Job Summary:

The Art Director serves as a key liaison to admissions partners, ensuring brand standards are upheld, projects are delivered on time and on brand, and all materials are reviewed for alignment with TCU’s strategic goals. The Director will play a critical part in advancing the university’s enrollment goals through the creation of compelling, brand-aligned visual content. While the role primarily focuses on supporting admission marketing initiatives—including print collateral, digital campaigns, video content and event materials—the Art Director will also contribute to broader university marketing needs. This role is responsible for creating compelling visuals that speak directly to key audiences while translating strategy into clear, effective and on-brand design approaches.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

1. Collaborates with admissions teams to understand challenges, objectives, and strategies for each project, then creates and presents innovative and audience appropriate design concepts visuals that support recruitment, yield and enrollment strategies.
2. Designs and produces a variety of materials, including but not limited to: brochures, viewbooks, email and social graphics, digital ads, environmental graphics, collateral and presentations.
3. Completes projects by selecting photography, providing layout design, art directing photo and video shoots, and creating or obtaining illustrations and photography.
4. Manages projects by monitoring timelines, checking and managing proofs, attending press checks, resolving production process problems, and archiving files.
5. Ensures all designs adhere to university visual identity and brand standards and effectively communicate key messages. Prepares files optimized for both digital distribution and high-quality print production.
6. Identifies and manages production partners (including photographers, videographers, printers, illustrators, editors, etc.) as needed, to obtain estimates, define parameters, review proofs, resolve problems and ensure high-quality deliverables
7. Coordinates multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines while maintaining high creative and technical standards.
8. Participates in daily project stand-ups, creative kick-offs and brainstorming sessions under the leadership of the Creative Director.
9. Supports broader university marketing initiatives, including major institutional campaigns, campus events and other projects as needed.
10. Performs other related duties as assigned

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ in graphic design, visual communications, or a closely related field.
OR
• 6 years of relevant design experience in the marketing, advertising or interactive industry.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Online portfolio with relevant examples of digital, video, print work
• Experience designing marketing content within higher education, admissions marketing or a similar fast-paced environment.

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

• None

Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:

• None

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of and skill in typography, layout, composition, color theory and branding principles.
• Knowledge of standard print production and direct mail processes, including use of variable data and experience working directly with print vendors; flexibility to learn and adopt new creative print techniques.
• Knowledge of digital (including HTML5), social media and responsive design best practices.
• Knowledge of video post-production processes and software, such as Premiere, Final Cut Pro and After Effects.
• Skill in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and familiar with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to produce print-ready and web-optimized design files with attention to technical detail
• Ability to understand and leverage current design trends to connect authentically with prospective students.
• Ability to leverage emerging artificial intelligence tools for creative development and efficiency
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent organizational, time management and multitasking skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Creative problem-solving skills, ingenuity and a commitment to high-quality, brand-consistent work.

TCU Core Competencies:

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 25 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Work is primarily indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• This role is an on campus, in-person position.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.

AA/EEO Statement:

As an AA/EEO employer, TCU recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.