Creative Director Startup Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

Not Your Mother's - Love for All Making Our Mark Shaking Things Up

ART DIRECTOR

Classification:

Exempt (Salaried)

Department:

Creative

Reports to:

VP of Creative & Design

Type:

Full time

Job Summary:

We are searching for an Art Director who blends a love of beauty with sharp design instincts, clear creative judgment, and a true passion for mentoring others. This role reports directly to the Creative Director and manages 4 direct reports, serving as the day-to-day design lead and quality steward across all brand touchpoints. You'll be responsible for translating high-level brand direction into pixel-perfect executions, providing clear and constructive feedback to the design team, and spearheading campaigns and projects with confidence and independence. You'll also champion a social-first mindset, ensuring every idea and asset resonates with Gen Z consumers and feels  culturally relevant across platforms. If you're energized by change, able to pivot priorities without losing focus, and can bring a calm, can-do attitude to every project (no matter how fast things move), you'll feel right at home.  

Major Green Flags If You: 

Have a real passion for beauty - branding, packaging, product drops, and everything in between 

Love rolling up your sleeves to design, art direct, and elevate work in equal measure 

Naturally think in platform-specific content (what works on TikTok, Reels, and Stories and know how to adapt ideas to each channel while keeping them on-brand) 

Have an instinct for what makes content scroll-stopping and packaging shelf-worthy 

Can provide feedback that is clear, actionable, and elevates the work without micromanaging 

Enjoy mentoring designers and raising the bar for every project, big or small 

Are comfortable taking a campaign from concept to completion without heavy handholding 

Believe brand consistency and creative innovation go hand-in-hand 

Responsibilities: 

Creative Leadership & Brand Stewardship 

Serve as the right hand to the Creative Director, owning day-to-day design quality and consistency 

Translate creative vision into design briefs, moodboards, and final assets across campaigns, launches, and brand initiatives 

Lead and mentor a team of designers, ensuring work is pixel-perfect, on-brand, and delivered on schedule 

Provide timely, constructive feedback that helps designers grow and strengthens the final output 

Collaborate closely with the Director of Creative Operations to keep projects moving efficiently 

Campaign Development & Execution: 

Spearhead the development of omnichannel campaigns with a social-first approach, concepting and executing ideas that are optimized for TikTok, Instagram, and emerging platforms where Gen Z discovers and engages with beauty brands 

Ensure all creative work is designed for shareability, trend relevance, and thumb-stopping impact on social channels 

Concept and art direct photo and video shoots that bring products and brand storytelling to life 

Own visual direction for new product launches, including packaging design oversight and go-to-market assets 

Create and refine design systems, templates, and brand tools to ensure scalability and alignment 

Production & Cross-Functional Collaboration: 

Work with copywriters, marketers, and external partners to develop cohesive creative solutions 

Oversee the preparation of print-ready and digital-ready files, ensuring all specs are precise and error-free 

Partner with the Creative Director to continuously evolve the brand aesthetic in response to trends and consumer insights 

Support the creation of sales tools, retailer materials, and internal brand communications as needed 

Bonus If You: 

Have experience building or scaling brands from startup to national presence 

Are passionate about packaging design, material innovation, and sensory storytelling 

Bring 2D and 3D rendering expertise to help visualize packaging, merchandising, and creative concepts in a compelling way 

Nerd out over print finishes, color matching, and production spec 

Other Responsibilities:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

Qualifications: 

7+ years of experience in graphic design, art direction, or brand creative roles (beauty or CPG preferred) 

Strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional visual storytelling, campaign development, and design execution 

Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) 

Experience leading creative teams and giving feedback that inspires and guides 

Deep understanding of social and digital content best practices and beauty design trends 

Highly organized, with the ability to balance multiple fast-moving projects without losing sight of the details 

Excellent communication and collaboration skills, able to partner across teams and present work confidently 

NYM Benefits & Perks 

At NYM, we believe in supporting your success-professionally, financially, and personally.

• Competitive Compensation designed to reflect your skills and impact
• Work-Life Balance with PTO, sick time, 9 paid holidays, and 2 paid floating holidays
• Comprehensive Health Coverage including medical, dental, and vision for you and your family, plus company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Financial Wellness with Roth and 401(k) retirement plans and a 4% employer match
• Paid Parental Leave because family always comes first
• Professional Growth supported through our professional development reimbursement program
• Wellness Perks On-site fitness center and One Pass Select access
• Product Perks Enjoy 60 complimentary products each year
• Annual Beauty & Wellness Credit to invest in yourself
• Volunteer Time Off so you can support the causes that matter most
• Monthly Networking Lunch Credit to stay connected, inspired, and engaged