Job Description
Who We Are
SJR is an award-winning content consultancy. We believe in the power of transformative content and have an unparalleled group of people with uncommon talents who do content marketing differently. We combine journalistic rigor with creative intelligence, then amplify with technology to sharpen the conversation, decode complexity, transfer knowledge, and build trust.
We hire passionate innovators, disruptors and content marketers to join us on our mission to create best-in-class brand storytelling. We strategize and create for the world’s best and biggest brands. Because they have such an impact on society, we have a big impact, too.
Who We Are Looking For
We are currently seeking an Art Director to support and uphold the visual aesthetics of our creative efforts. The right candidate will leverage their expertise for translating business and marketing strategies into consumer-facing concepts and executions with a focus on compelling visuals and emotional narratives. Whether it’s color, typography, layout or composition, they have an appreciation for getting the details right and are strong believers that good design really does matter.
The Art Director’s role is critical to delivering creative that meets and exceeds client expectations. They take initiative to simplify complex concepts, highlight insights and visually communicate them in an elegant and forward-thinking way while balancing the client’s visual identity. Boldly ambitious and uniquely creative, the Art Director is responsible for upholding the highest design standards and overall experience and value of working with SJR.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and actively participate in creative ideation, pitch breakthrough ideas and oversee the translation of concepts into visual elements
- Liaise with creative and cross-functional teams in order to develop design approaches and strategies that exceed expectations
- Provide visual direction and share design best practices throughout the work cycle; ensure client’s brand and style guidelines are adhered to
- Present creative concepts to internal teams and clients with visual references and inspirations
- Lead end-to-end quality control and flawless execution of creative and the strategic rationale behind them
- Apply brand style, typography, media, colour and other elements appropriately to create innovative solutions that meet user and client needs
- Demonstrate ability to find creative solutions as challenges emerge — budget, client feedback, changes in strategic direction, etc.
- Demonstrate flexibility and resilience as team dynamics and project demands shift
- Actively review and audit content to maintain quality control and to ensure all executions meet SJR’s standards
- Assist in coaching and inspiring junior creative team members while providing basic direction and oversight on completion of day-to-day tasks
- Assist in cultivating creative team culture and participate in global creative forums
What You’ll Bring
- Minimum 5 years of experience in creative content concepting, development and design in an advertising or marketing agency
- Strong portfolio showcasing high quality presentation design skills and clear design aesthetic
- Strong command of design principles, typography, colour theory and conceptual thinking
- Expert knowledge of Figma and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)
- Knowledge of various social media platforms and asset requirements and how to engage with different audiences
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to coach, delegate responsibilities, and provide guidance and direction to junior team members
- Proven ability to uphold brand and style guidelines while demonstrating a creative mindset to think outside the box and push the envelope when needed
- Excellent project and time management skills with a commitment to produce high-quality work on tight deadlines
- Demonstrate strong collaboration with other creative team members and cross-functional departments using team communication and project management applications like Slack, Trello & MS Teams to ensure efficiency
- Detail-oriented, organized and comfortable managing multiple projects and client feedback
- Flexible, adaptable and responsive when quick turnarounds are required
- Curiosity and passion for design
- Knowledge and skill in motion graphic design is considered an asset
- Basic understanding of French is an asset
What We Offer
- Hybrid work environment with three in-office days
- SJR office is located in the WPP Toronto Campus at the Toronto's Waterfront Innovation Centre with state-of-the-art amenities
- Competitive salary and time off policies
- Flexible benefits package, Employee Assistance Program and Wellness Reimbursement
- A team of intellectually curious, empathetic, and collaborative people
SJR Canada is dedicated to employment equity and welcomes diversity in the workplace. We also welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment process.