Interactive Art Director

Interactive Art Director
Location: Aliso Viejo, CA

Smith Micro Software, Inc., develops and markets mobile software products and services and an extensive line of PC software products for business & home markets. Bringing together innovative solutions from mobile connectivity to managing media content mobility to advancing mobile software management, Smith Micro products enrich the experience people have with their computer systems, mobile devices and wireless networks. Our knowledge spans 25 years of design, creation and engineering for hardware and software products, and we have shipped over 100 million copies of our QuickLink family of products to our customers worldwide.

Headquartered in Southern California, Smith Micro operates offices throughout North America as well as maintaining an international presence in Europe and Asia. Smith Micro's complete lines of products are available through leading mobile operators, device and PC manufacturers, national retail storefronts and direct from its websites

Role:

Smith Micro Software, Inc. is conducting a search for an Art Director, based in Aliso Viejo. This position reports to the Creative Director under the direction of the Chief Marketing Officer. As an Interactive Art Director you will be required to design complex systems and experiences from dynamic interfaces to large systematic websites. The ideal candidate can take Smith Micro's applications to the next level of design excellence and provide a world-class experience for end users of business and consumer & mobile applications. You must have a master-level understanding of graphic design, typography and layout and how it extends into the digital realm. This individual must be able to conceptualize Flash, motion graphics and web projects, and understand how to balance end-user needs with business requirements and technical considerations. An ability to communicate with both technical and creative staff, with keen interpersonal skills, is also imperative. This is a hands-on role with active responsibilities from concept through production.

Responsibilities:

•Provide forward-thinking creative, leadership, and collaboration across the organization
•Define the visual language for page layout, navigation, button styles, forms, and other software controls
•Effectively translate branding and marketing strategies for a wide range of clients/verticals into exceptional creative concepts and executions
•Interpret business requirements into effective UI specifications; serve as mentor to the UX/UI team
•Engage in user research activities, including participatory design sessions
•Perform and report on task analyses
•Create conceptual design and interaction models and task flows
•Lead design team in delivery of outstanding design for all-things digital: large-scale web engagements, mobile applications, online advertising, brand boards, and more
•Present creative concepts internally and externally; seek out critical feedback

Requirements:

•BA in Human-Computer Interaction, Industrial Design, Visual Arts, Graphic Design, or equivalent)
•6-8 years in a leadership role in an interactive, design, or advertising agency (or computer consulting firm)—and an interactive online portfolio)
•Experience in major aspects of product definition: developing user profiles, use scenarios, task flows, prototypes, conceptualization, and information architecture)
•Experience in defining and documenting end-to-end user experiences)
•Knowledge of current and upcoming desktop and cloud-based technologies)
•Consistent display of interest and involvement in the industry)
•Expert capabilities in website design and user interface information architecture implementation)
•Extensive experience implementing web design best practices and highly intuitive visual design techniques)
•Advanced knowledge of core design programs (including but not limited to: Flash, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)

Preferred Skills:
•Applicants are strongly encouraged to include links or references to relevant activities that round out their experience and interests. (E.g., participation in online communities, forums, blogs, search engines, contests, and/or personal projects.)
•Expression Blend or Adobe Flex are a HUGE plus
•MFA is a plus

Please refer to SM-AD-AV-090110 in the subject line.

If you are interested in this role, please forward your resume to careers@smithmicro.com.