Design Director

 

***A PORTFOLIO IS REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION***

 

POSITION OVERVIEW:

 

The Creative Studio at WETA operates at the intersection of brand and content. We are looking for a Design Director to lead the visual evolution of one of the nation’s flagship public media institutions.

In this role, you will define the visual language for our original programming, station branding, and digital presence. You will lead a team to translate complex narratives into compelling visual identities, ensuring that every touchpoint, from a broadcast promo to a donor deck, feels distinctly WETA.

 

This is a "player-coach" role for a strategic creative who can move seamlessly between high-level art direction and hands-on execution. You will guide the development of modular design systems that look as strong on a 4K screen as they do as a streaming thumbnail, while also elevating our corporate communications and merchandising strategy.

 

This hybrid role is based in Arlington, Virginia, with in-office collaboration typically two days per week. The Creative Studio values flexibility and maintains a healthy respect for work-life balance.

 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Brand & Content Visual Leadership

• Key Art & Campaign Direction: Lead the concept development and execution of premium key art, title treatments, and 360-degree campaign creative for WETA’s original series and documentaries.
• Modular Design Strategy: Develop flexible design systems that ensure WETA’s visual identity remains impactful across every scale, from broadcast environments to mobile streaming thumbnails.
• Brand Stewardship: Serve as the primary guardian of the WETA master brand, ensuring visual consistency and excellence across broadcast, digital, and print touchpoints.

 

Strategic Communications & Corporate Design

• Strategic Communications Design: Elevate critical fundraising and corporate strategy communications by transforming complex data and copy into high-impact, narrative-driven pitch decks and one-sheets.
• Merchandising / E-Commerce Art Direction: Translate WETA’s programming narratives and brand mission into premium, sought-after gear for our public-facing e-commerce environments. You will move beyond standard "swag" to invent collections that connect with our fans and donors.
• Publication & Print Design: Direct the layout and production of select high-visibility print materials, including annual reports and content marketing materials, ensuring adherence to print specifications and timelines.

 

Operations, Mentorship & Collaboration

• Team Leadership: Foster a culture of design excellence and operational efficiency within the studio. You will provide creative direction and mentorship to design staff, reviewing work to ensure high quality and fostering professional growth within the team.
• Cross-Departmental Partnership: Serve as a diplomatic partner to a diverse range of internal departments. You will expertly navigate differing departmental priorities and timelines, building consensus and advocating for design solutions that satisfy distinct business objectives while maintaining brand integrity.
• Digital Asset Management: Oversee the organization and maintenance of the WETA’s digital ecosystem (Brandfolder), ensuring assets are easily accessible and properly archived.

 

ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

 

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Presentation Design: Expert-level capability in PowerPoint/Keynote for executive-level presentations.
• Merchandise Production: Strong understanding of apparel substrates, decoration techniques, and production caveats.
• Generative AI Proficiency: Experience integrating ethical generative AI tools for workflow optimization and ideation, with a strong understanding of appropriate and responsible use.
• Motion Design: Experience with motion graphics (After Effects/Premiere) is a strong plus/advantageous.
• DAM Experience: Familiarity with Digital Asset Management systems (specifically Brandfolder) is highly desirable.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

 

• Visual Storytelling: Translates strategic goals into compelling visual narratives.
• Strategic Design Thinking: Ability to balance creative with practical business needs.
• Diplomatic Collaboration: Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and build consensus among stakeholders with competing priorities.
• Brand Stewardship: Maintains a consistent, elevated brand presence.

 

EDUCATION:

 

• BA/BS (4-Year College / University Degree)

 

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. Benefits | WETA

 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

 

WETA and NewsHour Productions are equal opportunity employers committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

 

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and internships. WETA and NewsHour Productions make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.