Art Director: Magazine Design & Visual Storytelling

Highlights for Children; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Highlights for Children is seeking an experienced Art Director to lead the design and visual direction of Highlights and High Five magazines, shaping the look across four publications. You will partner with editorial to bring stories to life and manage a fast-paced production cycle.

The role requires strong leadership, mentoring of staff, and a deep understanding of magazine editorial and production workflows, with a proven track record in illustration, photography, typography, and layout for

Qualifications

• 10+ years professional magazine design and art direction experience.
• Strong understanding of magazine editorial and production workflows.
• Experience managing and mentoring creative staff.
• Experience assigning and art directing illustrators.
• Experience art directing photo shoots.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and visual direction of Highlights and High Five, while providing creative oversight and support across BrainPLAY and Hello.
• Partner closely with editorial to shape content and develop strong visual storytelling.
• Make and manage illustration assignments.
• Guide illustrations from concept through final art.
• Art direct photo shoots.
• Identify and cultivate emerging illustration talent while maintaining relationships with artists and freelancers.
• Lead and oversee the design of covers, features, departments, activities, crafts, and other magazine content.
• Balance multiple projects and deadlines across all four magazine publications.
• Collaborate closely with editorial, production, and other partners throughout the creative process.
• Maintain a distinct and consistent visual identity for each magazine while evolving its design.

Skills

Magazine design

Art direction

Editorial workflows

Mentoring

Illustration direction

Photo shoot direction

Time management

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

InCopy workflow

K4

CenShare

Job description

Highlights for Children is seeking an experienced Art Director to lead the design and visual direction of Highlights and High Five magazines, shaping the look across four publications. You will partner with editorial to bring stories to life and manage a fast-paced production cycle.

The role requires strong leadership, mentoring of staff, and a deep understanding of magazine editorial and production workflows, with a proven track record in illustration, photography, typography, and layout for