This is advanced professional and technical work managing the county's outgoing mail and graphic production services.

An employee in this class is responsible for the management of the county's main printing plant, creative design center, satellite digital print facilities and mail service center. Responsibilities include developing and administering highly specialized contracts for the purchase of paper, commercial graphics services, mail services, specialized photographic services, oversized display prints, sheet fed and web press pressroom production, business forms production, bindery and finishing services. Supervision is exercised over all elements of production through a staff of subordinate operational managers and by direct coordination with multiple commercial contractors and mail houses to assure timely delivery of finished products and for adherence to job specifications, contract terms, and required quality level of finished products. Considerable independent judgment is exercised in evaluating creativity, artistic aesthetics, and presswork quality. General supervision is received from an administrative superior who holds the incumbent responsible for the attainment of desired objectives.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Develops both long and short term planning goals for management of the county's main printing plant, creative design center, satellite digital print facilities and mail service center.

Evaluates benefits of technology acquisition; formulates bid specifications for graphic arts equipment including graphic design computers, peripherals and software, pre-press imaging equipment, printing presses and photo copiers, finishing equipment and mail center software and equipment.

Develops and administers highly specialized procurement contracts for the purchase of mail services, printing papers, commercial graphics services including specialized sheet fed and web press pressroom production, business forms production, bindery and, finishing services; reviews and evaluates recommendations.

Develops highly complex variable data projects such as the printing and mailing of tax bills, polling place registers, voter cards, tax delinquency e-certified mail and Animal Services citations, collaborates extensively with clients, Enterprise Technology Services Department (ETSD) and 311 to provide electronic records for reference or uploading to the Electrical Database Management System (EDMS).

Consults with division clients and advises on proposed project's design specifications; manages all elements of production through a staff of subordinate operational managers and by direct coordination with multiple commercial contractors.

Recommends specifications and production alternatives to reduce production times and costs; monitors actual production schedules to ensure timely delivery of finished product; and serves as primary contact for customers on all purchased printing.

Manages the collection and reporting of facility performance information; monitors and periodically adjusts service rates and charges; directs programming and utilization of computerized job tracking, history, specification and billing system.

Educates subordinates regarding new industry production methods and materials; selects and reviews training seminars for employee attendance, attends professional conferences, trade shows and industry meetings; reviews a variety of technical and trade publications and communicates with trade associations.

Performs regular inspections of work areas to monitor work in progress, housekeeping, safe work practices, and the proper use of equipment.

Formulates complete and thorough job production specifications; selects production source (in-house offset, in-house digital or vendor) based on analysis of various considerations including price, ability to meet delivery timeframes, individual job complexity and skill level of contractors; conducts spot market price inquiries for large jobs and awards job by preparing written service order with complete production specifications.

Provides critical analysis of digital color proofs for color intensity, positioning, pigmentation and specifies required color corrections.

Provides essential direction for mail piece design; selects the postage class based on knowledge of postal regulations and the client's objectives assuring the lowest available postage rates are obtained.

Conducts executive level relations with the US Postal Service and awarded vendors; exercises critical independent judgment in determining the best industry accepted production methods for each job in consultation with vendor production supervisors. Inspects quality of production at all stages; during on-site visits, stops work found to be inferior, substantiates the problem to vendor executives and develops method of restitution; employs considerable judgment and negotiating skills to avoid acrimony or protests and maintain a productive working relationship between the county and vendors.

Provides crucial managerial support to senior County officials in the production of printed materials during highly sensitive or emergency situations.

Reviews vendor invoices for services received, verifies charges, and approves payments.

Supervises the proper maintenance and storage of returned artwork, dyes, and job samples.

Makes recommendations and decisions regarding hiring, discipline and promotion of subordinates, authorizes leave and overtime, reviews employee performance report prepared by subordinates, and rates performance.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Thorough knowledge of all aspects of creative design services including scanner and camera techniques, art design; page layout, illustration and image manipulation software, digital electronic laser image enhancement and the preparation of electronic files and conventional mechanical art required for lithographic reproduction.

Thorough knowledge of US Postal regulation, mail piece design and acceptable data formats required to achieve the client's objectives for the lowest postage rates.

Thorough knowledge of papers and inks used in lithographic reproduction and the technical understanding of the press/bindery running characteristics of each.

Thorough knowledge of the operating requirements of large lithographic printing presses and the ability to prepare printing order specifications to maximize press running economies.

Thorough knowledge of job finishing and the ability to supervise the preparation of designs that facilitates economical finishing.

Knowledge of technology associated with digital printing, mail room technology, electronic "pre-press" systems including page make-up, typesetting, document scanning, interfacing, laser and ink jet output.

Knowledge of trade terminology used in graphics industry.

Ability to direct and understand computer network design and operation including the development of custom software, data structure, cross platform communication protocol and access to Internet.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, senior County officials and other public and private officials.

Ability to supervise subordinates in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, verbally and in writing.