Job Description

Job Summary: The Associate Director, Creative will lead a talented team of interactive designers, graphics reporters and content creators in developing innovative and engaging presentation solutions that align with the company’s vision and goals. As a manager, this role focuses on mentoring and guiding team members while collaborating cross-functionally to enhance the overall processes. The ideal candidate will have a strong design background, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for fostering a creative, productive, and inclusive work environment. Experience with newspaper design and a special focus on opinion content across both print and digital platforms is essential.

Motivation: This role is ideal for a design professional who thrives on shaping the creative direction of a team, driving innovation, and delivering impactful design solutions. You will have the opportunity to mentor designers, influence strategy, and contribute to the company’s success by ensuring our designs meet the highest standards. Passion for design excellence, combined with a desire to integrate new methodologies like AI-driven design processes, will make you successful in this role. As part of the leadership team, you will have the chance to inspire creativity and elevate the company’s visual identity across print and digital channels.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management:

Supervise and mentor a team of designers, providing guidance and constructive feedback.Conduct regular performance evaluations and facilitate professional development opportunities.Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture that encourages creativity and innovation.

Design Strategy & Execution:

Develop and implement design strategies that align with the company’s business objectives and brand identity.Oversee the design process from concept to execution, ensuring high-quality deliverables that meet project timelines and budgets.Collaborate with product managers, marketers, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment across projects and integrate their requirements into the design process.

Project Management:

Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and allocating resources effectively.Establish and maintain project timelines, ensuring deadlines are met without compromising quality standards.Monitor project progress, making adjustments as needed to achieve desired outcomes.

Research & Innovation:

Stay current with industry trends, tools, and technologies to inspire the team’s work.Recognize and incorporate emerging technologies such as AI into design processes to improve creativity and efficiency.Encourage the exploration of new design methodologies and processes.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement:

Present design concepts and proposals to stakeholders, incorporating feedback to refine and enhance designs.Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external clients to ensure satisfaction and alignment with expectations.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Design, Fine Arts, or a related field or experience; a Master’s degree is a plus.5+ years of experience in a design role, with at least 2 years in a leadership or management position.Strong portfolio showcasing a range of design work across various mediums, with a focus on both print and digital design for publications—especially opinion pieces.Proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma) and familiarity with project management tools.Understanding of newspaper design is key.

Preferred Skills:

Experience in print and digital design for publications, particularly in opinion-based content.Knowledge of UX/UI principles and practices.Ability to analyze user feedback and translate it into actionable design improvements.Familiarity with AI-driven design tools and emerging trends in design technology.

Compensation and Benefits

Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:

Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage

Company-paid pension and 401(k) match

Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave

Nine paid holidays and two personal days

20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent

Robust mental health resources

Backup care and caregiver concierge services

Gender affirming services

Pet insurance

Free Post digital subscription

Leadership and career development programs

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.

The salary range for this position is:

130,300.00 - 242,100.00 USD Annual

The actual salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements. This position may be eligible for a bonus or incentive program, and a member of the Talent Acquisition team will discuss bonus payment terms and conditions during the interview process.

The Post strives to provide its readers with high-quality, trustworthy news and information while constantly innovating. That mission is best served by a diverse, multi-generational workforce with varied life experiences and perspectives. All cultures and backgrounds are welcomed. 

The innovation doesn’t end in the Newsroom – dozens of teams power The Washington Post.  We are now hiring the next innovator – how will you Impact Tomorrow?

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