The Atlantic is looking for a senior art director to join the newsroom and play a central role in shaping and maintaining the visual identity of our journalism. This person will manage and mentor art directors and designers on the digital team, providing direction and support to ensure consistently high-quality visual output across the newsroom.
They will also focus on creating original illustrations for daily coverage and digital features, while commissioning and art directing from a network of contributors. The role will occasionally extend to special projects and print magazine assignments.
The ideal candidate brings a strong editorial sensibility and a deep understanding of how illustration and design function in a digital newsroom. They are equally comfortable generating original work and leading others, with a sharp eye for visual storytelling and a commitment to high standards.
This is a collaborative role within a fast-paced newsroom. The senior art director should be a strong conceptual thinker who can contribute a clear point of view while working across a wide range of stories, formats, and deadlines. They should approach their work with creativity and rigor, maintaining a high standard of editorial clarity and consistency.
Qualifications of the ideal candidate:
- 10+ years of experience working in editorial design, illustration, digital media, or a related field
- Experienced in managing art directors and/or designers, preferably within a journalism or news environment
- A strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking and excellence in visual storytelling
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Experienced in maintaining brand identities across multiple platforms
- Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma; experience with motion graphics and video editing is a plus
- Clear and effective communication skills
- Open to working in a fast-paced news environment
This role will at times involve early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekend work.
Salary Minimum: $105,000; Salary Maximum: $135,000This position is based in Washington, D.C. or New York City
