Job Description 5: Jr. Art Director
Mar|8|2010
The primary responsibility of the Junior Art Director (Jr. AD) is to aid in the production of advertising and marketing campaigns. S/he often works as a team with a designated Art Director (AD) and copywriter or receives written copy and places it within a specific form of advertising (e.g. web site, print ad, storyboard, etc.).
The Jr. AD reports directly to the AD or Creative Director (CD).
Responsibilities:
• Attends daily (or weekly) production meeting
• Designs creative materials according to instruction provided by AD or CD
• Meets with account service and interactive teams to ensure consistency across all media forms
• Collaborates with AD, CD on design elements and outside sources (e.g. paper, talent, etc.)
• Alerts AD, CD and Traffic Manager if deadlines cannot be met
• Provides project specifications to Production Manager (PM) (e.g. colors, fonts, dimensions, etc.)
• Possesses a working knowledge of design technologies and a desire for continuing education
• Develops the skills necessary to advance to the position of AD.
• Makes text corrections to creative materials (as requested)
• Retouches creative materials (as necessary)
• Submits a daily Time Sheet detailing work execution
Job Description 4: Art Director
Feb|23|2010
Clearly defined roles among team members are imperative for efficient workflow. While employee responsibilities often cross over several areas, there are a few underlying roles that should remain static.
The primary responsibility of the Art Director (AD) is to produce advertising and marketing campaigns. S/he often works as a team with a designated copywriter or receives written copy and translates it into a specific form of advertising (e.g. logo, web site, print ad, storyboard, etc.). The AD sometimes works in conjunction with another AD as part of a larger design team.
The AD reports directly to the Senior Art Director or Creative Director (CD).
Responsibilities:
• Attends daily (or weekly) production meeting
• Brainstorms with CD and other team members regarding campaign concepts
• Gains an understanding of client’s target audience and competitive landscape
• Designs creative materials according to instruction provided by CD or Account Executive (AE)
• Meets with account service and interactive teams to ensure consistency across all media forms
• Collaborates with CD on design elements and outside sources (e.g. paper, talent, vendors, etc.)
• Alerts CD and Traffic Manager if deadlines cannot be met
• Provides project specifications to Production Manager (PM) (e.g. colors, fonts, dimensions, etc.)
• Attends photos shoots, video recording sessions, press-proofing, et. al (as requested)
• Assists with new business presentations (if applicable)
• Informs CD of need for upgraded design-related hardware and software
• Possesses a working knowledge of design technologies and a desire for continuing education
• Reviews assigned project proofs before being routed to outside vendors
• Writes copy, headlines and scripts (as requested)
• Makes text corrections to creative materials (as requested)
• Retouches creative materials (as necessary)
• Submits a daily Time Sheet detailing work execution
• Develops the skills necessary to advance to the position of CD
Job Description 3: Traffic Manager
Feb|18|2010
The Traffic Manager improves agency communication and ensures job consistency by carefully monitoring workflow.
In addition, s/he is responsible for evolving the traffic system to meet agency needs and for aiding management in evaluating its ability to absorb business from creative, production and account service standpoints. The Traffic Manager is an empowered facilitator.
Responsibilities:
• Opens Job Numbers upon Account Executive (AE)(or Account Coordinator) request
• Opens and distributes (paper) job jackets
• Checks initial input for accuracy and requests additional information (if needed)
• Counsels the Creative Director (CD) in job assignment
• Establishes (and revises) Workback Schedules (i.e. project timelines)
• Expedites the inevitable “crisis jobs
• Monitors stalled jobs and moves them forward
• Monitors information flow through all departments
• Provides continuity in times of Employee vacation, termination, etc.
• Obtains spec, closing and delivery details when not otherwise provided
• Obtains sequential sign-offs on all work moving in and out of the agency
• Routes materials to the appropriate person for shipment to Vendor(s)
• Maintains an electronic archive of all jobs
Job Description 2: Account Coordinator
Feb|2|2010
The Account Coordinator (AC) provides administrative assistance to the Account Executive (AE) in the day-to-day management of accounts and develops the skills necessary to advance to the position of AE.
Internally, the AC interfaces with various departments, on a daily basis, in order to help the AE to move projects forward — creative, media, PR, interactive, and traffic. S/he provides information to the Traffic Manager via face-to-face communication, Progress Reports, Change Orders, etc.
The AC reports directly to the AE leading his/her assigned team.
Responsibilities:
• Assists AE by responding to client calls and e-mail
• Participates in internal brainstorming sessions
• At AE request, records meeting minutes and prepares/distributes accordingly
• Assists in monitoring production/creative deadlines
• Maintains client reference notebooks/digital archives, detailing past and in-progress work
• Stays aware of client activities and provides backup when AE is unavailable
• Submits project expense forms, as required (e.g. Purchase Order, mileage reimbursement, etc.)
• Gathers and assembles background information and analyses, as needed by AE
• Assists in processing mailings/agendas/proposals/other materials (except billing)
• Prepares materials for client presentation and acts as host/hostess for visiting clients
• Coordinates event logistics
• Maintains up-to-date files regarding client activities/competitors’ actions
• Maintains information needed for accurate proofreading/meeting of client standards
• Ensures all media and projects proceed according to plan and deadlines
• Proofreads copy/artwork/agency and printers’ proofs
• Ensures all work completes approval process before presented to client or given to suppliers
Job Description 1: Account Executive
Jan|29|2010
Clearly defined roles among team members are imperative for efficient workflow. While employee responsibilities often cross over several areas, there are a few underlying roles that should remain static.
The primary responsibility of the Account Executive (AE) is to maintain daily contact between the agency (or other creative service firm) and its clients. S/he works to establish project objectives and obtain background information through said client contact. Included in such information is budgetary limitations, special requirements, due dates, client objectives, and other pertinent details.
Internally, the AE interfaces with various departments, on a daily basis, to move projects forward — creative, media, PR, interactive, and traffic. S/he provides maximum information to the Traffic Manager via face-to-face communication, Client Contact Reports (CCR), Change Orders, etc., as well as educates clients regarding the timing required for the execution of various jobs, to avoid scheduling conflicts.
The AE has major input in the development of strategic marketing plans and is responsible for their execution. S/he also attempts to gain new business from existing clients.
Responsibilities:
• Handles day-to-day activities for respective clients
• Oversees execution of approved programs
• Quickly and accurately relays changes to internal team
• Effectively presents, sells and defends agency work to clients
• Keeps apprised of clients’ brands/products/services/market developments
• Assists in preparing client invoices/proposals/marketing communications
• Assists in preparing strategic marketing/media/PR plans
• Stays apprised of progress of clients’ projects through Traffic Manager
• Regularly responds to client calls and e-mail
• Works with new media team to ensure cohesion of marketing efforts
• Reviews materials (i.e. copy/layouts/production art) and coordinates approval
• Reviews billing prior to release and helps ensure prompt collection of AR
• Coordinates project timing and budgets with internal team
• Keeps Account Coordinator (AC) informed of client activities
• Represents agency at industry and community functions
• Ensures materials undergo approval process before being presented to client/suppliers