Senior Art Director

Some agencies treat art direction as a step between the idea and the file. We don't. Our clients hire us because the work is considered - because a campaign feels like it belongs to them and to nobody else. That happens when someone owns the craft: the photography, the typography, the system, the details that separate work people notice from work people scroll past. This role is that person. You will set and hold the visual standard across our portfolio, partnering closely with the VP/Creative Director. This is a craft-first role by design. We are investing in depth, not just headcount, and we want someone who takes visible pride in what leaves the building. Role Scope This is a hands-on role. You will concept, art direct, and design across brand campaigns, integrated advertising, environmental and out-of-home, digital, social, and motion - from first territory exploration through final production files. You will art direct original photography and video, working with photographers, filmmakers, stylists, and retouchers to make sure what gets shot is what the concept actually needs. You will build visual systems that hold together across channels, markets, languages, and years - and package them so teams outside Schaefer can execute them correctly without a creative in the room. You will also raise the craft ceiling around you. You'll partner with our Copywriters, Art Directors and Production Artist, direct freelance designers and specialists, and help our creative team get better. What Success Looks Like Within your first 12 to 18 months you will have: - Raised the visible craft standard across the portfolio, in ways clients and the team can both point to. - Become a trusted conceptual art direction partner to the VP/Creative Director - Owned original photo and video direction on at least one flagship campaign from concept through final delivery. - Built or meaningfully strengthened a brand system that others can execute from without losing the intent. - Developed a working rhythm with our Copywriters, Art Directors, Designers and Production Artist that makes the whole team faster and sharper. - Directed freelance creatives effectively, with clear briefs and useful feedback. - Brought new tools, techniques, or production approaches into how we work - and taught them to others. Responsibilities Craft & Art Direction - Concept and art direct campaigns across brand, integrated advertising, out-of-home, digital, social, motion, and environmental work. - Own typography, composition, color, image selection, and detail - the choices that make work feel intentional rather than assembled. - Develop presentation-ready concepts. Much of our work is presented essentially final, with imagery and assets that are immediately usable. - Design for the medium: legibility at highway speed, hierarchy in a feed, restraint on a wall. - Kill your own work when a stronger idea is available, and make the case for the idea worth protecting. Photography, Video & Production - Art direct original photo and video shoots - casting, wardrobe, location, styling, lighting, and shot lists tied to the concept. - Partner with photographers, filmmakers, retouchers, and animators to get the intent onto the screen. - Curate and edit imagery with a strong point of view, including from existing client libraries. - Prepare final files and specs correctly for print, OOH, broadcast, and digital production. Systems & Scalability - Build brand and campaign systems that extend across channels, audiences, markets, and multiple years without going stale. - Create usage guidelines and toolkits written for non-designers - show how to make a decision, not just what the approved assets look like. - Design master files and templates built for localization, versioning, and bilingual application. - Establish and maintain templates and standards that free the team's energy for ideas rather than format. Collaboration & Team - Partner daily with our Copywriters, Art Directors, Designers, Production Artist, account service, and production teams - Give clear, specific, useful feedback - the kind that makes the next round better rather than just different. - Write briefs for and direct freelance designers, illustrators, photographers, and specialists. - Mentor by example and by explanation: help others understand why a choice works, not just that it does. Client & Presentation - Present and defend visual thinking clearly, in partnership with the Associate Creative Director and account leadership. - Explain the reasoning behind a craft decision in language a non-designer can act on. - Take feedback well, separate preference from strategic direction, and know which battles are worth having. Innovation - Stay genuinely current on tools, techniques, and production methods - including AI-assisted workflows. - Explore how new tools can raise craft and remove tedium, without letting them flatten the thinking. - Share what you learn with the team and help others adopt it thoughtfully. Who You Are You're a designer and art director first. You still love making the work, and you have the taste and judgment to know when it's right. You're comfortable: - Starting from a blank page and a loose strategic direction. - Being told an idea isn't there yet, and going back in. - Working at both ends - the big conceptual swing and the kerning. - Directing people whose craft differs from your own. - Explaining a visual choice to someone who doesn't share your vocabulary. - Moving between a highly considered brand campaign and a fast-turn seasonal execution in the same week. You care about the details other people don't notice, precisely because that's what makes the work feel finished. And you'd rather make something genuinely good than something merely approved. Experience We care far more about your portfolio than your résumé, but successful candidates will likely have: 6+ years in an advertising agency, design studio, or comparable creative environment. - A portfolio demonstrating range, conceptual thinking, and real craft - campaign work, not just executions. - Demonstrated experience art directing original photography and video. - Experience building brand or campaign systems intended for others to execute. - Fluency in Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma; motion, 3D, or interactive skills are a meaningful plus. - Digital and UI/UX capability is a strong plus - a growing share of our work lives on screen. - Experience directing freelance creative partners. - Experience in attractions, tourism, the arts, real estate, health and life sciences, economic development, hospitality, or destination marketing is helpful but not required. What We Value The best art directors combine strong taste with genuine curiosity. They know the difference between a preference and a principle. They're generous with what they know. They sweat details without losing the idea. They are accountable, humble, collaborative, and committed to continuous improvement. At Schaefer, craft is a form of respect - for the client, the audience, and the people you work with. Location & Work Style This position is based in Fort Worth, Texas. Team members are expected to work in the office at least three days per week. Benefits - 401k with 3% Employer Contribution - Health, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance - Vision Insurance - Paid Time Off - Generous Holiday Schedule - Dog Friendly Environment - Office closure between Christmas and New Years - Paid volunteer time - Paid parental leave *There is no relocation expense reimbursement for this role.