Photo Art Director — Creative

Full-Time | $120,000–$130,000/year | On-site — New York, NY

Straub Collaborative is seeking an experienced Photo Art Director to lead the creative direction and execution of high-quality visual content across a range of projects. This role combines strategic thinking, hands-on creative leadership, and team direction to ensure work meets the highest standards of visual excellence and brand consistency.

You will partner closely with the Creative Director and cross-functional teams to develop concepts, guide production teams, and deliver compelling visual outcomes from initial brief through final delivery.

Why this role matters

The Photo Art Director plays a critical leadership role in shaping the creative vision, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring projects are executed efficiently and effectively.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute creative concepts for photography and video projects
• Translate briefs and style guides into clear direction for production teams
• Direct on-set creative execution and ensure adherence to visual standards
• Oversee image selection, cropping, and post-production feedback
• Lead presentations and communicate creative rationale to stakeholders
• Partner with cross-functional teams to align creative work with business goals
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, processes, and creative output
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high quality
• Monitor trends in visual media and apply insights to creative strategies

These responsibilities align with leading creative work from concept through delivery while maintaining quality and consistency.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography, Video Production, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 8–10 years of experience developing visual concepts and creative strategies
• Demonstrated experience leading creative teams or managing productions
• Strong portfolio demonstrating high-quality photography and/or video direction
• Deep knowledge of studio lighting, photography, and video production processes
• Proficiency with design and presentation tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Keynote, PowerPoint)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Preferred

• Experience in e-commerce or retail visual production
• Experience leading presentations and creative discussions
• Strong understanding of visual storytelling and brand consistency
• Experience working in deadline-driven production environments

Portfolio Requirement

A portfolio is required for consideration. Applicants must submit a link to an online portfolio demonstrating relevant work in photography and/or video art direction. The portfolio should showcase conceptual thinking, visual execution, and experience directing projects from brief through final delivery.

Leadership & Skills

• Strong creative vision aligned with business objectives
• Ability to inspire, direct, and motivate creative teams
• Sound judgment and decision-making with minimal oversight
• Collaborative approach across departments
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills

Physical & Work Environment

• Primarily office and studio-based work
• Ability to move throughout studio spaces as needed
• Occasional standing during production activities

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $120,000–$130,000 per year
• Full-time, exempt position

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401K retirement planwith company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care
• Health Savings Account (HSA), if enrolled in a qualifying plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Volunteer Time Off
• Paid holidays annually
• 1 personal day per year
• Additional benefits and programs available to eligible employees

About Straub Collaborative

Straub Collaborative is a creative production studio specializing in e-commerce photography and visual content. We partner across disciplines to produce compelling visuals that drive results while fostering a collaborative, inclusive workplace.

Ready to Apply?

If you are a strategic thinker with a strong creative voice and the ability to lead teams to exceptional results, we encourage you to apply.