Design Director, W

W magazine seeks a Design Director who will help shape the overall look of the W brand. The Design Director will collaborate with the editorial, visuals, and fashion teams, as well as the creative directors, to execute W’s strategy and vision across print, digital, video, and social media. The ideal candidate is able to work at a conceptual level while also being detail-oriented, managing multiple projects in a highly collaborative environment. This position reports directly to the Editor in Chief and oversees a team of two designers.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee design direction across W's platforms (print, digital, video, and social media) through collaboration with the visuals, editorial, fashion, production, and sales/marketing teams, as well as with the creative director team. 
• Manage a team of two designers (print and digital).
• Create print layouts for covers and interior stories, and oversee the design team’s layouts, typesetting, image cropping, and design color palettes with a focus on improving engagement across all platforms.
• Prepare for and lead book meetings for the Editor in Chief’s review of print issues in progress.
• Provide visuals team with photo-correction direction and notes as needed.
• Work with the production director on the post-production print process, including overseeing color-correction and readiness of all imagery. 
• Create all release assets for print articles.

• Extensive experience with print magazines, as well as strong knowledge of the digital media landscape.
• Expert knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite, including a familiarity with motion graphics/video editing as well as a knowledge of Figma and other emerging digital tools.
• The ability to multitask across multiple long- and short-term projects while being focused on meeting immediate deadlines, and to think conceptually while also maintaining attention to detail.
• Deep knowledge of contemporary photography and illustration. An interest in contemporary art is a plus.
• Knowledge of emerging trends in fashion, design, film, art, media, and technology as relevant to the W brand.
• A team-oriented approach, with excellent communication skills, a strong desire to collaborate, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
• 5-10 years minimum experience in magazine design direction.