Art Director

The Art Director will be the lead for our in-house studio photography and evolve the creativity and projection of the floral, plant, food, and gift brands we create and oversee. This role will be responsible for a small team of stylists and cross functional partners, such as photographers and retouching. The ability to plan, concept direction and manage tight deadlines and large volumes is a must. The scope of work is photography and photo production, and draws heavily on strong visual acumen, problem solving, conceptual thinking, plus deeply collaborative communication skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Maintain and evolve on-brand creative from initial concept through creative reviews and dailies
• Ensure all work visually supports the cohesive creative projection of each season
• Support leadership in creative exploration of test ideas
• Collaborate with cross functional teams from Merchants to Product Development to produce
  on-brand and on-brief photography
• Deliver a highly creative level of art direction for all projects by established deadlines
• Create and present forward thinking but on-brand seasonal set development/mood boards. Be able to persuade teams and present detailed ideas in collaborative way.
• Oversee on-set art direction and maintain cohesive style guide for all photographers internal and external.
• Create retouching ziflows and approve all retouching
• Partner closely with leadership to support and roll-out seasonal directions and ancillary campaigns
• We are a learning focused creative team: as a leader you will be required to coach and develop overall junior creative team, giving opportunities to learn and hone new skills
• Lead and empower team through roadblocks and unexpected problems
• Manage and hire freelancers for internal/external shoots and videos when necessary
• Stays relevant creatively & technologically by owning patterning and researching current
  design/industry photography trends. Present seasonally new and refreshed directions
• Cross functional partnership and collaboration are a large part of this role

QUALIFICATIONS

This is a fast-paced industry that requires agility, resourcefulness, resilience and personal initiative. This is not a job for passive participants. All members of the team are expected to embody this ethic.

CREATIVE:

• Excellent creative and conceptual thinker
• Ability to manage a small photography studio at different skill levels
• Ability to manage multiple projects at various stages and meet deadlines
• Highly organized with extreme attention to detail
• Strives to make each project exceed expectations
• Self-motivated and independent thinker
• Strong leadership and problem-solving skills
• Understands the brands and have a high creative taste level
• Must be flexible and able to work with challenging/vocal personalities
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Willingness to work late when deadlines dictate
• Expert knowledge of ecommerce and direct marketing/emarketing best practices
• Expert knowledge in ecommerce photography
• Positive, collaborative, inclusive and flexible team member

Enterprise wide:

• Ability to multitask, handle pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment without a lot of direction or oversight
• Self-starter with strong work ethic and a can-do attitude
• Excellent planning and organizational skills and techniques
• Communicate effectively among peers and senior management
• Ability to influence, build relationships, understand organizational complexities and manage conflict
• A balance of art & science – ability to think creatively & strategically, with strong business mindset
• A Problem-Solving mindset and willingness to challenge the established norms
• Comfortable with using data throughout aspects of the role, turning consumer and social insights into strategic thinking
• Passion for big iconic brands and desire to leave a mark
• Know your stuff – bring the capacity to ask meaningful questions and challenges, access data and cull it into sharp insights that justify great decisions and work
• Understanding of peak time periods, and working some weekends and off-hours during peak periods is a must.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, INC.