US Chess Seeks an Art Director

US Chess is hiring an Art Director, a 40+ hour position with US Chess. This position is responsible for leading and directing all US Chess graphic design for both print and website, social media and promotional assets, including video.  

Job Title: Art Director

Job Type: Exempt

Hours: Full Time 

Location: Base is Crossville, Tennessee; Teleworking Allowed

Reports to: Chess Life/Chess Life Online Editor

Overview

The US Chess Art Director is responsible for leading and directing all US Chess graphic design for both print and website, social media and promotional assets, including video.  Creating article layouts and covers for Chess Life magazine will represent about 50% of the work. Some design work for other US Chess departments is required. Ensures articulation of US Chess’ desired image and position, including consistent design and branding throughout the organization, both internal and external.

Primary Relationships

The position primarily reports to the Chess Life/Chess Life Online Editor. The role also receives direction from the Senior Director of Strategic Communication in support of other departments and projects.  

Major Areas of Responsibility

Chess Life

• Create magazine layouts in InDesign from Word Doc sources
• Selecting photos and other art assets
• Hiring freelance photographers and graphic artists
• Directing photo shoots remotely

Chess Life Online

• Creating web pages within Drupal
• Providing art for news articles as needed

Social Media

• Creating art for all our social media platforms
• Occasional posting to social accounts

Annual Report

• In consultation with the Sr. Dir. of Strategic Comm., implement an overall design approach and incorporate the text documents into a graphic layout.

Inter-Departmental Work

• Occasional work for:
  • Events: Creating logos, forms, and other assets, including awards, trophies, and medals;
  • Membership: Creating/revising forms; creating assets for membership marketing campaigns;
  • Development: Creating/revising assets, such as the Case for Support, and for fundraising campaigns;
  • Programs: Creating/revising assets for various programmatic areas, especially the Women’s Program

Internal Documents

• Coordinate and harmonize the appearance of all US Chess print and electronic materials such as letterhead, use of logo, brochures, etc. 
• Guardian of the US Chess Visual Style Guide

Qualifications

Required:

• Demonstrated skills, knowledge, and experience in graphic design.
• Strong knowledge of design principles.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, the Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong creative skills.
• Experience overseeing the design and production of print materials and publications.
• Commitment to working with cross-functional teams.
• Strong oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at a time.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Long- and short-range planning skills.
• Ability to work with a wide variety of personalities.

Other:

• Basic understanding of the game, culture, and literature of chess is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in graphics design or similar.

How to Apply: Send a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and a portfolio (link to a personal website containing your portfolio is okay; portfolio should include examples from print publications) by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on Friday, February 19, 2021  to Judy Misner (Click here to show email address). No phone calls please.