Kate Semp

Art Director : McLean, VA : Temporary

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:01:34 EST

Our Fortune 200 client is looking for an art director with strong background in financial and retail with an exceptional eye for detail to work in fast-paced environment.

Business Responsibilities:
•Collaborate with Business Analysts, internal and external agency Account Executives, Copywriters and Graphic Designers to help formulate marketing strategy.
•Will use Mac-based prepress programs to create preliminary layouts of external marketing materials for eventual production.
•Will use Mac-based digital design software to develop assets for web, display.
• Lead creative design within the assigned business group and create/direct final visual layouts that persuasively communicate marketing objectives to the end consumer.
•Independently monitor the progress of their projects to ensure that the creative intent is not diluted or changed. The end goal is to create compelling visual communication based upon marketing objectives.
•The Art Director will be self-organized and manage multiple deadlines on numerous, concurrent projects.
•Collaborate with production manager to establish and meet specs and mailing requirements.

Experience:
4-year degree specializing in graphic design or similar discipline. Minimum of 5 years of design experience in print and digital channels. 2+ years of direct mail experience highly preferred.

Portfolio: Must have an online portfolio.
Mid-budget print projects and campaigns, some of which involved interacting with and influencing other designers. More actual (produced) work rather than spec work.

Print process knowledge and/or experience required.
Digital design and production experience required.
Ability to conceptualize with rough sketches and storyboards preferred.

Portfolio PDF or link to online portfolio required.

Industry Knowledge:
Direct Mail experience required within any industry, financial preferred.
Able to present new solutions that improve the quality of the product or process.
Able to coach designers to concept and create a product that improves overall effectiveness and results of product or process.

Technical Knowledge:
Illustrator - 3+, Photoshop - 3+, Acrobat - 3+, Indesign CS3+, knowledge of preparing digital assets for web deployment, Flash 3+ and After Effects 5+ helpful.

Senior Copywriter : Richmond, VA : Temporary

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:01:35 EST

Our client is looking for a detailed oriented copywriter with a strong portfolio in both web and print.

Copywriter works directly and collaboratively with members of the creative team and business partners to develop and produce effective communications. Is self-organized and manages multiple deadlines on numerous concurrent jobs. Can fill in for Creative Director, if needed.
• Demonstrates expert knowledge of advertising and marketing trends and translates business intent into creative strategies and executions that market products effectively
• Demonstrates understanding of intended audience; interprets market research and test results and can use findings to focus targeted marketing messages
• Facilitates brainstorm sessions; recognizes ideas that should go forward
• Writes, concise, informative and engaging copy and persuasively communicates creative ideas and rationale
• Monitors projects to ensure creative intent is not diluted.
• Web, mobile and social experience a plus.
Experience: 4-year degree in communications, creative writing, journalism or similar discipline. 6+ years writing experience (Financial Services experience, preferred). Portfolio demonstrates a variety of experience with national advertising or marketing campaigns: annual reports, broadcast, print and web..
Industry Knowledge: Direct Mail and/or web experience required within any industry, (Financial Services, preferred). Brings processes, technology or people solutions to the table with regard the design or print process. Proven ability to coach and challenge design team to improve the effectiveness of creative
Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of MS Word, InDesign and Acrobat preferred

Copywriter : Seattle, WA : Temporary

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:02:32 EST

Our financial services client is looking for a copywriter with strong digital experience.

The Copywriter works directly and collaboratively with members of the creative team and business partners to develop and produce effective communications. Is self-organized and manages multiple deadlines on numerous concurrent jobs.
• Maintains awareness of latest advertising and marketing trends in the finance industry and advertising in general
• Brainstorms with team to develop marketing ideas
• Writes original, brand-compliant copy for online and/or printed marketing materials
• Documents creative strategy and effectively presents rationale and ideas to clients
• Web, mobile and social experience a plus.
Experience: 4-year degree in communications, creative writing, journalism or similar discipline. 3-5 years writing experience (Financial Services experience preferred).
Portfolio: demonstrates experience with national advertising or marketing campaigns: annual reports, broadcast, print and web.
Industry Knowledge: Direct Mail and/or web experience required within any industry, (Financial Services, preferred). Brings processes, technology or people solutions to the table with regard the design or print process. Proven ability to coach and challenge design team to improve the effectiveness of creative.
Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of MS Word, InDesign and Acrobat preferred.

Front End Web Designer/Developer : Seattle, WA : Temporary

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:02:37 EST

Our financial services client is looking for a Front End Designer/Developer with strong visual design and great HTML, CSS and jQuery skills. Candidates must have an online portfolio!

• Works with IT programmers when needed to develop work on the COF/COAF site.
• Supports new technology such as Point Roll.
• Works independently on web projects when the task is design intensive and not copy intensive.
Responsibilities:
- Concept and communicate ideas for numerous designs
- Produce clean, technically accurate files
- Produce effective design
- Timely and accurate archival of Capital One assets(also assigning attributes)
- Understand and apply the basics of creative and business strategy
- Work with Creative Director, Copywriter and Producer to produce designs that are both compelling and cost-effective
- Create final art for presentations and assist in Creative Presentations
- Create final art and files to be given to Developer
- Manage numerous projects at one time
- Complete work correctly and efficiently to meet appropriate deadlines
- Effectively communicate design specifications to Developer
- Understanding of Capital One and LOB business strategy and how it relates to Creative One
- Share knowledge and experience across LOBs
- Act as a proactive leader on the team, LOB and beyond, and help influence decisions
- Make Creative Presentations when applicable
- Work with vendors (stock photo house, photographer, etc) when necessary
- Understand overall budget constraints of projects
- Optimize graphics for web publishing
Required Skills:
- Proficient in Mac based Photoshop, ImageReady/Fireworks, Illustrator and Dreamweaver.
- Thorough understanding of the elements of good design, html production and web process.
- Will be held accountable for the technical accuracy of their own work.
- Able to complete tasks independently and as part of a team.
- Possess effective communication of ideas/development of presentation skills.
- Ability to manage deadlines and production scheduling on numerous, concurrent projects.
- Perform effectively in a demanding work environment and show resiliency to stress.
Technical Skills:
- Understanding of basic Html
- Ability to optimize graphics using ImageReady or Fireworks
- Basic graphic design knowledge/skill
- Strong knowledge of Photoshop
- Basic knowledge of Flash
- Basic knowledge of Information design

Senior Copywriter : Northern Chicago area, IL : Temporary

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:05:13 EST

Our Fortune 200 Financial client is looking for a copywriter with a strong strategic background who can manage multiple clients and projects.

Works directly and collaboratively with members of the creative team and business partners to develop and produce effective communications. Is self-organized and manages multiple deadlines on numerous concurrent jobs. Can fill in for Creative Director, if needed.
• Demonstrates expert knowledge of advertising and marketing trends and translates business intent into creative strategies and executions that market products effectively
• Demonstrates understanding of intended audience; interprets market research and test results and can use findings to focus targeted marketing messages
• Facilitates brainstorm sessions; recognizes ideas that should go forward
• Writes, concise, informative and engaging copy and persuasively communicates creative ideas and rationale
• Monitors projects to ensure creative intent is not diluted.
• Web, mobile and social experience a plus.
Experience: 4-year degree in communications, creative writing, journalism or similar discipline. 6+ years writing experience (Financial Services experience, preferred). Portfolio demonstrates a variety of experience with national advertising or marketing campaigns: annual reports, broadcast, print and web..
Industry Knowledge: Direct Mail and/or web experience required within any industry, (Financial Services, preferred). Brings processes, technology or people solutions to the table with regard the design or print process. Proven ability to coach and challenge design team to improve the effectiveness of creative
Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of MS Word, InDesign and Acrobat preferred

Email Designer : Richmond, VA : Temporary

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:10:46 EST

Our Fortune 200 financial services client is looking for an email designer with strong knowledge of design and development for email. Successful candidates will have strong understanding of email design best practices across multiple email channels and user platforms.
Responsibilities:
- Concept and communicate ideas for numerous designs
- Produce clean, technically accurate files
- Produce effective design
- Timely and accurate archival of assets
- Understand and apply the basics of creative and business strategy
- Work with Creative Director, Copywriter and Producer to produce designs that are both compelling and cost-effective
- Create final art for presentations and assist in Creative Presentations
- Create final art and files to be given to Developer
- Manage numerous projects at one time
- Complete work correctly and efficiently to meet appropriate deadlines
- Share knowledge and experience across LOBs
- Make Creative Presentations when applicable
- Work with vendors (stock photo house, photographer, etc) when necessary
- Understand overall budget constraints of projects
- Optimize graphics for web publishing
Required Skills:
- Proficient in Mac based Photoshop, Illustrator and Dreamweaver.
- Thorough understanding of the elements of good design, html production and web process.
- Will be held accountable for the technical accuracy of their own work.
- Able to complete tasks independently and as part of a team.
- Possess effective communication of ideas/development of presentation skills.
- Ability to manage deadlines and production scheduling on numerous, concurrent projects.
- Perform effectively in a demanding work environment and show resiliency to stress.
Technical Skills:
- Strong knowledge of HTML
- Basic graphic design knowledge/skill
- Strong knowledge of Photoshop
- Basic knowledge of Flash
- Basic knowledge of Information design

Front End Web Designer/Developer : McLean, VA : Temporary

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:13:27 EST

Our Fortune 200 client is looking for Front End Designer/Developer. Candidates must have a great eye for design and solid HTML, CSS, jQuery skills plus passion for learning and being a part of a successful high profile team. *Examples of current work available for viewing online is required* • Works with IT programmers when needed to develop work on the COF/COAF site. • Supports new technology such as Point Roll. • Works independently on web projects when the task is design intensive and not copy intensive. Responsibilities: - Concept and communicate ideas for numerous designs - Produce clean, technically accurate files - Produce effective design - Timely and accurate archival of Capital One assets(also assigning attributes) - Understand and apply the basics of creative and business strategy - Work with Creative Director, Copywriter and Producer to produce designs that are both compelling and cost-effective - Create final art for presentations and assist in Creative Presentations - Create final art and files to be given to Developer - Manage numerous projects at one time - Complete work correctly and efficiently to meet appropriate deadlines - Effectively communicate design specifications to Developer - Understanding of Capital One and LOB business strategy and how it relates to Creative One - Share knowledge and experience across LOBs - Act as a proactive leader on the team, LOB and beyond, and help influence decisions - Make Creative Presentations when applicable - Work with vendors (stock photo house, photographer, etc) when necessary - Understand overall budget constraints of projects - Optimize graphics for web publishing Required Skills: - Proficient in Mac based Photoshop, ImageReady/Fireworks, Illustrator and Dreamweaver. - Thorough understanding of the elements of good design, html production and web process. - Will be held accountable for the technical accuracy of their own work. - Able to complete tasks independently and as part of a team. - Possess effective communication of ideas/development of presentation skills. - Ability to manage deadlines and production scheduling on numerous, concurrent projects. - Perform effectively in a demanding work environment and show resiliency to stress. Technical Skills: - Understanding of basic Html - Ability to optimize graphics using ImageReady or Fireworks - Basic graphic design knowledge/skill - Strong knowledge of Photoshop - Basic knowledge of Flash - Basic knowledge of Information design

Creative Director : Richmond, VA : Temporary

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 18:30:04 EST

Are you a direct marketing genius, able to flex your skills across channels? A master of consumer and product insights with an innate ability to sell B2C? An enthusiastic leader that inspires and connects with your team? We need you!

We're looking for an outstanding Creative Director to oversee a talented team, and to help drive direct mail creative strategy for customer management.

Whether you're client-side with a great Fortune 500 in-house agency and looking for a new challenge, or agency-side and tired of burning the candle at both ends, here's a perfect opportunity. Keep doing challenging, high-impact creative work—plus enjoy REAL work/life balance—in one of the most stable, fastest-growing financial institutions in the country.

Your Work
• Experience with corporate website marketing
• Experience with B2C marketing
• Know a good headline and call to action
• Instinctively identify and apply compelling imagery
• Consistently deliver quality work on time
• Produce irresistible creative

Your Skills
• Strong integrated thinking skills
• Organized, composed and present well to senior executive audiences
• Able to partner and collaborate with Brand Strategists and Internal Business Clients effectively
• Positive outlook and attitude—you naturally build up the people around you
• Enjoy helping mentor and lead talented teams
• Happy learning and effectively navigating complex client organizations and processes
• Lead and influence in a matrixed team environment
• Able to overcome adversity and obstacles
• You are a true creative problem solver
• Math does not scare you

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:
• Bachelors Degree
• 5+ years experience leading creative teams
• 5+ years direct response experience

Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelors Degree—preferably in Advertising, Design, English, Communications, or similar discipline
• 7+ years experience as a Creative Director
• 7+ years direct response experience
• 3+ years Financial industry experience

Copywriter : McLean, VA : Temporary

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:30:02 EST

Are you an expert in all things digital? Are you an expert in all things print? We are seeking copywriters for our our Fortune 500 financial client to work directly and collaboratively with members of the creative team and business partners to develop and produce effective communications. Candidates must be self-organized and manage multiple deadlines on numerous concurrent jobs and can fill in for Creative Director, if needed.

• Demonstrates expert knowledge of advertising and marketing trends and translates business intent into creative strategies and executions that market products effectively
• Demonstrates understanding of intended audience; interprets market research and test results and can use findings to focus targeted marketing messages
• Facilitates brainstorm sessions; recognizes ideas that should go forward
• Writes, concise, informative and engaging copy and persuasively communicates creative ideas and rationale
• Monitors projects to ensure creative intent is not diluted.
• Web, mobile and social experience a plus.
• Online portfolio preferred.

Experience: 4-year degree in communications, creative writing, journalism or similar discipline. 6+ years writing experience (Financial Services experience, preferred). Portfolio demonstrates a variety of experience with national advertising or marketing campaigns: annual reports, broadcast, print and web..
Industry Knowledge: Direct Mail and/or web experience required within any industry, (Financial Services, preferred). Brings processes, technology or people solutions to the table with regard the design or print process. Proven ability to coach and challenge design team to improve the effectiveness of creative
Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of MS Word, InDesign and Acrobat preferred

Multichannel Copywriter : Richmond, VA : Temporary

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:00:04 EST

A copywriter who can successfully handle both conceptual and nuts-and-bolts work, writing for diverse channels including scripting, direct mail, and digital. You must be able to think strategically about a problem and also craft effective and persuasive marketing copy with a minimum of direction.

Requirements:
•Create marketing efforts for web (including Search Engine and Affiliate marketing), direct mail and other applicable channels (including agent scripting) that persuasively communicates marketing objectives to the end consumer.
•Brainstorm with a team to generate ideas and creative concepts.
•Collaborate with Business Analysts, internal Account Executives, Copywriters and Graphic Designers to help formulate marketing strategy. Partner with the Brand Associate in interfacing directly with the Marketing and Analysis team.
• Be self-organized and able to manage multiple deadlines on numerous, concurrent projects.  
• Have strong presentation skills, able to communicate both tactically and strategically with the ability to clearly articulate creative rationale and communicate it to others for buy-in.
• Positive outlook and attitude - someone who naturally builds good rapport with team members.
• Strong integrated thinking skills.
• Able to consistently deliver quality work on time.

Experience: 
• 4 year degree specializing in advertising, journalism or similar discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years copywriting experience.
• 8-10 years experience supervising and directing the work of other copywriters
• 8-10 years previous experience in a Financial services setting preferred.

Portfolio:
Direct Mail, Scripting and Web experience with direct response experience a must. Demonstrates industry and conceptual diversity. Evidence of “thinking outside the box” while achieving business goals.

Front End Web Designer/Developer : McLean, VA : Temporary

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:00:05 EST

Our Fortune 200 client is looking for Front End Designer/Developer. Candidates must have a great eye for design and solid HTML, CSS, jQuery skills plus passion for learning and being a part of a successful high profile team.

*Examples of current work available for viewing online is required*

• Works with IT programmers when needed to develop work on the COF/COAF site.
• Supports new technology such as Point Roll.
• Works independently on web projects when the task is design intensive and not copy intensive.
Responsibilities:
- Concept and communicate ideas for numerous designs
- Produce clean, technically accurate files
- Produce effective design
- Timely and accurate archival of Capital One assets(also assigning attributes)
- Understand and apply the basics of creative and business strategy
- Work with Creative Director, Copywriter and Producer to produce designs that are both compelling and cost-effective
- Create final art for presentations and assist in Creative Presentations
- Create final art and files to be given to Developer
- Manage numerous projects at one time
- Complete work correctly and efficiently to meet appropriate deadlines
- Effectively communicate design specifications to Developer
- Understanding of Capital One and LOB business strategy and how it relates to Creative One
- Share knowledge and experience across LOBs
- Act as a proactive leader on the team, LOB and beyond, and help influence decisions
- Make Creative Presentations when applicable
- Work with vendors (stock photo house, photographer, etc) when necessary
- Understand overall budget constraints of projects
- Optimize graphics for web publishing
Required Skills:
- Proficient in Mac based Photoshop, ImageReady/Fireworks, Illustrator and Dreamweaver.
- Thorough understanding of the elements of good design, html production and web process.
- Will be held accountable for the technical accuracy of their own work.
- Able to complete tasks independently and as part of a team.
- Possess effective communication of ideas/development of presentation skills.
- Ability to manage deadlines and production scheduling on numerous, concurrent projects.
- Perform effectively in a demanding work environment and show resiliency to stress.
Technical Skills:
- Understanding of basic Html
- Ability to optimize graphics using ImageReady or Fireworks
- Basic graphic design knowledge/skill
- Strong knowledge of Photoshop
- Basic knowledge of Flash
- Basic knowledge of Information design

Art Director : Northern Chicago area, IL : Temporary

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:00:06 EST

Our Fortune 200 client is looking for an art director with agency experience to work in fast-paced environment with exceptional eye for detail.

Should be knowledgeable of both print and digital deliverables. Candidate will develop creative from concept to approved design layouts through the production/content revision stage and into final form for delivery to print vendors/service provider. Project will include direct mail, credit cards and card collateral, marketing collateral, print advertisement, promotional material, presentations, email blasts, web banners, environmental graphics and fully integrated campaigns.

The ideal candidate is an extremely creative, detail-oriented individual with a desire to problem-solve. The position requires some project-management in addition to executing creative responsibilities. This individual is highly organized and systematic in his or her approach and takes ownership and responsibility for his or her projects.

Responsibilities:
• Must have strong artistic sensibility, be hands on and able to brainstorm and mock up design ideas and present ideas to clients
• Experience building files for all types of marketing collateral, in both print and digital media
• Manage workflow through entire lifecycle of project including:
• Meet with clients and adjust designs to fit objectives
• Manage project, timelines and reviews
• Work with partners, such as production designers, copywriters, photographers, stock houses, printers, programmers, developers or other technicians, to complete the final product
• Have strong understanding of Branding and adapting Brand Standards
• Review creative proofs and press proofs
• Consistently produce high-quality, streamlined mechanical files and ensure that final released files are optimized for design intent, vendor capabilities, and cost considerations
• Maintain current knowledge, understanding, and expertise in relevant software applications and tools

Must have skills:
• In-depth knowledge of graphic design and production, printing, desktop publishing and web
• Expertise using MAC OS, CS 5.5 (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator,), MS Office, Quark, Acrobat. Dreamweaver, Flash and HTML, CSS knowledge is a plus
• At least 5-7 years work experience in an agency, design firm, studio, or corporation in a Design-related role
• Ability to lead client meetings
• Excellent organizational skills and a keen attention to detail
• Able to work well both independently and as part of a larger team, team player
• Can excel in a fast paced environment and manage simultaneous project deadlines
• A portfolio that represents a strong corporate brand
• Pre-press and print production knowledge

Education:
B.F.A/B.A/B.S. degree or equivalent

UI Designer/Developer : Richmond, VA : Temporary

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:00:06 EST

*Examples of current work available for viewing online is required*

Our client has an immediate opportunity for a tech-oriented creative UI Designer/Developer. We are seeking an extremely conscientious, detail-oriented individual with tangible experience. The ideal candidate will be able to consistently present a positive, flexible attitude and contribute to a fast-paced, visible team environment. Ideal candidate will have the ability to work with clients from concept through execution. Proven creative and interface design ability as well as presentation-level coding ability is required.

The ideal candidate will have the following skills:

• Thorough knowledge of HTML and cross-browser CSS methods
• Thorough knowledge of unobtrusive JavaScript & jQuery is required
• Portal experience is a plus, but not required
• Must have solid creative design skills
• Thorough knowledge of Photoshop (CS3 Suite) required
• Thorough knowledge of usability and GUI best practices
• College degree in a related field preferred, but not required
• Minimum 3 years of experience in web design required
• Position will likely be in an Agile Methodology project environment

Web Designer L2 (NOVA) : McLean, VA : Temporary

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:00:06 EST

Our Fortune 200 client is looking for UI Designer/Developer. Candidates must have a great eye for design and solid HTML, CSS, jQuery skills plus passion for learning and being a part of a successful high profile team.
*Examples of current work available for viewing online is required*
• Works with IT programmers when needed to develop work on the COF/COAF site.
• Supports new technology such as Point Roll.
• Works independently on web projects when the task is design intensive and not copy intensive.

Responsibilities:
- Concept and communicate ideas for numerous designs
- Produce clean, technically accurate files
- Produce effective design
- Timely and accurate archival of company assets(also assigning attributes)
- Understand and apply the basics of creative and business strategy
- Work with Creative Director, Copywriter and Producer to produce designs that are both compelling and cost-effective
- Create final art for presentations and assist in Creative Presentations
- Create final art and files to be given to Developer
- Manage numerous projects at one time
- Complete work correctly and efficiently to meet appropriate deadlines
- Effectively communicate design specifications to Developer
- Understanding of Capital One and LOB business strategy and how it relates to Creative One
- Share knowledge and experience across LOBs
- Act as a proactive leader on the team, LOB and beyond, and help influence decisions
- Make Creative Presentations when applicable - Work with vendors (stock photo house, photographer, etc) when necessary
- Understand overall budget constraints of projects - Optimize graphics for web publishing

Required Skills: - Proficient in Mac based Photoshop, ImageReady/Fireworks, Illustrator and Dreamweaver. - Thorough understanding of the elements of good design, html production and web process. - Will be held accountable for the technical accuracy of their own work. - Able to complete tasks independently and as part of a team. - Possess effective communication of ideas/development of presentation skills. - Ability to manage deadlines and production scheduling on numerous, concurrent projects. - Perform effectively in a demanding work environment and show resiliency to stress. Technical Skills: - Understanding of basic Html - Ability to optimize graphics using ImageReady or Fireworks - Basic graphic design knowledge/skill - Strong knowledge of Photoshop - Basic knowledge of Flash - Basic knowledge of Information design