Creative Specialist

**Job Posting**
- Under the supervision of the Creative Lead, the Creative Specialist will develop marketing and promotional assets that are aligned with the municipality’s Halifax brand. The responsibilities include conceptualizing, designing and producing branded collateral for both public-facing and employee-facing audiences. This position provides assistance in creating and innovating a diverse suite of municipal communications material ranging from print media, social media, videos, multi-page documents, out-of-home advertising (billboards, busboards, transit shelters) and merchandise, while respecting the municipality’s brand standards and guidelines. It is essential that the Creative Specialist is proficient at listening to understand the business objectives of our clients and is able to confidently provide artful solutions to optimize on the visual delivery of the message.
- The Creative Specialist will work with a team of professionals in the Corporate Communications division - including marketing, public affairs, internal communications and print services - to develop and produce marketing material to support the deliverables of integrated communications strategies, marketing campaigns, public engagement initiatives, special projects and other communications efforts for the municipality. This role requires excellent presentation and communication skills, as sharing design options, with supporting creative concept development rationale, will be key to supporting the Corporate Communications team and business unit clients. The Creative Specialist is expected to be a highly collaborative, results-focused team member, interacting daily with the Creative Lead, Digital Strategist, other members of the Corporate Communications team and broader organization.**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Develop creative designs and concepts that align with the municipality’s brand guidelines for both employee and public-facing communications.
- Researches new software and marketing trends to ensure marketing and communication products are innovative and well-designed.
- Work closely with team members in Corporate Communications to collaborate on the creative approach to marketing material and participate in strategic concept development.
- Coordinate and lead meetings with other team members to present work, offer creative insight on new projects, and facilitate discussions to gather feedback to inform decision-making.
- Support a climate of continuous improvement, superior customer service and operational excellence through the development and efficiencies of processes, procedures, templates, and tools.
- Ensure adherence to existing and new brand standards among team members and business unit clients.
- Meet with and advise business unit clients on options for strategic creative development to support the execution of campaigns and presentations. This includes providing a narrative that supports the creative thinking and logic that informs an appropriate, meaningful design recommendation or direction.

**QUALIFICATIONS**

**Education and Experience**:

- University degree in Marketing, Communications or a related field; University degree plus a college diploma in advertising, graphic design or equivalent will also be considered.
- Three to five years of art direction and/or graphic design experience working in a large, complex communications or marketing environment. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
- An established and strong creative portfolio that demonstrates diversity in clientele, branding and advertising.

**Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities**:

- A thorough knowledge of communications and visual design practices and software, including the Adobe Creative Suite and all associated hardware.
- Experience working in Canva or other web-based design products.
- Strong knowledge of social media practices.
- Strong typography skills.
- A thorough knowledge of standard design, pre-press techniques and software.
- Working knowledge of the printing industry and other production equipment.
- Strong knowledge of design best practice and industry standards.
- A thorough knowledge of standard office software including Microsoft Access, Power Point, Outlook, Word and all associated hardware.
- Understanding of digital animation and motion graphics processes (After Effect & Premiere Pro) considered an asset.
- Illustration skills considered an asset.
- Exceptional presentation skills
- Strong aesthetic skills with the ability to self-critique, refine and polish.
- Team building experience
- Demonstrated knowledge of marketing and communications.

**Security Clearance Requirements**: This position will have access to and/or knowledge of confidential information, therefore the incumbent will be required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement.-
**COMPETENCIES**: Valuing Diversity, Value & Ethics, Teamwork & Cooperation, Organization & Planning, Customer Service, Organizat