Title : Design Director

Status  : Full Time Exempt

Reports to:  Senior Director, Brand, Creative, and Design

JOB OBJECTIVE:

As the Design Director at WETA, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the visual identity across various platforms. Working closely with the Senior Director of Brand, Creative, and Design; you will lead artistic direction initiatives that resonate with WETA's brand essence and elevate its presence in both traditional and digital media landscapes. Additionally, you will contribute to defining and enhancing the visual aesthetics of our newly remodeled office space in Shirlington, ensuring it reflects WETA's values and identity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Artistic Direction: Collaborate with the Senior Creative Director to develop and execute visual concepts that align with WETA's brand identity.
• Key Art Development: Design compelling key art for original series and documentaries, ensuring visual excellence and consistency with brand guidelines.
• Print Media Expertise: Oversee the design, layout, and delivery of print materials, such as magazines, annual reports, brochures, and direct mail, ensuring adherence to specifications and timelines.
• Digital Asset Management: Oversee and manage digital brand assets, possessing a solid understanding of systems like Brandfolder to organize and maintain resources effectively.
• Brand Guideline Adherence: Ensure all design work complies with established brand guidelines, maintaining consistency across various platforms and mediums.
• Environmental Design and Branding: Contribute to the design and branding of our newly remodeled office space in Shirlington, creating an engaging and cohesive environment reflective of WETA's identity

SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

• Background: Strong background in television/media design with a proven track record in delivering high-quality visual content.
• Print Media Mastery: Proficiency in print publication specifications, production, and delivery for magazines, annual reports, brochures, and direct mail.
• Digital Asset Management: Familiarity with digital asset management systems, especially Brandfolder, is highly desirable.
• Brand Guardian: Solid understanding and execution of design within established brand guidelines.
• Motion Graphics: Experience in motion graphics is advantageous.
• Environmental Design and Branding: Expertise in environmental design and branding strategies for office spaces.
• Digital Video Messaging/Signage Systems: Knowledge of digital video messaging and signage systems for effective communication.
• Hybrid Role: Onsite presence required two days a week (Tuesday and Wednesday), with potential additional onsite days based on project needs.
• Please include a link to a portfolio showcasing relevant work in your cover letter.              

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Associate's degree

• At least 7 years' experience in the fields of editorial and publication design, advertising and marketing, branding and identity design, or corporate communications.

• At least 7 years broadcast or digital media experience or print background experience

          Salary range: $90,000-$100,000. 

LOCATION

WETA and NewsHour Productions are Washington, DC established media and news organizations.  We are a largely local workforce based out of the Campbell Place office in Arlington, VA.  WETA and NewsHour Productions value employee flexibility when possible.  Most positions based in our Arlington, VA office will be onsite or hybrid, depending upon the role.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

WETA and its subsidiary NewsHour Productions LLC serve local and national public media audiences by producing and distributing content of intellectual integrity and cultural merit. Through broadcast, digital and community services, the organization offers compelling, diverse programming on five television channels, including primary channel WETA PBS, and on WETA Classical, the exclusive home for classical music in the nation’s capital; produces a portfolio of national television productions, including PBS NewsHour, recognized globally for bringing balanced, in-depth news coverage to all Americans; creates impactful documentaries with longtime production partners Ken Burns and Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; features a variety of content offerings on weta.org, WETA Passport, the PBS Video App and the WETA Classical App; and serves communities near and far with education and engagement initiatives that contribute to the company’s mission of public service. Please also see our Benefits:  Benefits | WETA

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

WETA/NewsHour Productions is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. Fostering a culture of mutual respect is a top priority and something we take very seriously. 

Employment at WETA/NewsHour Productions is based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, age, ethnicity or ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex (including pregnancy), physical, mental or sensory ability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are also committed to demonstrating fair and equitable systems, practices, and processes related to how we recruit, develop, retain, promote, reward, compensate, and terminate talent.

We know that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is fundamental to the success of our business and our people, and we will continue to recognize it as part of our guiding principles.