Art Director

About the position

BDG is a leading independent media company with a portfolio of influential brands, including Bustle, Nylon, W, and Scary Mommy. Our content reaches over 115 million readers monthly. Data is at the core of our business, driving audience insights, content monetization, and strategic decision-making. We are seeking an Art Director to lead and elevate the visual identity of Bustle and BDG's editorial platforms. This role combines creative leadership, brand strategy, and hands-on design expertise to drive high-quality visuals across our digital and social channels. The ideal candidate has strong editorial design experience, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to lead a team of designers, illustrators, and photographers while collaborating closely with the Creative Director and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the design team, ensuring smooth execution of creative projects and photo productions.
• Develop cohesive branding and maintain a consistent visual style across all of Bustle's digital platforms, including articles, interactive content, social media, and major editorial packages.
• Oversee photo shoots, from ideation to production, while building and maintaining a strong creative roster of illustrators, photographers, and other visual contributors.
• Provide creative mentorship to Senior Designers and Designers, ensuring all design work aligns with BDG's strategic goals and brand vision.
• Manage design strategy, articulate brand guidelines, and foster collaboration across departments, ensuring alignment with editorial, video, and motion graphics teams.
• Work with editors to brainstorm and execute visually compelling stories, including infographics, original illustrations, and social-first content.
• Oversee and contract illustrators, negotiate fees, and ensure content meets brand and editorial standards.
• Attend creative brainstorms and client calls, presenting concepts and maintaining BDG's reputation for innovative design solutions.
• Ensure a seamless and cohesive aesthetic across Bustle's editorial, video, and social offerings.
• Optimize visual elements for desktop and mobile experiences, balancing design innovation with usability.

Requirements

• A portfolio demonstrating strong editorial design, branding, and digital storytelling skills.
• Proven creative leadership experience in a digital and/or agency setting, with at least 6 years of experience in editorial or digital design.
• Experience managing a creative team, providing feedback, and leading projects from conception to execution.
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and a working knowledge of After Effects.
• Strong time management skills, capable of overseeing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• A deep understanding of how to produce shareable content and create visuals that resonate with Bustle's audience.
• Strong judgment in balancing legacy brand identity with evolving design trends.
• Ability to attend video shoots and collaborate with motion designers to create video graphics.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for professional growth in an innovative and fast-growing media company.