Creative Designer II

SUMMARY: This individual will be integral in promoting our authentic brand personality through visual artwork and design. Through compelling graphic design content, visual installations and brand work, this role will develop and execute our forward-facing physical and digital marketing material that will be applied across a variety of channels, supporting our direct-to-consumer and wholesale business. This individual will showcase skill in graphic design, animation, promotional item branding, and photo visuals. They will strive to take ownership and accountability in the conception and execution of multiple projects, exhibiting their experience in collaboration, project management and execution. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Adheres to and exemplifies behaviors aligned with company core values: Ho'ohana: We Work with Passion & Purpose, Pono: We Choose to Do What is Right, Laulima: We Work Together, Malama: We Care, Kuleana: We Take Ownership & Responsibility
• Fosters a sense of teamwork and collaboration among team members by building an employee culture that is aligned with HCC Values and operating principles. Ensures all employees are treated consistently, fairly, ethically, and respectfully
• Represents the company brand image and shares aloha to all customers, business partners, and co-workers at all levels throughout the company
• Concepts, creates and distributes graphics, animations, and art files for marketing efforts, including but not limited to print and digital signage, email and web features, advertisements, event materials, social media and other branded collateral.
• Successfully translated marketing and business objectives into compelling visual communication materials to support ongoing marketing campaigns, product launches and brand initiatives, while working within budget constraints.
• Maintain brand consistency, serving as our internal brand visual expert, across all design outputs, while also remaining curious and pushing the needle on how to continuously elevate the brand’s visual presence via current media trends, technologies and best practices. 
• Remains open and receptive while presenting ongoing design work at various stages to owner and/or stakeholders for review, feedback, and final approval. 
• Collaborate with various internal stakeholders to deliver cohesive creative assets in a timely manner from conception to execution.
• Perform video and image editing using adapted software. 
• Works effectively with vendors and partners to ensure projects are completed and produced correctly and in a timely manner. Coordinates artwork proofing and finalizes art files for submission to vendors for production.
• Works hand-in-hand with Content Specialist to organize the creative asset library. Support in recommending and deploying systems improvements for filing & sharing graphics and video content
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met. Able to work independently to ensure all projects are on track and completed within deadlines. Provides regular updates and status on projects and communicates any delays or issues effectively and in a timely manner.
• Concepts and produces marketing swag items with the Brand Marketing Coordinator. 
• Provide art direction and mentorship to external vendors and partners, collaborating with our brand marketing team.
• Supports in the preparation and execution of marketing-led photoshoots as needed.
• Performs duties and administrative tasks in compliance with brand standards as well as regulatory requirements
• Assists with ad hoc projects and all other duties as assigned

SKILLS: 

• Exceptional creativity with an ability to create on-brand and on-trend visually appealing graphic and animated content
• Ability to learn and accurately execute marketing content that aligns with the Honolulu Cookie Company brand and social media best practices
• Self-starter and independent worker who showcases initiative to expand our creative avenues, collaborate, and execute.
• Able to apply creativity and innovation while achieving Marketing Team’s objectives and working cross-departmentally with a variety of stakeholders
• Strong project management skills, adept at overseeing multiple campaigns and initiatives simultaneously, while ensuring timely completion even under competing deadlines
• Positive can-do attitude who is open to feedback and able to take direction well. Flexible with modifying concepts, ideas and completed designs upon receiving and incorporating constructive feedback 
• Strong work ethic and willingness to observe and learn 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Based in Honolulu, HI with the ability to attend offsite shoots and events independently. 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: 

• BA/BS Degree Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or related field
• 4+ years of professional design experience, preferably in an agency or in-house creative team
• Strong portfolio showcasing a range of design work across digital and print media
• Excellent understanding of typography, layout, color theory, and branding
• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and video editing tools
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Familiarity with web design principles and responsive design
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive design practices
• Possesses creative and technical proficiency in operating cameras and production equipment to shoot photos and video footage with minimal direction, as needed
• Fluency in operating Microsoft Office tools.
• In-house consumer-packaged goods marketing experience a plus

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• Able to sit or stand and walk throughout the scheduled work shift 
• Able to lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.