About This Role
Leading the visual identity and design execution across multiple platforms and media is the core of this Art Director role. The position involves developing compelling visual concepts, shaping brand identities, and translating ideas into impactful, high-quality creative work across various formats. This role suits a professional who can drive the visual agenda, translate editorial ideas into striking, culturally resonant design, and uphold world-class standards while building a distinct regional aesthetic.
Responsibilities
- Own and maintain brand style guides, design systems, and component libraries for print and digital; ensure consistent application across English and Arabic outputs (RTL considerations, bilingual typography).
- Partner with the Editor-in-Chief on cover concepts, tentpole packages, and signature franchises; champion visual excellence and originality.
- Lead issue design from flat-plan to final files: pacing, visual hierarchy, typography, image selection, and layout craft for a monthly print cadence.
- Oversee digital design for feature templates, social franchises, newsletter layouts, and article packaging on .com; ensure responsive, accessible, and on-brand execution.
- Build shoot treatments and storyboards; lighting, styling, and composition meet brand standards.
- Maintain a best-in-class roster of regional and international visual talent; source fresh voices and experimental approaches.
- Set motion guidelines for video opens, lower thirds, kinetic type, and graphic packages; partner with video leads on story packaging and color grading.
- Create social-first visual systems (Reels/Shorts, carousels, Stories, TikTok) that translate the brands refinement into high-impact, platform-native design.
- Oversee podcast identity systems (cover art, episode templates, waveform/video art) and live/experiential branding for talks, salons, and exhibitions.
- Partner with commercial, priva agency, and partnerships teams on branded content and special projects within licensor guidelines.
- Present creative to internal stakeholders and clients with clarity and conviction; adapt feedback without compromising craft.
- Implement efficient workflows, file architectures, store and label clearly in our DAM (digital asset management) system for images, layouts, and motion assets.
- Maintain rights and clearances documentation for imagery, artwork, fonts, and music; coordinate with legal/standards when needed.
- Foster an inclusive, experimentation-friendly culture that prioritizes craft, originality, and regional representation.
- Run portfolio reviews and contribute to talent scouting across the region.
- Track global design trends, print/digital craft, emerging tools (e.g., Figma components, generative/assistive AI, color pipelines), and apply learnings judiciously.
