Creative Services Manager, CGIAR, Mexico City

We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, self-motivated and service-orientated professional for the position of Creative Services Manager in the International Communications Department to lead our talented in-house creative team. CIMMYT's creative team is tasked with creating all visual materials used to promote the organization – websites, graphics, print collateral, presentations, videos, photography and more. We're looking for a passionate leader with a deep understanding of design, marketing and branding.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org

The position will report to CIMMYT's Director of International Communications, Knowledge Management and Development, and will be based at CIMMYT's headquarters (located 45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico).

The main responsibilities of this position will be:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversee creative development for CIMMYT's communications materials.
• Manage graphic designers, multi-media communications specialists, videographers, photographers and web specialists who develop high-quality communications materials for the organization.
• Ensure that all clients are serviced professionally, and that all materials are developed and delivered with high quality, cost-efficiency and in a timely manner.
• Create and ensure a culture of creativity.
• Direct and manage activities of the creative services staff, providing leadership/motivation and conveying the vision/values of the in-house agency to clients.
• Act as a creative advisor to internal clients, providing strategic advice on targeting, positioning, concept, development and production of materials across a variety of media.
• Oversee client communications, conflict resolution and compliance on client deliverables.
• Develop processes/strategies for continuous process improvement.
• Manage internal and external design talent to deliver on time, on-strategy and on-budget solutions.
• Collaborate with other Communications staff to set expectations and standards (help build a service-oriented culture).
• Develop, coach and mentor subordinate staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications, skills and attitudes:

• BA/BS degree in Marketing, Journalism, Design, Design Management, Graphic Design, Information Science, New Media or a related area. Advanced degree desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years of creative marketing and/or agency experience (client and/or agency side) and a minimum of 3 years' experience leading/managing creative teams of at least 2 direct reports.
• Experience and comfort in both traditional (i.e., print, video and web) and non-traditional (i.e., digital, mobile) creative and media platforms.
• Excellent project management, time management and leadership skills, excellent communications and interpersonal skills and demonstrated negotiation skills.
• Exceptional written, verbal and visual communications skills are required; strong Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, Microsoft Office Suite and Keynote skills. Final Cut Pro, HTML skills are a plus.
• Thorough understanding of creative design, photography and video production. Thorough understanding of web design, print design and presentation design; ability to direct or self-produce projects in any of those media.
• Effective client management skills; effective staff management skills and ability to lead and manage in a matrix/complex environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, must be able to multi-task, prioritize and manage multiple ongoing projects.
• Highly motivated, self-directed and capable of working independently and as part of a functional team.
• Non-profit/agricultural development/international experience a big plus.
• Ability to work well in a team environment, to handle a heavy workload, to prioritize work and to meet assigned deadlines.

We will offer an initial contract for 3 years, which is renewable subject to continued need and funding for the position and performance of the staff member. Our internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children's education, vacation, annual home vacation airfare, retirement plan and relocation shipment.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

To apply, email cover letter and CV (in English) no later than Friday, 6 June, 2014 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate position reference number: 12332 in the subject of your email).

The position will remain announced until covered.

In your application, please provide a link to your online portfolio.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted .

For further information please contact Guillermo Flores, g.flores@cgiar.org