Art Director, NYTT

ITP Media Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media organization in Dubai is seeking an experienced Art Director to lead the visual identity of T: The New York Times Style Magazine MENA across various platforms. The ideal candidate will have 8-10 years in editorial/brand art direction, a strong portfolio, and proficiency in industry-standard tools. Responsibilities include overseeing design execution and collaborating across teams. This role requires candidates to be bilingual in English and Arabic, with extensive experience in both print and digital environments.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years in editorial/brand art direction with notable portfolio.
• Mastery of typography and grid systems.
• Strong prepress knowledge and digital accessibility practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead visual identity for T: The New York Times Style Magazine MENA.
• Oversee issue design from flatplan to final files.
• Commission and direct visual talent across various formats.

Skills

Editorial/brand art direction

Collaboration and presentation skills

Adobe Creative Cloud expertise

Photography direction

Bilingual English/Arabic

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Figma

Capture One

After Effects

Premiere

Job description

ITP Media Group is hiring an Art Director to lead the visual identity and design execution of T: The New York Times Style Magazine MENA across print, digital, social, video, audio, and live experiences. Reporting to the Editor in Chief, the Art Director will drive the visual agenda, translate editorial ideas into striking, culturally resonant designs, and uphold world-class standards in line with the global T brand while building a distinct regional aesthetic.

Requirements

1. Visual Vision & Brand Stewardship
   Working with our Group Art Director, define and codify T MENA's visual language across all platforms—typography, colour, grid, photography, illustration, motion, and UI/UX—balancing global T guidelines with a distinctive MENA sensibility.
   Own and maintain brand style guides, design systems, and component libraries for print and digital; ensure consistent application across English and Arabic outputs (RTL considerations, bilingual typography).
   Partner with the Editor in Chief on cover concepts, key packages, and signature franchises; champion visual excellence and originality.
2. Editorial Design & Production
   Lead issue design from flatplan to final files: pacing, visual hierarchy, typography, image selection, and layout craft for a monthly print cadence.
   Oversee digital design for feature templates, social franchises, newsletter layouts, and article packaging; ensure responsive, accessible, and on-brand execution.
   Manage prepress and print production, including colour management, retouching standards, proof reviews, paper stock recommendations, and press sign-off.
3. Photography Shoots & Visual Commissioning
   Commission and direct photographers, stylists, set designers, illustrators, and retouchers across fashion, portraiture, art/design, and still life.
   Build shoot treatments and storyboards; ensure lighting, styling, and composition meet T standards.
   Maintain a roster of regional and international visual talent; source fresh voices and experimental approaches.
4. Cross-Platform Motion & Social Aesthetics
   Set motion guidelines for video opens, lower thirds, kinetic type, and graphic packages; collaborate with video leads on story packaging and color grading.
   Create social-first visual systems (Reels/Shorts, carousels, Stories, TikTok) that translate T's refinement into high-impact platform-native designs.
   Oversee podcast identity systems and live/experiential branding for talks, salons, and exhibitions.
5. Collaboration, Operations & Talent
   Collaborate with the Deputy Editor on schedules, flatplans, and delivery milestones; ensure seamless handoffs between teams.
   Partner with commercial, PR, agency, and partnerships teams on branded content within licensor guidelines.
   Foster an inclusive, experimentation-friendly culture; run portfolio reviews; contribute to talent scouting.
6. Budget & Asset Management
   Implement workflows, organize file architectures, and manage assets in our DAM system.
   Maintain rights and clearances documentation; coordinate with legal/standards when needed.
7. Innovation & Benchmarking
   Track global design trends, emerging tools, and apply learnings judiciously.
   Pursue awards, showcases, and exhibitions to elevate T MENA's profile and influence.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years in editorial/brand art direction with a portfolio of landmark covers, features, and cross-platform systems (print, web, social, motion).
• Mastery of typography and grid systems; proficiency in photographic direction, image editing, and art production.
• Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Cloud, Capture One; working knowledge of After Effects/Premiere or similar; Figma or equivalent for digital systems.
• Strong prepress knowledge and digital accessibility practices.
• Experience in commissioning and directing photographers/illustrators; extensive network in MENA and internationally.
• Familiarity with Arabic typography and RTL layouts; bilingual English/Arabic preferred.
• Excellent collaboration, presentation, stakeholder management skills; calm, detail-oriented, reliable under deadlines.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Visual quality and consistency across platforms; recognition through awards.
• Exceptional visual packaging and growth of visual franchises.
• Diversity and strength of contributor network; talent development.
• Client/stakeholder satisfaction with projects.
• Engagement metrics for social and video content.