Design Director, Opinion

The New York Times•New York, NY

2d•$160,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The New York Times Opinion design department is seeking a Design Director to partner with editors and visual teams to elevate and distinguish our Opinion coverage across all platforms. In this role, you will convey how Times Opinion stands apart from newsroom coverage through bold, thoughtful visual storytelling. We are looking for an idea generator and passionate storyteller who approaches visual solutions in unexpected ways, translating complex ideas into accessible narrative experiences. You will collaborate closely with senior visual leaders across graphics, photography, video, and audio, as well as Opinion editors, to reach new audiences with formats that spark debate and intelligent conversation. As a lead design role, this position balances strategic vision with hands-on execution. You will guide and mentor the design team, art direct creative solutions through wide-ranging commissions, and step directly into digital projects as a visual editor—shaping story flow, defining lead visuals, and setting the overarching design direction.

Requirements

10+ years of print and digital design experience
5+ years managing designers/art directors in a media or news environment
Proven experience generating multiple visual concepts and adapt to shifting, fast-paced news cycles
Expertise in commissioning and art directing global creative talent across illustration, photography, typography and motion
Deep expertise of design fundamentals and tools, including Figma, InDesign, and Adobe Creative Suite
A portfolio showcasing high-level conceptual thinking, typography, and complex editorial layouts

Nice To Haves

Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate visual concepts through sketches, wireframes, and cross-functional presentations
Demonstrated skill in building collaborative environments that foster trust, mentorship, and professional growth
Working knowledge of UX/UI principles, interactive storytelling formats, and front-end design constraints
A highly developed eye for emerging trends in illustration, photography, and visual media
Demonstrated experience optimizing design workflows under tight deadlines.
Adaptability to work flexible schedules, including nights or weekends as breaking news demands

Responsibilities

Shape, protect and maintain the visual approach for the Sunday Opinion section and covers, digital interactive packages, daily report, newsletters, title graphics and promotional art to support all stories on and off platform, all while maintaining brand distinction from the newsroom
Direct and inspire the design team to develop strong concepts, and give feedback for impactful executions; step in as a hands-on visual editor to define story flow and lead visuals
Partner with editors, graphics, photo, video, audio, and product teams to plan upcoming packages and cover stories, and build multi-platform narrative experiences
Build and guide a diverse global network of external illustrators, photographers, and artists to collaborate on initial pitch through final execution
Maintain rigorous typography, layout, and graphic standards while establishing efficient workflows to meet tight newsroom deadlines and stakeholder feedback, within budget
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