative projects, manages and directs design staff and implements creative design strategies to meet the strategic goals and objectives of MTS while ensuring brand quality. -Oversees brand management and consistency, monitors usage of brand in different environments (e.g., on vehicles, at stations, social media, corporate materials) to ensure consistency in usage. -Completes minor copy writing for marketing materials. -Acts in place of the Director of Marketing and Communications when directed. -Updates agency brand style guidelines to ensure collateral is in line with industry best-practices and consults on branding of materials and signage. -Manages a design team to implement the creative design strategies of the agency. -Acts as the lead designer and manages production of fare media, newsletters, brochures, reports, banners, displays, shelter displays, presentations, flyers, ads, campaign materials, signage, video projects and other various marketing materials. -Makes recommendations for design staff hardware and software needs. -Acts as the lead designer for all MTS graphic design projects including print and digital media, while incorporating the MTS brand guidelines. -Makes budgetary recommendations based on the needs of the marketing department design team and maintains oversight of budget on design projects. -Directs the maintenance of the computer file retrieval system, resource and purchase order files, and project sample files. -Manages and directs design staff, delegates projects as necessary from conceptualization to design completion and reviews/approves design staff work. -Manages the art direction and design of all digital design projects including the MTS website, advertising, signage and social media assets. -Obtains cost estimates for printing, production, and photograph purchases. -Researches, analyzes and implements new communications concepts for maps, timetables, and other graphic communication design projects. -Manages, reviews and approves work performed by outside vendors and contractors to ensure that MTS standards are followed, as well as for accuracy, quality and visual effectiveness. -Acts as the lead designer for integrated marketing campaigns, public information projects, specialty programs, partnerships, and internal communications. -Manages and updates the design standards manuals for both the MTS corporate brand and MTS bus and trolley station signage. -Assists in contracting a variety of services and products to third-party vendors and contractors, including stations signage, vehicle wraps and photography.

Requirements

• adobe suite
• graphic design
• 10 years
• microsoft office
• driver license
• printing

What You Bring

Must satisfactorily pass all applicable post-offer examinations, including but not limited to a pre-employment physical conducted by an independent medical provider, a comprehensive criminal background check, and, when applicable, a pre-employment drug test as required by MTS Board Policy 35. Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in graphic design or related discipline. Requisite knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted for the degree requirement. A minimum of ten years of full-time design experience managing graphic design projects is required. Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver License or be able to utilize alternative transportation when needed to perform job-related essential functions. Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations; ability to read, understand and apply MTS policies, regulations and union labor contracts; knowledge of government procurement process; ability to write letters, memoranda and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct English; ability to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively in person-to-person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy; ability to coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities to appropriate personnel; ability to establish and maintain priorities in order to complete assignments by deadlines without detailed instructions; skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports; knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn and use other software that MTS might have or acquire; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups, managers, customers and the general public; ability to represent MTS in a positive way while working with the public; knowledge of the principles and theories of graphic design; ability to conceptualize, design, develop and produce creative designs with a variety of media; in-depth knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator); exceptional knowledge of printing processes; knowledge of local printing companies. The successful candidate must be able to fulfill the physical demands of the job such as walking, stooping, sitting, bending, reaching for overhead files and occasional lifting (must be able to lift up to 15 pounds). Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such as use of a computer and 10-key. Work will at times require more than 8 hours per day or an irregular work week to perform the essential duties of the position. Duties will be performed primarily in an office type environment and may require travel to external locations and agencies. -Utilizes a thorough knowledge of design, typography, paper stocks, reproduction methods, photography and printing processes to create quality marketing materials and design projects.

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Benefits

Salary offers are based on factors such as knowledge, skills, abilities, and relevant experience of the successful candidate, while taking into account internal equity, budget constraints, and other market factors. This position is in salary grade #11, which has a minimum of $90,979 and a maximum of $129,190. Salary grades are typically adjusted annually to ensure they remain market competitive.

About San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (Mts)

-Evolved from San Diego’s first streetcars in the 1880s into a regional transit powerhouse. -Operates four light-rail lines with 62 stations and regulates freight rail and taxi services. -Focuses on projects like trolley extensions (e.g., Old Town to University City) and zero-emission buses. -Supports regional commerce via the SD&AE railway freight corridor. -Regulates taxicabs, jitneys, and other private for-hire vehicles under a unified system.

Sector Specialisms

Security Clearance

-must pass a pre‑employment physical, comprehensive criminal background check, and drug test.