Since launching in 2010, LearnVest has been one of the premier financial technology companies in the country, helping thousands of people make progress on their financial goals. LearnVest was acquired by Northwestern Mutual in 2015 and is now scaling its technology and personal finance approach to help millions of people across both the LearnVest and Northwestern Mutual brands. 

Description:

Responsible for the conception, design, and execution of innovative visual materials for LearnVest across all marketing channels including, but not limited to digital, social, mobile, email, CRM, collateral/print. The ideal candidate possesses strong conceptual and design skills and will assist the Creative Director in improving the conceptual, technical and creative performance of team and output within his or her group. S/he strives to produce the work at the highest quality standards and absorb design knowledge and trends while mentoring creative team members. This person is a thought leader who is also deep in the trenches of the craft and doing.

 Responsibilities:

• In partnership with copy lead, drives and/or contributes to the creation of industry-leading, on-strategy concepts through leadership of and active participation in brainstorms and other idea-generating sessions.
• Establishes and gives direction to team members on the look and feel of concepts.
• Shares an expert knowledge of the business objectives, brand, consumer and competitive landscape to inform insightful campaign ideas
• Persuasively presents creative concepts and designs and communicates rationale to team members.
• Leverages an expert understanding of technology, user interface design and visual design in directing a team to generate an effective range of designs/layouts for all elements of the creative solution that address program objectives, consumer needs and are visually appealing and motivating.
• Shares and strategically applies the latest industry and design trends and state-of-the-art techniques. Has strong understanding of digital best practices.
• Designs/directs others to design mood boards, comps (with and without wireframes), concept sketches, presentation decks and storyboards. Will contribute content and may create decks.
• Responsible for coming up with and managing a production plan. May also assist in asset creation.
• Directs still photo and video shoots. Recommends suitable illustrations, photography, video and/or sound.
• Prepares and presents layouts/samples for direction and approval. Ensures layouts and the the team’s conform to creative brief and style guides.
• Guides the creation and maintenance of style guides/online design libraries to accompany final deliverables.
• Leverages marketing lead in the creation of the work and to ensure validity and effectiveness of design based on media plan and strategy.
• Ensures that creative resources’ deliverables meet deadlines and follow appropriate approval procedures.
• Manages and prioritizes work effectively, for themselves and team as needed.
• Develops tools and recommendations to improve current processes.
• Mentors direct reports and is available to critique their work.
• Contributes to the development of the creative team’s culture and quality standards in pursuit of elevating the creative product.
• Demonstrates the ability to elevate your work and that of others.
• Seeks out and leverages data to guide creative process and make design decisions.

Skills/Requirements:

Excellent eye for design, imaginative, well organized, good-natured, dedicated, flexible and passionate, you bring an expert understanding of visual and experience design, typography, composition and color theory. In addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Multi-Media Design (or a related field), you have the following:

• Stellar digital design portfolio that demonstrates conceptual thinking and an ability to define a differentiated look and feel for a brand and integrated experiences
• 6+ years design experience, some in-house experience preferred
• Expert command of standard design and layout applications (e.g. PhotoShop, Illustrator,InDesign). Competency with at least one of, as well as experience or exposure to the following: Flash ActionScripting, video editing (e.g. FinalCut Pro), or motion graphics (e.g. After Effects).
• Demonstrated ability to utilize feedback/direction from Creative Director to generate multiple design explorations and iterate designs.
• Has managed and lead multiple assignments at the same time (including organizing and prioritizing others’ workload, and working efficiently under pressure in a deadline-driven environment).
• Sophisticated understanding of the digital landscape, including online campaigns from e-commerce websites, social media and online advertising.
• Careful attention to detail and management of version control issues.
• Expert knowledge of and the ability to lead the production process (e.g. optimizing graphics, compression settings and file size and image optimization)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Able to clearly articulate your creative process, thoughts, ideas and a point of view about your work.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, a sense of humor and the ability to thrive in a collaborative environment.
• Advanced understanding of technical and cross-platform implications (e.g. strengths and limitations of Flash, Ajax, Flex, and other emerging platforms).
• Experience in directing and motivating teams, guiding junior resources, inspiring teamwork and leading a team toward a great creative product.
• Experience in planning and executing shoots for video and still photography
• Solid knowledge of and the ability to communicate steps required in creative development process: provides guidance to achieve creative direction; gives timely and helpful coaching; and produces all work in a timely, cost-effective manner.