Art Director

Design

• Develop creative concepts and visual systems for integrated marketing campaigns from initial brief through final execution.
• Translate campaign strategies and organizational goals into compelling visual storytelling across every channel.
• Design and oversee high-quality creative across marketing campaigns, collateral, and brand experiences.
• Lead art direction for photography, video, illustration, motion graphics, and other visual storytelling, partnering with internal teams and external collaborators.
• Ensure creative excellence across all deliverables, including digital advertising, social media, websites, email, print, out-of-home, environmental graphics, signage, presentations, publications, and event experiences.
• Help evolve and steward the PHS visual identity, ensuring consistency while thoughtfully expanding the brand across new initiatives.
• Maintain exceptional attention to typography, composition, accessibility, and overall design quality.

Team Management + Leadership

• Conduct design review and status meetings, mentor direct reports, perform regular check-ins and yearly performance reviews 
  • Provide thoughtful creative direction and constructive feedback that elevates the work of designers, photographers, videographers, and freelancers
• Manage and balance two work pipelines: 
  • Internal creative requests from across the organization
  • Marketing content, social, and campaigns
• Partner closely with Marketing, Communications, Development, Programs, Events, and external agencies or vendors to develop effective creative solutions
• Present work confidently, articulating the rationale behind visual and conceptual decisions
• Foster a collaborative, idea-driven creative culture that encourages experimentation while maintaining high standards
• Build and maintain a network of creative freelancers and artists for special projects

Administrative + Organizational

• Manage creative projects from concept through production, balancing quality, timelines, budgets, and organizational priorities
• Build and encourage best practices for efficient workflow and proper file organization
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors from cost negotiation to production
• Process invoices and engage in financially efficient methods for printing, supplies and services

Qualifications/Specification:

Minimum degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Multimedia, or similar
5-7 years of progressive design experience in branding, advertising, or creative agencies, including experience leading integrated campaigns and managing creative teams.

Licenses/Certifications: Graphic Design, Multimedia, or similar

Knowledges, Skills, Abilities Required for Success:

• Strong conceptual thinking with the ability to develop creative ideas from insight through execution
• Deep understanding of integrated marketing campaigns across digital, print, social, experiential, and out-of-home channels
• Proficient in industry-standard creative software, such as Adobe CS (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), Figma, Canva
• Strong awareness of contemporary design, visual culture, and emerging creative trends, with excellent judgment about what is appropriate for the PHS brand
• Experience working on print projects and preparing clean, production-ready print files, with proficiency and a solid understanding of pre-press best practices
• Experience working on digital projects from conception to launch, this may include websites, apps, etc.
• Strong sense of typography and design, especially within editorial and wayfinding contexts (event experience a plus)
• Ability to art direct designers, photographers, videographers, illustrators, and other creative partners
• Experience presenting creative work and articulating design decisions to non-design audiences
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Organized, deadline-oriented, and able to manage budgets
• Ability to work independently, as a team member and team leader
• Commitment to the mission of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and PHS Values
• Strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking, exceptional craft, and integrated campaign work across print and digital media

Additional skills considered a plus:

• Custom illustration
• Video, photography, or motion graphics experience

Physical Demands:

This is largely a sedentary role that requires looking at a computer screen for extended periods of time; however, some physical demands are required.

Standard Hours (including travel, evening, and weekend hours): PHS’s standard office hours are 9 AM to 5 PM at team member’s designated workspace. Some teams and positions work alternate hours because of the nature of their role at PHS. Your Business Unit’s Working Norms document will identify alternative hours, if applicable. 

Flower Show Requirements: Hours preparing for the show and the duration of the show may not follow your regular work schedule. Your Flower Show schedule will depend upon your regular position or your temporary position supporting the Flower Show. You may be required to stand for long periods of time, do extensive walking, and lift up to 25 pounds. 

EEO Statement
At PHS, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.