Edutopia, the influential publisher of videos and stories about what works in education, is seeking a talented and motivated Contributing Art Director with a demonstrated passion for clever feature story visuals, modern design for social platforms, and cutting-edge data visualizations (among other exciting projects!). The ideal candidate will be versatile, wearing an assortment of hats to assist the Art Director with creative tasks across our organization.

You’ll be using your experience and connections to direct freelance illustrators, designers, and photographers—creating editorially aligned visuals that connect authentically with our large audience of pre-K–12 educators and parents. The ideal candidate will be a strong and proactive communicator, balancing complex content needs with the freshest visual solutions!

This fully remote contract position reports to the Art Director and offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the way kids learn in schools across the country. Averaging approximately 30 hours per week at $60–$70 per hour (commensurate with experience and location), candidates should be available to overlap with core team members across both the East and West Coasts.

Key Responsibilities

• Create visually engaging custom photo collages or other artwork to illustrate and elevate our stories on deadline;
• Commission and direct polished illustrations and photos for web articles;
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously across editorial, social, and product departments, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to deadlines;
• Collaborate with editorial staff and Art Director to ensure our visuals across the site and social media feeds remain high quality, engaging, and relevant to our core audience;
• Source high quality, relevant stock imagery for daily articles;
• Assist the Art Director with various creative tasks such as photo research or creation of visual social or community collateral.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience;
• 5+ years of experience in an editorial or publishing environment, with a strong portfolio showcasing proficiency across a broad range of visual disciplines, including typography and illustration;
• Dependable availability during critical work hours on the East or West Coast;
• Experience art directing multiple external artists simultaneously;
• Demonstrated skill in editorial illustration with the ability to create custom visuals in a broad range of styles;
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) and Figma;
• Excellent communication skills and ability to respond to feedback effectively;
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to producing high-quality work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with wire/stock photo services;
• Experience with photography (both commissioning and producing);
• Awareness of current visual trends with a love for experimentation;
• Familiarity with hand-lettering and social media design.

Benefits

As this is a contract position, traditional employee benefits are not included.

How to Apply
Please submit a brief cover letter of 150 words or less describing how you stay current with editorial design trends and how you would apply that knowledge at Edutopia. Additionally, include a link to your online portfolio and/or relevant work samples that best reflect your experience.

About Edutopia

Edutopia is an initiative of the George Lucas Educational Foundation, dedicated to transforming prekindergarten through 12th grade (pre-K to 12) education so that all students can acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to thrive in their studies, careers, and adult lives.

Founded by innovative and award-winning filmmaker George Lucas in 1991, the Foundation advances this mission through Edutopia, which uses digital media and interactive technology to increase knowledge, sharing, and adoption of what works in education. A nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) private foundation that is operated for educational purposes, we welcome all who are devoted to improving education.

The George Lucas Educational Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factor.