The Head of Art Direction is responsible for leading the creative vision, development, and execution of photography and video content across all customer-facing marketing channels. This role will work in close partnership with the GVP of Creative Marketing, Head of Brand Design, Creative Services and other cross-functional creative teams, to develop compelling on-model, campaign, and motion content that strengthens the Belk brand, supports business objectives, and drives customer engagement. The position oversees the creative direction of campaign photography, video production, lifestyle content, social-first assets, promotional marketing, and brand storytelling initiatives.

This leader combines strategic thinking with hands-on creative expertise to evolve Belk's visual identity while delivering high-quality content that supports key marketing initiatives, seasonal campaigns, omnichannel experiences, and growth objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Partner with Creative and Marketing leadership to develop and execute photography and video strategies that support brand and business objectives.
• Evolve and maintain Belk's photographic and motion visual identity across all customer touchpoints.
• Monitor industry, retail, fashion, lifestyle, and digital content trends to identify innovative creative opportunities.
• Lead creative execution for on-model, editorial, lifestyle, campaign, e-commerce, social, and promotional photography and video content.
• Partner with Marketing and Creative teams to support key launches, hero campaigns, retail initiatives, influencer collaborations, brand events, and tentpole marketing moments.
• Direct all aspects of photo and video shoots, including lighting, composition, talent direction, posing, movement/blocking, and narrowing image and footage selection.
• Support photography and video budget management and vendor relationships to maximize creative impact and operational efficiency.
• Provide creative direction throughout pre-production, production, and post-production to maintain visual quality and consistency.
• Review and approve final imagery, video edits, and retouching to ensure alignment with brand standards.
• Ensure all photography and video assets are delivered accurately, on time, and according to brand standards.
• Support the development of omnichannel marketing initiatives across digital, social, retail, print, broadcast, and emerging platforms.
• Help establish photography and video standards, workflows, and best practices that support efficient, high-quality content creation.
• Serve as a key creative partner in maintaining and evolving the brand's visual identity across photography and video.
• Champion innovation in photography, motion, editing technologies, and AI-enabled creative tools while maintaining authentic brand representation.
• Portfolio (photo and video) and social media handles are required for consideration.

Required for All Jobs

• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree in marketing, Advertising, Design, Visual Communications, Photography, Fine Arts, or related field, required.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• 10+ Years professional experience in photography, art direction, creative leadership, brand marketing, or related creative disciplines, required.
• 5+ Years leadership experience managing creative teams, agencies, freelancers, and production partners, required.
• 3+ Years retail and brand experience developing photography and video content for retail, fashion, lifestyle or consumer brands, required
• 3+ Years experience directing large-scale brand campaigns, seasonal storytelling, product launches, and integrated marketing iniatives, required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated expertise in photography, video production, visual storytelling, lighting, composition, and post-production workflows.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to translate business objectives into compelling creative concepts and campaigns.
• Blend of creative excellence, strategic thinking, and business acumen.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities with experience managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high creative standards.
• Demonstrated proficiency Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Experience with digital asset management systems and creative production workflows.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Up to 25% travel
• Available and able to travel for location shoots, campaign productions, vendor meetings, industry events, and business needs