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Art Director Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Art Teacher

Decatur, IL ยท On-site

$43K - $57K/yr

Position Type: Elementary School Teaching Date Posted: 7/16/2026 Location: Dennis Lab School Date Available: ASAP Closing Date: until filled 500.033 TITLE: Certified Secondary Teacher QUALIFICATIONS:

Art Director information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$44.1K

$120.7K

$145.2K

How much do art director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for art director in Springfield, IL is $120,674.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,900.00 and $125,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an art director?

An art director is the head of the art department for a company. As an art director, your responsibilities and duties include overseeing all visual art related tasks and projects for your department, such as publication layouts, photography, or advertising images. You train the junior members of your team, delegate responsibilities to them, and see that their projects are being completed on time and on budget. In this management role, you are responsible for everything your team produces. You must work collaboratively with other teams within the company to meet project requirements.

What does an art director do?

An Art Director is responsible for overseeing the visual style and creative direction of projects in industries such as advertising, publishing, film, and digital media. They collaborate with clients and creative teams to develop concepts, manage visual elements, and ensure that the overall look aligns with the project's goals. Art Directors guide designers, illustrators, and photographers, making key decisions about layouts, colors, and imagery. Their role is essential in creating cohesive and visually appealing final products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an art director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Art Director, you need a strong background in visual design, creativity, and leadership, typically supported by a degree in graphic design, fine arts, or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, and experience managing creative projects and teams, are essential. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills help Art Directors convey their vision and lead teams effectively. These skills are crucial for delivering compelling visual concepts that align with client goals and drive brand success.

How does an art director typically collaborate with other creative team members during a project?

An Art Director works closely with graphic designers, copywriters, photographers, and other creative professionals to ensure visual consistency and alignment with the project's vision. They lead brainstorming sessions, provide clear direction and feedback, and often act as the main point of contact between the creative team and clients or stakeholders. Effective collaboration is essential, as the Art Director balances creative ideas with practical constraints like timelines and budgets, ensuring the final deliverables meet both aesthetic and strategic goals.

What is the difference between Art Director vs Graphic Designer?

AspectArt DirectorGraphic Designer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in art, design, or related field; experience in creative rolesBachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communication, or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads creative teams, collaborates with clients, oversees visual conceptsCreates visual content, works on design projects independently or in teams
Industry UsageAdvertising, marketing, media, entertainmentBranding, print, digital media, advertising

While both roles require strong design skills and creative vision, Art Directors typically oversee entire projects and manage teams, whereas Graphic Designers focus on creating specific visual elements. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the creative industry.

Do art directors get paid well?

Art directors typically earn a competitive salary that varies by industry, experience, and location. According to industry data, the median annual wage for art directors is higher than the average for many creative roles, often exceeding $100,000 in the United States, especially with experience and strong portfolio development. They often work in advertising, publishing, or media companies and may require skills in design software and leadership.

Is an art director a hard job?

An art director's job can be demanding as it involves managing creative teams, overseeing visual concepts, and meeting project deadlines. It requires strong leadership, communication skills, and proficiency with design tools, often leading to long hours during busy periods.

Is there a demand for art directors?

The demand for art directors remains steady across industries such as advertising, media, and entertainment, driven by the need for visual storytelling and branding. Employment is expected to grow as organizations continue to prioritize creative leadership and visual communication, with skills in design software and project management being valuable assets.

What can you do as an art director?

An art director oversees the visual style and creative direction of projects such as advertising campaigns, films, or publications. They collaborate with designers, photographers, and clients to develop concepts, select visual elements, and ensure the final product aligns with the intended aesthetic. Strong leadership, communication skills, and proficiency with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite are essential in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Art jobs in Springfield, IL?

The most popular types of Art jobs in Springfield, IL are:

What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Art Director jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Art Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Art Director job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 66% In-person, 25% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,674 per year, or $58 per hour.

$43K - $57K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Elementary School Teaching
Date Posted:
7/16/2026
Location:
Dennis Lab School
Date Available:
ASAP
Closing Date:
until filled
500.033
TITLE: Certified Secondary Teacher
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Illinois State certificate in the teaching field qualifying the teacher to teach at the secondary level.
  2. Bachelor's Degree
  3. Ability to function effectively as a member of the school staff.
  4. Such other requirements as the Board may establish.

REPORTS TO:
The Secondary Building Principal
SUPERVISES:
(Instructs and evaluates the school work of designated):
Students
Student Teachers
Volunteers
Assists the Principal with the evaluation of Teaching Assistants
MAINTAINS LIAISON WITH:
Parents. Communicates with parents as the teacher deems necessary, or when requested by parents or administrators.
JOB GOAL: To help students learn subject matter and skills that will contribute to their development as mature, able, and responsible men and women.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
(In addition to those listed in 500.31, Certified Teacher, the following are the essential fundamentals to include but not limited to the following job duties.)
1. Teaching in compliance with curricular requirements of the State and of the Board of Education of District 61.
2. Remaining current on research, new developments and literature on education, especially elementary and/or the area of special assignment.
3. Compliance with Board Policies, Administrative Regulations, and Board-Employee Agreements at the school level.
4. Participation on an appointive, elective, or volunteer basis in the curriculum development process at the building and district levels, as is required to periodically review all curricular areas to keep them up-to-date.
5. Participation from time-to-time, in the development of District Policies and Administrative Regulations, on an appointive, elective, or volunteer basis.
The major instructional function of the secondary classroom teacher includes:
1. Instructional Delivery
This includes an understanding and the ability to use the principles of learning (motivation, reinforcement, retention, transfer) and the ability to make sound judgments above the use of such instructional techniques as appropriate pacing, questioning, grouping, actively involving the students, and directly vs. indirectly instructing the students.
2. Human Skills
This includes the ability to stimulate students, bring enthusiasm to the learning process, and provide both a concern and care for the worth and dignity of the individual.
3. Planning Skills
This includes the ability to develop goals/objectives for content/skills based upon evaluation of student needs, aptitude, and learning styles. Provision for both individual and group learning experience is involve.
4. Evaluation of Students and Programs.
This includes the ability to construct and use diagnostic, criterion reference and student achievement tests. Evaluation also encompasses the maintenance and
interpretation of records for students, parents, administrators, and other teachers.
5. Classroom Management
This includes controlling and structuring the learning environment so that students adhere to rules and providing opportunities for students to acquire that self-discipline necessary in school and adult life.
6. Resource Utilization
This includes the ability to use the resource materials available--including both the academic and human, within and outside of the confines of the educational plant.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Salary is based upon Schedules A & B, of the collective negotiated Agreement.
EVALUATION:
Each employee in contractual continuing service shall be evaluated at least once every two (2) years. Each employee not in continuing contractual service shall be evaluated once every year.
Physical Demands
Handle work which deals mostly with people, objects, equipment in a general setting; depth perception and field of vision are important. Employee regularly is required to bend, stoop, twist, turn, reach, lift (up to 50 pounds), carry, pull, push, climb, and kneel; walking and standing approximately 50-75% of each shift. Employee must recognize differences in sound, such as voices/noises that are loud and playful instead of angry and combative; ability to differentiate tones and volumes in conversation.
Mental Demands
The Teacher must ensure that children are supervised at all times, and that children are involved in safe and appropriate activities. There may be a number of situations happening at once, and the Teacher must be prepared to handle accidents and emergencies at any time.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The Teacher will be working in a busy and occasionally noisy environment. There may be a number of activities and situations happening at once, and the Teacher will have to supervise all students at all times.
Decatur Public Schools is an equal employment opportunity employer with an affirmative action plan.
Approved 6/24/97
This position falls under the Decatur Education Association (DEA) Contract - 2022-2026.
The Salary Schedule is attached above. Benefit information can be found HERE.
Attachment(s):
  • 500.033 - Certified Secondary Teacher.doc
  • DEA Salary 2026-2027.pdf