Art Director (Creative Studio)

How You’ll Contribute

The Communication, Marketing and Brand team uses creative and strategic tools to further the mission of the National Geographic Society (NGS), while maintaining our place as one of the world’s most trusted non-profit organizations and global brands. The Division’s creative minds develop and execute mission-driven, on-brand strategies and integrated strategic communications, marketing, creative and audience growth for the National Geographic Society and unifying our efforts across our owned channels, outside partners and earned media. The team is composed of six integrated departments: Creative Studio, Integrated Brand Marketing, Partnership Marketing, MarCom Operations & Internal Communications, Strategic Communications and Executive Communications & Public Relations.

The Art Director is a key creative leader within our in-house Creative Studio team, working closely with the Senior Director, Creative Studio to conceptualize, develop and execute integrated creative campaigns and marketing collateral that communicate our mission, build enthusiasm for the brand and move our audiences to action. The Art Director is responsible for translating business goals and strategies into engaging creative work across platforms, leading creative projects from concept through production. This role also provides mentorship and direction to a small team of designers, ensuring that creative output is best-in-class, brand-aligned and on-brief.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

Art Direction, Concept Development and Execution (50%)

• Collaborate with Senior Director, Creative Studio and divisional marketing teams to develop top-level themes, campaign concepts and design directions that resonate with target audiences 

• Provide art direction and establish design standards for fundraising campaigns, visual identities, donor stewardship materials and more

• Develop and maintain visual style guides

• Work with divisional marketing teams to assess needs and develop template solutions for production-oriented work

• Participate in brainstorming sessions to develop creative themes for programmatic initiatives and signature events

• Guide and execute visual assets for digital, print and OOH ads, emails, web, social media content, and event materials

Project and Team Management (35%)

• Manage a small team of designers, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment

• Provide constructive feedback during group creative critique sessions and on creative deliverables from the design team to ensure high-quality output that aligns with project brief and goals

• Ensure the consistent use of style guides and brand standards across all deliverables

• Work with the Studio Manager to establish timelines, assess new projects and determine day-to-day work assignments for the design team in our project management system

Strategy and Operations (15%)

• Work with the Senior Director, Creative Studio and Studio Manager to define, implement and maintain creative workflows and processes, ensuring efficient production and identifying opportunities for templatization

• Stay current on industry trends, new technologies, and data-driven insights to continually evolve and optimize creative output

• Create an organized, well-documented archive of work to be accessible to future users

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Communications, etc.).

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

10+ years of working on multi-platform marketing campaigns at an in-house agency, ad agency, or design firm with a minimum 3 years experience managing teams. A portfolio of prior work which demonstrates a history of high-level design acumen, color theory and typography. Ability to show an understanding of campaign development and how integrated deliverables work across platforms. 

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and Figma

• Strong portfolio showcasing expertise in art direction, marketing campaigns, design and storytelling

• Well-versed in both the print and digital design, including production processes

• Creative and innovative thinker, expert collaborator and communicator

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet tight deadlines, and be highly detail-oriented

• Experience with project management software, such as Monday.com.

• Ability to work collaboratively across many teams and functions

Desired Qualifications

• Video and motion experience are a plus. 

Supervision

2+ direct reports 

Salary Information

The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Our compensation structure and transparent pay philosophy are based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations.

The salary range for this position accounts for a wide range of factors including but not limited to organizational need; specific skill sets; experience and training; certifications; and more. At the National Geographic Society, individuals are typically hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

The salary range for this position is $133,000.00 - $140,000.00.

In addition, the National Geographic Society offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; engaging and comprehensive wellness program; 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment; flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave; 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31 (May not apply to all roles that are required to work during high volume seasons or essential workers. Please check with the hiring manager for confirmation.); paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits; learning and development opportunities; Lifestyle Spending Account; pet adoption assistance and insurance; pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy; employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit; and a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks.

Job Designation

Hybrid - At the Society, we believe in the advantages of coming together to build community, mentor and learn from colleagues, and connect more deeply with our mission. As a result, the majority of our staff are Hybrid. Our Hybrid category requires that staff work at Base Camp two days each week: every Tuesday and Wednesday. Hybrid staff are also always welcome to come in additional days each week if preferred.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.