π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Art Director, Brand
πΉ Company: The Washington Post
πΉ Location: NY-New York TWP
πΉ Job Type: Full-Time
πΉ Category: Brand & Marketing
πΉ Date Posted: 2025-05-29
πΉ Experience Level: 7-8+ years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Establishing, maintaining, and strengthening The Postβs visual identity across various brand touchpoints
- Leading design efforts and collaborating with internal partners to deliver compelling creative campaigns
- Contributing to the evolution of design systems and brand book to ensure consistent application of The Postβs visual identity
- Managing a centralized library of creative assets to improve consistency and accessibility for internal teams
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, collaboration, and adaptability to thrive in a dynamic industry and organization.
π Key Responsibilities
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Develop and execute creative campaigns that align with briefs from internal partners, ensuring clarity, quality, and brand alignment
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Own the creative execution for assigned campaigns, functionally leading a pod of designers and writers from concept through delivery
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Collaborate with internal stakeholders throughout the creative process to refine concepts, gather feedback, and deliver outcomes that meet or exceed partner expectations
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Support enterprise campaigns by contributing to the execution of large-scale initiatives led by the Head of Brand Creative
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Maintain and evolve design systems by regularly reviewing and updating brand assets in coordination with creative leadership
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Create and implement new templates across platforms to enable scalable, high-quality creative execution across departments
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Curate and manage a centralized library of creative assets to improve consistency and accessibility for internal teams
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to balance multiple projects and deadlines.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelorβs degree in Fine Arts/Graphic Design/Visual Communications or commensurate experience
Experience: 7-8+ years as a mid-to-senior level designer working with a creative team in Marketing, Advertising, Media, or Publishing, preferably in an agency-like environment
Required Skills:
- Expertise in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, AfterEffects)
- Strong typographic sensibility
- Demonstrated experience in photo/video art direction and animation/motion graphics
- Experience in paid social and working knowledge of platformsβ best practices
- Unwavering attention to detail and an acute awareness that everything counts
Preferred Skills:
- Illustration or digital video editing experience
- Up on current design trends and industry practice, including use of AI tools and platforms
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong portfolio showcasing their creative problem-solving skills and experience working with brands will be highly competitive for this role.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $121,400 - $202,400 USD Annual
Benefits:
- Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Company-paid pension and 401(k) match
- Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave
- Nine paid holidays and two personal days
- 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent
- Robust mental health resources
- Backup care and caregiver concierge services
- Gender affirming services
- Pet insurance
- Free Post digital subscription
- Leadership and career development programs
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with five days per week in the office, with exceptions for newsgathering and general business travel
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a mid-to-senior level Art Director role in the New York City area.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Newspaper Publishing
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 1877 (as a daily newspaper)
Company Description:
- The Washington Post is an award-winning news leader that connects, informs, and enlightens local, national, and global readers with trustworthy reporting, in-depth analysis, and engaging opinions.
- The Post is as much a tech company as it is a media company, combining world-class journalism with the latest technology and tools so readers can interact with The Post anytime, anywhere.
- The Postβs mission is to shape ideas, redefine speed, take ownership, and lead in all aspects of its operations.
Company Specialties:
- Media
- Newspaper
- Online
- Digital
- Mobile
- Publishing
- Content
Company Website: http://www.washingtonpost.com/
ASSUMPTION: The Washington Post is a well-established and respected news organization with a strong commitment to journalistic integrity and innovation.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-to-Senior Level
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Brand Creative
Work Arrangement: On-site, with five days per week in the office, with exceptions for newsgathering and general business travel
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to lead larger campaigns and initiatives as experience and skills develop
- Opportunities to collaborate with and learn from other creative leaders within the Brand Creative Studio
- Potential to contribute to the growth and evolution of the Brand Creative Studio as a whole
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and creative team.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with five days per week in the office, with exceptions for newsgathering and general business travel
Office Location(s): New York City (NY-New York TWP)
Geographic Context:
- New York City is a major global hub for media, advertising, and marketing, offering ample opportunities for professional networking and growth
- The New York office is one of several Post locations, fostering a diverse and collaborative work environment
- The office is located in the heart of New York City, providing easy access to public transportation, dining, and entertainment options
Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, with five days per week in the office, with exceptions for newsgathering and general business travel
ASSUMPTION: The on-site work arrangement and office location provide ample opportunities for collaboration, networking, and professional development.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with a member of the Talent Acquisition team
- Portfolio review and creative challenge
- On-site or virtual interview with the Head of Brand Creative and other team members
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Creativity and problem-solving skills
- Portfolio and work samples
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Understanding of The Postβs brand and visual identity
- Adaptability and ability to thrive in a dynamic environment
Application Tips:
- Ensure your portfolio showcases a diverse range of creative problem-solving skills and experience working with brands
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experience for this role
- Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company to ask during the interview
ATS Keywords: Art Director, Brand, Creative Campaigns, Design Execution, Brand Alignment, Design Systems, Creative Asset Management, Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Photo/Video Art Direction, Animation/Motion Graphics, Paid Social, Attention to Detail
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a strong focus on creative problem-solving skills and relevant work experience.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Figma
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, AfterEffects)
- Paid social platforms (e.g., Facebook Ads, Instagram, Twitter)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in the listed tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Shape ideas
- Redefine speed
- Take ownership
- Lead
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic environment
- Committed to maintaining high standards for quality and creativity
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, dynamic work environment?
- Are you comfortable balancing multiple projects and deadlines?
- Do you have a strong portfolio showcasing your creative problem-solving skills and experience working with brands?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with The Washington Postβs values and work style, and who can demonstrate a strong portfolio and relevant work experience, will be well-suited to this role.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment
- Balancing creativity and brand consistency across various touchpoints
- Collaborating effectively with internal partners and stakeholders
- Keeping up with current design trends and industry best practices
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to balance multiple projects and deadlines.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique to The Washington Post, as it combines brand creative leadership with a focus on enterprise campaigns and initiatives
- Compared to similar roles in the industry, this position offers a unique opportunity to work with a well-established news organization and contribute to its visual identity
- Career progression in this role may lead to increased leadership responsibilities within the Brand Creative Studio or other creative departments within The Post
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of creative leadership, collaboration, and adaptability, with opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and innovative organization.
π Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive rebranding campaign for The Postβs digital platforms
- Creating a series of engaging and on-brand social media graphics to promote a new Post+ subscription initiative
- Designing and art directing a series of promotional videos for The Postβs events and initiatives
ASSUMPTION: The projects listed above are examples of the types of creative challenges this role may involve, and are not intended to be exhaustive or prescriptive.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role contribute to The Postβs overall brand strategy and visual identity?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does the Brand Creative Studio collaborate with other creative departments within The Post?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the Brand Creative Studio and The Post as a whole?
- How does The Post support work-life balance for its employees?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and well-researched questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in and understanding of the role and organization.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experience for this role
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your creative problem-solving skills and experience working with brands
- Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company to ask during the interview
- Follow up with the Talent Acquisition team one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.