Mediabistro, Inc is hiring: Art Director in Richmond

You'll have true creative ownership while working alongside a close-knit, passionate team dedicated to showcasing the best of Virginia.What You'll Do Creative Direction Set and advance the visual direction for each issue, ensuring cohesive, high-quality storytelling across all editorial contentContribute story ideas and evaluate them for editorial relevance, freshness, and alignment with theVirginia LivingbrandIdentify and assign the right photographers, illustrators, and stylists for each story; negotiate fees and manage contracts through to executionArt direct photo shoots with an exacting eye for quality, mood, and brand consistencyScout locations, source archival material, and build strong relationships with editorial subjects and the broader Virginia communityDesign & Production Design compelling layouts and shepherd them through the full production cycle in close collaboration with the editorial team.Maintain expert knowledge of offset printing; execute preflight tasks and press checksOversee placement of advertisements in marketing vehicles and ensure brand consistency across all touchpointsMaintain organized workflow on the company serverLeadership & Operations Meet regularly with the Publisher and Editorial team to review budgets, story ideas, and art directionManage the art budget with fiscal discipline and adherence to schedules and deadlines; generate and process purchase orders accurately and on timeProactively identify opportunities to improve creative workflows, streamline production processes, and elevate team outputCollaborate closely with the Associate Art Director, providing guidance and creative supportOnboard new artists by coordinating W-9 and direct deposit forms; maintain and update the comp list each issueResolve any budget discrepancies in coordination with the AccountantWhat You Bring At least 5 years of high-level design experience at a magazine, ad agency, or communications organization — luxury lifestyle or regional media experience strongly preferredExceptional design and art direction skills, with the confidence to articulate creative rationale and bring others along on the visionProven experience directing photographers, illustrators, and stylists, with a strong network of creative talentDeep command of typography, photography, and illustration with a refined, editorial aestheticExpert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite — particularly InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator — in a Mac environment; working knowledge of MS OfficeExperience managing art budgets with transparency and accountabilityA proactive, process-oriented mindset: you anticipate production challenges before they arise, continuously refine how the team works, and think strategically about what's nextDemonstrated ability to translate print design for digital platforms and webKnowledge of offset printing, including preflight and press checksBranding and marketing experience, with a natural instinct for brand stewardshipStrong familiarity with Virginia — its culture, communities, landscape, and characterOutstanding communication and collaboration skills; a collegial, team-first working styleMeticulous attention to detail, balanced with the big-picture creative vision to leadBachelor's or Master's degree in Graphic Design or a related fieldThe Details Reports to:Editor-in-Chief, Madeline MayhoodLocation:Richmond, VA — full-time, onsite/hybridHours:Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:30 pm, with additional hours as neededCompensation:CompetitiveVacation:2 weeks paid vacation + 8 paid holidays annuallyTo Apply Please submit a cover letter and résumé — including links to your portfolio or website — to Madeline Mayhood at [email protected]. Include"ART DIRECTOR POSITION"in the subject line, and note where you saw this posting. To learn more, visitVirginiaLiving.comor pick up a copy at Barnes & Noble. No phone calls, please. Principals only — recruiters and unsolicited service providers, please do not contact us.