Design Director

Job Description

Be Part of What’s Next

House Beautiful is looking for an ambitious and innovative Design Director to shape and elevate the brand’s visual identity across print, digital, social, video, and special projects. This is an opportunity for a big-picture creative leader who can set a compelling visual direction while also executing exceptional design in a fast-paced, evolving media environment.

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)

Hearst Magazines’ portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands in the U.S.—including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s BAZAAR, and Popular Mechanics — inspires, entertains, and builds new and bold experiences for an engaged and growing audience across digital, video, social and print, reaching nearly 130 million readers and site visitors each month. With sophisticated content creation, cutting-edge technology, and industry-leading data capabilities, we make media and products that move people across all platforms. We are a global media company that publishes nearly 200 magazine editions and 175 websites around the world—and together, we are shaping what’s next.

Key Responsibilities (What You Are Doing)

• Lead the overall visual direction for House Beautiful across print, digital, social, video, and emerging platforms.
• Oversee the design and photography of the print magazine while ensuring consistency and excellence across all brand touchpoints.
• Manage and mentor the art department, including two direct reports, fostering collaboration and high creative standards.
• Collaborate closely with editorial teams to develop visually driven stories, packages, and features including photography, motion graphics, video, and infographics.
• Direct photo and video shoots, working with photographers, stylists, and creative partners to deliver compelling visual storytelling.
• Partner cross-functionally with teams including photo, marketing, branded content, and editorial to bring large-scale creative projects to life.
• Continuously evolve and strengthen House Beautiful’s visual identity while honoring the brand’s legacy.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all work is delivered on deadline, on budget, and at the highest creative quality.
• Leads by example with a willingness to roll up their sleeves and contribute directly to hands-on design work as needed, delivering high-quality execution with strong craft and attention to detail.
  
  

Qualifications (What We’re Looking For)

• Extensive experience in editorial design across print and digital platforms, ideally within a consumer lifestyle brand.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and mentoring designers or creative teams.
• Ability to balance high-level creative direction with hands-on design execution.
• Experience overseeing a consumer editorial brand, including cover design and visual storytelling.
• Familiarity with UI design principles and experience collaborating with UX and product design teams.
• Proven experience art-directing photography and video shoots.
• Strong collaboration skills and experience working closely with editorial, social, style, and other cross-functional teams.
• Advanced proficiency with design tools such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and editorial workflow platforms.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• A collaborative, thoughtful approach to leadership with a passion for strong visual storytelling.
• This role is based in New York, NY and operates on a hybrid schedule with four days per week in the office.
  
  

Benefits (What We Offer)

• Work with the Best: Collaborate with top-tier professionals across media, advertising, tech, fashion, lifestyle, and publishing, shaping the future of these dynamic industries.
• Grow Your Skills: Unlock your potential with access to innovative training programs, immersive workshops, and exclusive industry events.
• Work-Life Harmony: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work, empowering you to balance professional success with personal priorities.
• Foster Connection & Belonging: Join our Employee Resource Groups and help create a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.
• Wellness First: Prioritize your well-being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance from Day 1.
• Plan for Your Financial Future: Enjoy competitive financial perks, including a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
  
  

The base salary for this role is between $116,000 - $140,000. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Hearst is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.