Director - Information Technology (IT) & Production Engineer

Digital Kitchen ("DK") is looking for a Director of IT & Production Engineering to steer and manage the company’s IT and audio/video (A/V) infrastructure and staff in New York, Chicago, Seattle, and Los Angeles. This is a senior leadership position reporting to the CEO. The candidate can be based in any of the company’s four offices, but travel to the other offices will be required.

This position provides immediate and primary technical support to the administrative, editorial and creative design staff across the company via the IT technologists in each office. Like the duck-billed platypus, this role combines elements not often found in nature: technology strategist, IT guru, A/V and production nerd, people manager, and CAPEX budgeter.

The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial and holistic in approach and willing to embrace the insanity and excitement that comes with the technology leadership role at a top-tier digital agency and production company that views technology as a catalyst for creative innovation.

Primary Responsibilities & Expected Results
• Align the IT vision with DK’s overall business and creative strategy.
• Devise the IT framework, technology procedures and practices of the company, including disaster contingencies.
• Manage all regional technologists, mentoring them and infusing a teamwork ethic.
• Responsible for the Capital Expenditures budget, including managing technologists in each office against the budget.
• Advise DK leadership about the timely need for investments in IT.
• Work with IT vendors and suppliers, data center partners, and outsourcing agencies to buy IT assets.
• Ensure that all IT assets and systems are functioning smoothly for DK employees and extended workforce.
• Provide training and support to IT staff, allowing them to be effective first points of contact for all on-site inquires related to both IT systems and A/V technology.
• Maintain a broad knowledge of current and emerging state-of-the-art computer/network and A/V systems technologies, architectures, and projects.
• Manage all facilities across the company, including physical space and HVAC.

Requisite Skills
• 8+ years of related experience required, including at least 3+ years managing staff.
• Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Adept at multitasking and a high degree of drive, dedication, and leadership ambition.
• Expert understanding of editorial software and hardware & typical A/V equipment used in sophisticated visual effects and post-production environment
• Expert understanding of networking terms, topologies, technologies, and services. (IP, WAN, LAN, VPN, DHCP, DNS, AFP, NFS, SMB, etc)
• Expert working knowledge and comprehensive understanding of the Windows, MacOSX, and Linux operating systems and server/desktop platforms.
• Solid and comprehensive understanding of Apple’s XSAN system, components, administration, and operation.
• Solid and comprehensive understanding of the BSD underpinnings of the MacOS, including a background in scripting / workflow automation.
• Strong understanding of render farms on conceptual, operational, and troubleshooting levels.
• Basic facilities management experience (e.g. physical space, HVACs, lease negotiation, etc).
• Background in IT documentation, schematic and diagram creation and maintenance.

Send PDF to job_director_of_it@d-kitchen.com

Chicago - Interactive Designer

Digital Kitchen Chicago is seeking an Interactive Designer to join our office full-time. Our Interactive Designers are "Thinker/Makers:" We excel in blank-page ideation and concept development, as well as world-class interactive production, across a multitude of platforms. If your creative brainpower is matched only by your ability to bring your ideas to life, DK may be the place for you.

Primary Responsibilities:
• You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• You will work on projects from concept all the way to completion; from the germ of the idea all the way through the harvest.
• Your ideas will be an integral part of larger campaigns that feature video work (broadcast and internet), print, events, stunts, and whatever it takes to communicate with our audiences.
• You will work with a team of developers to implement the designs but ideally you can crank out your own code too.
• We want people that have wide, diverse interests and are interested in forging the future of communication and advertising.

Skills desired:
• Needs design skills in both HTML and Flash.
• Should be familiar with CSS and HTML 5 to implement cutting-edge designs
• Should be able to do UI wireframe designs in OmniGraffle / Visio
• Familiarity with common scripting languages / CMS tools a huge plus
• Should be familiar with usability principles.
• iPhone development skills a plus
• Must be generalist, able to sketch, design, mock-up and code the front end of all their designs.
• Should be able to think strategically, offering solutions that solve multiple levels of client needs. But that’s also covered in just doing good design, right?
• Video encoding / streaming skills a plus.
• Should be able and eager to work with the team to come up with ideas for solutions for our clients.
• Should be able to direct programmers and other team members, especially off-site.
• Experience with installation interaction a plus as well.

Teaming:
• Our Interactive Designers have a positive approach to their work and fellow Creatives, always finding solutions to improve our creative process, and to challenge and elevate all of the work around them.
• Can work collaboratively with anyone in the company from Jr. Designers to Executive Producers.

When applying, please note:
• No large files via email please
• Candidates without portfolio will not be considered
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

If you feel you are qualified for this position please send your PDF resume and link(s) to: job_chi_interactive_designer@d-kitchen.com

Chicago - Production Assistant

Digital Kitchen is currently in need of an energetic, organized Production Assistant.

The successful candidate will be a dedicated, hardworking, competent individual with the ability to multi-task effectively while maintaining a positive demeanor.

Some of the duties include (but are not limited to) acting as support for both designers and producers with Data Management, File Compression, Element/Asset tape logging/management, un-archiving elements/assets, weekly production updates, Custom Reel building, Pitch Book building and assembly and any Production related shipping. Other expected duties include Client Care, Equipment rental/returns (any Production related errands), general office upkeep, and basically acting in a support capacity for anything Production related.

Some software requirements are: Compressor, DVD Studio Pro, Adobe CS4 (Photoshop, InDesign, and Acrobat specifically), Pages/Keynote, Cyberduck/Fetch (or any other standard File Transfer Protocol would work too), Toast, and MS Office.

Working knowledge of Macs is preferred. Experience with office phone systems, Xerox machines and fax machines is a must as well.

Please send a resume and cover letter to job_chi_production_assistant@d-kitchen.com

Los Angeles - Designer/Animator

Digital Kitchen is seeking a mid-level designer/animator to join the team’s Los Angeles office as a full-time staff member.

The designer/animator regularly demonstrates an ability to understand and interpret communication challenges and creative strategies for both entertainment and advertising clients. They consistently produce exemplary work, demonstrating an exceptional command of the production process from initial concept boarding to final editing. The designer handles client input and changes with insight, understanding and promptness, and is able to reconcile the challenge of doing great work while meeting the needs of clients and DK CDs. They can multitask and more independently project manage, always meeting project milestones and deadlines despite creative changes, issues and other project assignments they are given. The designer is a collaborator, always working well with subordinates, peers, superiors and producers, in both development as well as production.

Concept & Design:

• Develops exceptional concepts that are strategic and creatively unique.
• Has exceptional technical abilities in motion and graphic design software programs – demonstrating a deep command of After Effects and Adobe software.
• Is able to communicate and support chosen design directions to CDs, Producers and clients.
• Is curious, constantly seeking inspiration from media and design trends.

Creative Execution & Production:

• Leads and works collaboratively with project teams from concept through final production ensuring flawless execution and timely delivery of all assigned projects.
• Collaborates and communicates effectively with client counterparts throughout all projects, demonstrating a command of the creative process from concept through execution.
• Is able to develop initial concepts in written and board form.
• Thorough knowledge of After Effects and other relevant motion design software, such as C4D. Maya is a plus.

Teaming:

• Has a positive approach to their work and fellow designers, always finding solutions to improve our creative process.
• Can work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team approach.

Send PDF to: job_la_designer@d-kitchen.com

Los Angeles - Interactive Executive Producer

Digital Kitchen is looking for an Interactive Executive Producer for its LA office (DKLA).  This position reports to the General Manager of DKLA and will also be a resource and evangelist for digital for all DK offices.  This candidate will play a key role in assisting DK achieve its goal of being recognized as one of the top creative digital agencies by the end of 2011.

Responsibilities:

• Manage interactive division of DKLA, including digital P&L and strategic development of this division.
• Provide interactive leadership and support to other DK offices as needed
• Partner with DKLA Interactive CD to define and implement creative and business vision for DKLA interactive
• Participate in strategic development of new business with DKLA leadership and DK Business Development, with emphasis on interactive and integrated campaign opportunities
• Chart growth strategy and plan for interactive team staffing and development of division
• Manage the strategic and creative development process on interactive project pitches in tandem with DKLA Interactive CD as well as other DK offices as needed
• Manage DKLA interactive producers and the production process, including project margins, delivery schedules, and client relationship
• Delegate effectively, involving people at the optimal levels for project success and overall account utilization

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5 to 7 plus years in industry managing a creative team and working with clients with a focus on interactive
• Entrepreneurial drive with a proven ability to formulate and execute on a strategic plan and budget for a business unit
• Ability to hold a room and pitch and win projects
• Demonstrated experience running large interactive projects
• Clear understanding of digital distribution outlets and opportunities
• Cutting edge knowledge of emerging technologies in the digital marketplace
• Solid track record of managing sizeable teams with the ability to communicate across disciplines (production, creative, admin.)
• Deep understanding of project management and workflow
• Ability to think and problem solve under pressure as well as motivate and engage a team to produce the best results

Send PDF to: job_la_interactive_ep@d-kitchen.com

Los Angeles - Temporary Part-time Desktop and Network Support Technician

Digital Kitchen is looking for a part time Desktop and Network Support Technician to assist in day to day operations in our Los Angeles office on a temporary basis. This is a junior level I.T. position, reporting to the Regional I.T. Manager. The candidate should have a strong passion for technology, love assisting others, and revels working in a team environment.

This position will provide Level 1 and 2 desktop and network support for our growing staff, and will be one of the first points of contacts for day to day support issues. In addition, the support technician will work alongside the Regional I.T. Manager to assist in completing I.T.-related projects.

The ideal candidate has stellar communications skills and is able to build strong relationships with team members and executives, while possessing the geek chops to diagnose and solve issues in a timely and efficient manner. The ideal candidate should also have a working familiarity with creative applications such as Apple Final Cut Studio and Adobe Creative Suite.

Primary Responsibilities
• Provide level 1 and 2 desktop and network support for a growing creative staff
• Report and document issues and fixes in a detailed and timely fashion
• Assist Regional I.T. manager on a project basis
• Assist with deployment and maintenance of desktop and mobile systems (Mac OS X, Windows XP through Windows 7)
• Network and communications troubleshooting

Requisite Skills
• In depth knowledge of and ability to troubleshoot operating systems and applications. Mac OS X 10.5.x-10.6.x, Windows XP Pro, Vista and Windows 7.
• In depth knowledge and ability to to troubleshoot messaging and calendaring systems and protocols, including but not limited to POP/IMAP, SMTP, and client applications and protocols such as Mail.app, Outlook, iCal, CALDAV, etc.
• Working knowledge of and ability to troubleshoot network environments, including but not limited to routers, switches, and network services such as DNS and DHCP.

Preferred Candidate will have:
• Familiarity with Mac OS X Server and Windows Server
• Familiarity with storage technology and file services - AFP, SMB, XSAN, RAID arrays
• Working knowledge of UNIX/Linux/OS X command line interface
• Passion for technology in the creative space

Education:
• College degree or in-progress preferred but not required depending on experience and skill level
• Desktop support certification(s) a plus, but not required

Send PDF to job_la_temp_desktop_support@d-kitchen.com

New York - Creative Director

The New York office of Digital Kitchen is seeking a Creative Director with experience in the advertising industry and strong interactive skills. The proven ability to deliver strategy, creative concept, as well as oversee the execution of integrated campaigns is required.

This position requires an individual with strong leadership ability and refined interoffice and client communication skills. The ability to build and inspire a team of designers, from creative concept to execution, is essential. The successful candidate must possess the ability to collaborate across offices with other Creative Directors to forge common goals and create work in line with DK company vision and standards. The role of the Creative Director is to motivate, enthuse, encourage, aim, focus, and concentrate the attention of creative employees and production partners on what really matters.

Requirements
• 10 years+ relevant experience
• Collaborates with Head of Creative and Executive Producers on development plans for projects; demonstrates a command of the creative process from concept through execution
• Reads and knows the strengths and weaknesses of the team at hand, and manages and motivates accordingly
• Examples of online brand evolution within an integrated campaign
• Able to apply insight to understand a brand need and craft a strategy accordingly
• Creative must be supported by analytics and ROI-driven
• Solid understanding of social media platforms and their application in interactive campaign
• Understands profitability considerations for creative jobs and works to develop solutions to achieve them with their team
• Prepares and conducts performance reviews and promotion decisions for creative staff; works in collaboration with Head of Creative on performance related responsibilities
• Preference will be given to candidates with solid industry relationships

Send PDF to job_ny_cd@d-kitchen.com

Seattle - Creative Director

Digital Kitchen Seattle is looking for a forward-thinking creative leader.

You look at design as more than applying aesthetics. You see editorial as a creative opportunity instead of a post production process. You see the power of combining multiple disciplines to shape brands and messages across all mediums. You revel in having conversations with clients and their customers.

Candidates must show a portfolio of work and achievement that demonstrates superior visual/directorial skills and shows your process and thinking. Special attention will be given to your experience working in team-focused environments.

The right candidate will have the following:
• 3-5 years related experience
• Ability to shape a narrative vision.
• Ability to translate a creative vision across multiple mediums and platforms including interactive, experiential, episodic, and others yet to be invented.
• A passion for the craft of storytelling, getting your hands dirty, and a willingness to stick a band-aid on that just-shy-of-the emergency-room X-Acto wound and keep working.
• Ability to excel in a studio environment that creates and shares ideas then builds them from scratch.
• Proven track record of marrying design and live action in service of a creative vision.
• Mastery of design and production tools, discipline and workflow.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and thinking across different brands that vary in tone and audience.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills

Send PDF to job_sea_cd@d-kitchen.com

Seattle - Senior Copywriter

Digital Kitchen Seattle is looking for a talented, experienced Senior Copywriter.

As a seasoned writer and conceptualist, you not only generate ideas. You inspire others to develop their own. Your creative energy is encouraging. You lead through your contributions. You are humble yet confident.

This is not a position for people only looking to write headlines and thirty-second spots. This is a position for a highly conceptual individual who has a desire to impact culture and contribute to a creative team.

Candidates must show a portfolio of work and achievement that encompasses strong concept development and the ability to translate ideas into creative executions, across multiple channels.

The right candidate will have the following:
• 3-5 years experience.
• Ideas that generate more ideas. Concepts that build brands.
• Excellent writing skills. Strong attention to detail.
• You are capable of coming up with concepts and experiences and executing them across all channels.
• Capable of juggling multiple projects and thinking across different brands that vary in tone and audience.
• Maturity and presence. Ability to inspire and lead junior creative talent.
• Engaging presentation skills. Desire to collaborate. Sense of humor.
• Ability to work with people in all areas of the business, from producers to creative directors to administrative support. Have an intrinsic respect for co-workers and the desire to be a key part of a talented team.

Send PDF to job_sea_sr_cw@d-kitchen.com

Seattle - Junior Copywriter

Digital Kitchen Seattle is looking for an ambitious and talented Junior Copywriter.

You view writing as an art but understand its commercial application. You are passionate about communicating in 21st century entertainment and marketing. This is not a position for people only looking to write headlines and thirty-second spots. This is a position for a highly conceptual individual who has a desire to impact culture and develop their craft.

Candidates must show a portfolio of work and achievement that encompasses strong concept development and the ability to translate ideas into creative executions, across multiple channels.

The right candidate will have the following:
• 0-2 years experience.
• Ideas that inspire more ideas. Concepts that build brands.
• Excellent writing skills. Strong attention to detail.
• Engaging presentation skills. Desire to collaborate. Sense of humor.
• Ability to work with people in all areas of the business, from producers to creative directors to administrative support. Have an intrinsic respect for co-workers and the desire to be a key part of a talented team.
• Willingness to lose at ping pong.

Send PDF to job_sea_jr_cw@d-kitchen.com