The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for. 

About the Role

Wirecutter is looking for a creative and inspiring creative director to oversee overall design direction and to build a strong visual approach for our journalism. This leader is responsible for the visual expression of Wirecutter, from articles to multimedia to branding, including visual direction for style guides, product development and new visual formats for ambitious visual journalism. 

You have experience leading teams that produce design work and visual storytelling. You should love what Wirecutter does, be a promoter for our mission and burst with smart, ideas to reimagine how we can use elevated design and visuals to better reach and serve our growing audience.

As creative director in charge of design and visual storytelling, you will play a critical role on Wirecutter’s editorial leadership team, taking a hand in the strategy, planning, and oversight operations for our 150-person newsroom. You will oversee several designers, illustrators, photographers and other visual journalists. 

You will also lead Wirecutter’s visual identity both on and off platform – including in short-form videos that largely live on social media, advertising and marketing materials, product design and much more. To that end, you will guide strategic partners throughout Wirecutter (including Product and Marketing) and the broader Times to help realize Wirecutter’s long-term goals to transform its visual identity. 

You will report to Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief when it comes to overseeing the editorial direction of Wirecutter’s visual journalism. You will report to Wirecutter’s deputy publisher on product, identity, advertising and other commercial design matters.

Applicants based in New York City are preferred.

Responsibilities:

Oversee design excellence and consistency, ensuring visual quality and effectiveness across Wirecutter’s editorial efforts and overall experience. 

You will develop and execute a new vision and direction for how Wirecutter’s storytelling will evolve to be much more visual and helpful.

You will work closely with the editor-in-chief to help lead Wirecutter’s 150-person editorial team, playing a key leadership role in overall editorial strategy and direction.

You will directly oversee and be accountable for the work of designers, photographers, designers and illustrators.

Set Wirecutter visual standards as part of partnerships with colleagues in Product, Marketing and other departments to shape product development and brand expression across platforms and initiatives.

Mentor and inspire the designers and journalists at Wirecutter, getting them excited about the work they do, providing clear guidance and feedback, and offering plentiful opportunities for their career development.

Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.

Basic Qualifications:

10+ years working at major publications

5+ years leadership or senior management experience overseeing large teams

Preferred Qualifications:

Exceptional visual taste, design skill, editorial judgment and leadership capability.

Experience communicating with senior executives.

Demonstrated ability to recruit, retain and motivate teams. Willingness to delegate responsibilities and ability to effectively lead.

Passion for Wirecutter’s mission and a commitment to be a part of our innovation and growth

The annual base pay range for this role is between $170,000.00 and $220,000.00.

Locations

Even with our office in New York City, Wirecutter remains a highly remote-friendly culture and is proud to employ incredible people across the country. Right now, we are eligible to hire in the following states: CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, ME, MA, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, TX, UT, VA, WA.

The New York Times is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, one that reflects the varied global community we serve. Our journalism and the products we build in the service of that journalism greatly benefit from a range of perspectives, which can only come from diversity of all types, across our ranks, at all levels of the organization. Achieving true diversity and inclusion is the right thing to do. It is also the smart thing for our business. So we strongly encourage women, veterans, people with disabilities, people of color and gender nonconforming candidates to apply.

The New York Times Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. The New York Times Company will provide reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Individuals seeking an accommodation for the application or interview process should email reasonable.accommodations@nytimes.com.  Emails sent for unrelated issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

The Company will further consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable "Fair Chance" laws.

The New York Times Company follows the pay transparency and non-discrimination provisions outlined by the United States Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. Click here for details.