Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To manage web and graphic design from concept to production and to conceive and execute creative and compelling digital and print visual content, materials, products and strategies to market the Ontario Science Centre to visitors, target audiences, and internal and external stakeholders.

To collaborate with the Agency of Record and Marketing/Strategic Communications teams in the research, conceptualization, planning and production process to develop multi-channel design solutions and products that support the marketing and communications objectives and goals of the Ontario Science Centre.

Duties / Responsibilities :

• Provides project leadership to the Marketing team by conceptualizing, planning, designing, and developing visual content using expertise in visual communications, web/print design and layout, graphic design, photography and video production to support marketing, communications, social media, and advertising objectives, including customized website, digital and print products and visual representations of ideas and messages.
  
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams in the planning process and analyzes client communication objectives and initiatives to provide advice on creative design (e.g. communication concepts, layout, colour, typography, use of photography and illustration) and to identify production requirements (e.g. design, printing, scheduling, digital product development, timing and costing)
  
• Identifies optimal content medium and format for displaying information to best achieve marketing and communications objectives based on understanding of program areas and priorities. Identifies content gaps and proposes strategies that include graphic and web design and video production planning and execution.
  
• Researches and recommends visual concept/style and timing/sequence for products that are appropriate to the target audience while ensuring products meet visual identity standards, brand message, overarching communication strategies, client requirements and deadlines.
  
• Acts as branding subject matter expert and develops and implements enhanced brand guidelines and style sheets for the Centre across all web and digital channels. Works with Marketing/Strategic Communications teams to ensure that all forms of visual communications and messages are carefully linked together to communicate a clear and consistent brand message.
  
• Advises on creative and technical solutions for web/graphic design and implementation by maintaining awareness of, analyzing and assessing industry developments and trends in web/graphic design development, branding, marketing, and related technology and communicates issues, opportunities and recommendations to management.
  
• Brainstorms, researches, designs, and refines website user experiences and communicates the intended user experience through user stories, wireframes, storyboards, prototypes and visual mock-ups for static and dynamic webpages.
  
• Creates website designs including layouts, templates, landing pages, navigation, and any necessary design artifacts to maximize simplicity, style and usability and supports layout adjustments based on user feedback and data from website optimization testing.
  
• Consults and provides input on the design and production of materials prepared by external partners by: overseeing projects; providing technical advice and resolution of work-related problems; ensuring compliance with visual identity standards and accessibility requirements; evaluating efficiency and quality of work; discussing quality issues with manager; and ensuring completion of products within deadlines.
  
• Produces compelling messages and creative story packages of Centre activities and supports various campaigns, events and business activities with photography and videography including determining technical requirements, schedules, equipment, etc. as necessary.
  
• Provides technical support for other forms of graphic design, photography and video initiatives. Works with Marketing/Strategic Communications teams and other colleagues within the organization to shoot photos/video and create graphics using appropriate technology.
  
• Participates in evaluating the implementation and success of communications projects in consultation with team members, clients, staff and the audience to ensure continuous improvement in the development of marketing and communications projects.
  
• Manages and maintains the branch's digital media assets database, ensuring material is appropriately filed, complete, tagged, and archived. Works with colleagues and vendors to ensure that digital asset library is complete and up-to-date.
  

Staffing and Licensing :

n/a

Knowledge :

Position requires knowledge of:

• Multi-media graphic design methods, software and practices; layout production using traditional and digital image editing tools; current online and media production applications, software, and technology; techniques and practices involved in digital, print and online media production.
  
• Online communications/content creation, marketing and visual design to ensure that content supports the Science Centre's branding strategy and maximizes audience engagement
  
• Web design including industry standards and leading-edge tools and techniques in design, layout, and production.
  
• HTML structures (Layers, Frames, Tables, Forms, SSI, CSS) sufficient to make edits to webpages to improve conversion rate and site responsiveness or optimize site speed.
  
• User Experience and User Interface (UX/UI) design for web, email and digital applications.
  
• Digital image and video editing theory, style and principles; integration of art/design, animation and video; user experience and interface design to promote and identify user interaction/response to a service or product.
  
• Principles of photography, videography, framing, studio and location lighting, video graphics and word processing to produce/edit basic video projects for the Science Centre.
  
• Communications standards, policies, procedures and regulatory/legislative requirements (e.g., the Government Advertising Act, Inter/Intranet Design Standards, Publishing and Content guidelines, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, French Language Services Act); approval requirements, standards and guidelines to ensure conformity, accountability and audit supportability.
  
• Science Centre Brand Guidelines, Visual Strategy, Marketing Plan and strategic goals as they relate to the deliverables of client program areas.
  
• Science Centre objectives, initiatives, and business lines to provide strategic advice to program managers and senior leaders across the organization regarding application of branding, graphic design and web design strategies to meet communications goals.
  

Skills :

Creative design, graphic design and photography/videography skills to:

• develop a wide variety of graphic design, web design and video products from concept to production.
  
• present information and creative concepts/ideas in a persuasive and visually appealing way that will influence target audiences.
  
• produce graphics, video and photographic content to promote Science Centre programs.
  
• creatively shoot photos/video footage of interviews and other Centre activities using professional equipment (camera, lights, microphones, etc.)
  

Interpersonal and oral/written communication skills to:

• build relationships with diverse internal stakeholders, lead projects and develop consensus between varying points of view on design strategy.
  
• discuss program objectives, new initiatives and communication requirements and explain recommended visual communications and media strategies.
  
• prepare and present drafts to internal teams in order to build support for ideas and advance the modernization of the Science Centre's communications and creative services.
  
• liaise with both clients and suppliers of services to ensure creative design products are developed and delivered according to schedules and branding guidelines.
  
• resolve issues such as changes in client requirements, delays in production, lack of materials, and management of physical resources needed to complete projects.
  

Research, evaluation and analytical skills to:

• support clients in the clarification of communications objectives and identification of client needs
  
• synthesize information from various sources and develop creative plans and actions.
  
• identify target audiences and the appropriate medium to reach them (e.g. digital media, graphics, video, web and mobile applications).
  
• assess the viability of various strategies and methods for the delivery of specialized creative services to meet the web and graphic design needs of the organization for a range of materials, products, tools and mediums.
  
• determine the style, approach and tone for the development of products in order to achieve effective promotion of programming.
  
• research and maximize the use and capabilities of new methods of communications delivery.
  
• re-evaluate strategies based on internal priorities, product offerings and programs.
  
• recommend operational improvements and the application of new technologies.
  

Project management and planning skills to:

• simultaneously undertake, prioritize and complete daily and ad-hoc assignments and projects to performance expectations, often with firm deadlines.
  
• coordinate production activities including photography and videography shoots, and the coordination of filming and photography requirements, schedules, equipment, travel arrangements and accommodations.
  
• establish project schedules and estimate the cost of activities and resources required for graphic design and video production.
  
• resolve project related problems, ensure timely and quality outcomes and manage concurrent projects and deadlines.
  

Freedom of Action :

Job works under general direction of the Director, Marketing; work is performed in accordance with Science Centre communication policies, strategic direction, relevant legislation and regulations, guidelines and standards for communications and standards for digital media production.

Decision-making involves:

• designing, developing and producing creative materials including customized creative web/graphic design and video products to promote the Science Centre
  
• advising project teams and clients on web/graphic design, photography and videography approaches
  
• recommending best methods/options to inform the public/stakeholders on Science Centre programs, products, exhibits and offerings
  
• contributing to internal and external committees and project teams
  

Job works in a team environment (i.e. department and branch colleagues) and in collaboration with colleagues and clients in the development of web/graphic design and video products that creatively meet Science Centre communication objectives.

Job requires independently managing several projects, own time and activities to meet deadlines for preparation of web/graphic design materials and resolving day-today operational and production problems in consultation with colleagues and clients, bringing only contentious issues to the attention of the Director. Job requires keeping Director apprised of ongoing activities and projects.

Failure to effectively identify clients' communication needs/services, poor advice and ineffectual graphic design and recording and editing of video and audio products can result in costly overruns, loss of credibility and confidence of clients and would negatively affect public perception of Science Centre programs/initiatives.