The Lead Design Specialist will lead a cohesive, high-performing Design Team within the Marketing Communications Department with major responsibilities for the overseeing the brand identify graphic standards and artistic development of marketing and member materials (collateral, newsletters, flyers, CD-Roms, postcards, displays, brochures, Web, multimedia, etc.) designed to market Kaiser Permanente and/or communicate with members and purchasers for the Georgia Region. He/She will translate business objectives into visual concepts and creative solutions for communications problems/solutions. Conceptualizes and executes collateral designs to increase recognition of Kaiser Permanente brand positioning as a leader in quality health care. Project results must meet strategic objectives as well as demonstrate appropriate and consistent application of Kaiser Permanente brand identity standards in terms of layout, photography, color usage, typography, and signature usage.

Essential Functions:
- Leads the design team in managing the overall brand identity graphic standards and the design process for the Marketing and Member Communications Department.
- Formulates design concepts and presentation approaches and directs workers engaged in artwork and layout for visual communications.
- Collaborates with communications consulting/project management team, production, and client (as needed) to develop concepts and designs solutions that meets the need of the client, target audience, and budget.
- Develops high quality-designs, managing design projects from initial design concept to pre-production, taking direction from project manager and meeting internal deadlines provided by project manager.
- Collaborates with Project Manager and Production Specialist to develop production schedules, providing input on paper selection, printing technologies, bindery, etc.
- Conduct Region-wide training on brand training on graphic standards.
- Reviews materials from other departments and outside agencies to ensure they adhere to KP graphic standards.
- Determines presentation approach to presents and 'sell' creative concepts to internal clients.
- Assigns work to and manage output and quality of design specialists and freelancer design staff.
- Produces final high-resolution files for printing, using Quark, Illustrator, and PhotoShop applications.
- Manages the archiving of the electronic files for all past materials produced for easy future access for reprints, adaptations, and changes.
- Serves as graphics identity consultant for the Georgia Region.
- Represents the Georgia Region on National Committees.
- Manages the Image Management Module for kp.org to ensure provider photos are updated timely.
- Scans and converts photographs and artwork.
- Reviews final blue lines and press proofs.
- Conducts press inspections of print run, when appropriate.
- Maintains high productivity, accuracy and cost effectiveness, completing assignments in a timely manner within a team environment.
- Works with artists, photographers, printers and mailing companies to insure quality, accuracy, cost efficiency and timeliness of projects.
- Communicates with marketing communications director, manager, and others on team at key decision-making points throughout the process.
- Keeps abreast of advances in consumer design trends, software, typography, color, multi-media, photography and print production.
- Performs other related duties as requested.

Basic Qualifications:
- Minimum ten (10) years of working experience as an art supervisor or graphic designer developing diverse collateral designs for a range of market segments, audiences, and industries (consumer and business to business to business).
- Minimum five (5) years leading a team.
- Minimum five (5) years project management experience within a design team.
- Experience in publications, marketing, in-house communications, advertising and/or web/multimedia.
- Bachelor's degree in art/design or a related field.
- Proficiency with QuarkXpress, Illustrator, and PhotoShop.
- Excellent design skills and demonstrated conceptual ability.
- Ability to help clients define and solve the most complex communications problems through artistic development.
- Knowledge of principles of computer design hardware and software.
- Knowledge of creative development and printing processes, timing, and costs - including familiarity with a variety of paper stocks and inks.
- Ability to work well with others in coordination of projects (IN- HOUSE and OUTSIDE VENDORS).
- Excellent eye for detail.
- Hardworking and able to execute a number of different kind of assignments under strict deadlines.
- Portfolio of work samples required.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Proficiency with Dreamweaver and Flash helpful.
- Highly proficient in design software, with thorough knowledge of computer program for page layout, photographic/color manipulation, illustration, scanning and pre-press technology preferred.
- Demonstrated expertise in preparing design for cost effective printing and other output preferred.
- Creative problem solving preferred.
- Ability to work quickly, managing multiple projects under tight deadlines preferred.
- Must be comfortable in an environment where variety and change are present preferred.
- Knowledge of principles of graphic design, including excellent knowledge of computer-based design in a MAC environment preferred.
- Computer design in a PC environment also a plus.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while also displaying independence and initiative preferred.
- Proven ability to proactively establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and internal and external clients preferred.
- Must be comfortable taking direction (and criticism) from project managers and clients preferred.