Director, Art Department (Productions)

NOISY CREEK • Chicago, IL

1d

About The Position

Noisy Creek is seeking an Art Director to lead the visual direction of the Chicago Reader, a prominent independent media brand. This role is ideal for a creative leader passionate about journalism, design, and storytelling. The Art Director will be responsible for maintaining the Reader's visual identity across print, digital, social media, and special projects, creating impactful covers, extensive feature packages, and engaging visual content. The position involves close collaboration with editors, writers, photographers, illustrators, designers, and production staff to bring stories to life, shaping the publication's creative vision while ensuring high standards of production, consistency, and detail. The ideal candidate is a skilled designer and conceptual thinker who understands the power of visuals in journalism, is comfortable leading creative discussions, managing production workflows, commissioning artists, and executing work under pressure. This role reports to Noisy Creek's Creative Director and works closely with the Chicago Reader editorial team, as well as marketing, sales, and product colleagues.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in editorial design, newspapers, magazines, media organizations, agencies, or comparable creative environments.
• A portfolio demonstrating exceptional editorial design, visual storytelling, and creative problem-solving.
• Strong conceptual thinking and the ability to translate complex stories into engaging visual narratives.
• Experience developing covers, feature packages, and long-form editorial projects.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Deep appreciation for typography, photography, illustration, and publication design.
• Experience commissioning and directing freelance artists, photographers, and illustrators.
• Outstanding communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Familiarity with the Chicago Reader's editorial voice, audience, and cultural significance.

Nice To Haves

• Connections within Chicago's creative community are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative vision and develop the visual identity of the Chicago Reader across print, digital, social, and experiential platforms.
• Conceive and direct compelling covers that capture attention and reflect the publication's editorial mission.
• Partner with editors and writers to create visual approaches for major stories, investigations, and special packages.
• Identify opportunities to evolve and strengthen the Reader's design language while respecting its legacy and audience.
• Design and art direct feature stories, cover packages, special sections, and editorial projects.
• Commission and direct illustrators, photographers, and other creative contributors.
• Collaborate closely with writers, editors, photographers, and freelancers to develop strong visual storytelling.
• Maintain a high standard of typography, photography, illustration, and overall design excellence.
• Manage the monthly print production process from concept through press.
• Lead and mentor the production team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and growth.
• Work closely with the Editor-in-Chief to establish and meet editorial and production deadlines.
• Coordinate with printers and vendors to ensure the successful execution of every issue.
• Review layouts, artwork, and production files to maintain quality and consistency.
• Support marketing, audience development, sales, and product teams with creative assets and design expertise.
• Contribute ideas and creative leadership to cross-department initiatives and special projects.
• Deliver projects on time, on budget, and at a consistently high level of quality.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision premiums
• Retirement Plan: SIMPLE IRA with employer matching contributions
• Paid Time Off: 16 paid holidays, birthday off (or a day off during your birthday month), vacation accrual starting after your first payroll, increasing up to 4 weeks after 5 years
• Employee Assistance Program: Free health, wellness, and financial support services
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Options to set aside pre-tax funds for medical, dependent care, and other expenses

What This Job Offers

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