Temporary Design Director, ELLE

Hearst • New York, NY

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

ELLE is seeking a temporary Design Director to shape the visual identity and creative direction of the brand across print, digital, social, photography, video, events, and emerging formats. The role leads a team of three designers, directing print magazine design and developing visually ambitious editorial stories, fashion shoots, and special projects. The Design Director partners with editorial, photography, fashion, market, digital, social, marketing, branded content, and contributor teams; maintains visual systems and templates; and manages projects from concept through production while balancing creative strategy with hands-on execution and demanding deadlines. The position is based in New York and operates on a hybrid schedule.

Requirements

• 10+ years of professional editorial design experience across print and digital, ideally within a consumer fashion, luxury, media, or lifestyle brand, or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience shaping the visual identity of a consumer editorial brand, including magazine cover design and high-profile editorial work.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and developing a creative team, with a thoughtful and collaborative approach to people management.
• Strong understanding of fashion, luxury, editorial storytelling, and contemporary visual culture, with a sophisticated and distinctive design sensibility.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with editorial, photography, fashion, market, digital, social, marketing, and other cross-functional teams.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, with experience using WoodWing and Figma.
• Exceptional production skills, attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• A collaborative, open-minded leadership style, with the confidence to advocate for creative expertise while empowering others to do their best work.

Responsibilities

• Shape ELLE’s visual identity and creative direction across print, digital, social, photography, video, events, and emerging formats.
• Lead a team of three designers, providing creative direction, mentorship, feedback, and support while fostering a collaborative and ambitious creative culture.
• Direct the design of the print magazine, including covers, editorial pages, and other high-profile visual executions.
• Partner with photography, art, editorial, fashion, market, digital, social, marketing, branded content, and contributor teams to develop cohesive and compelling work.
• Develop visually ambitious stories and packages incorporating photography, illustration, infographics, motion, video, and other storytelling formats.
• Conceptualize and execute creative direction for fashion shoots, editorial initiatives, and special projects that elevate ELLE’s visual point of view.
• Establish and maintain visual systems, style guides, and design templates that create consistency while allowing for innovation across platforms.
• Manage projects from concept through production, balancing long-term creative strategy with hands-on design and execution while meeting demanding deadlines.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed