Senior Art Director, MATTE Projects (NYC, on-site)

Who are we?

MATTE is a 360° full-service creative studio at the convergence of hype, storytelling and design. We bring people together to inspire new ways of engaging, to provoke long term progress, and to entertain audiences around the world, while helping forward-thinking brands and institutions nimbly and truly do the same. Our studio capabilities range from strategic ideation and insights, creative development, branding and identity, experiential, web design and development, campaigns and content creation, all the way through full-scale production and execution.

About this role: 

MATTE is hiring a Senior Art Director to work directly with our Creative Director across some of the agency’s most ambitious creative work.

This is a senior-level role for a design-trained creative who can take a Creative Director’s or Executive’s vision and turn it into finished work. We’re looking for someone with a strong point of view, a deep reference library, and an exacting standard for craft at every stage—from first concept through final delivery.

• Conceptualize, lead deck design, build custom mockups sharp enough for high-visibility luxury presentations, and source image swipe that holds up in front of a discerning client.
• Work on the visual side of shoots end to end: shot lists, production design, prop and set decoration, casting, and direction across styling.
• Evaluate photographers and directors brought on, and act as the connective tissue between photographer, talent, client, and our client services team on set, translating creative intent into clear, actionable direction for every department.
• Run selects and retouching rounds, supervise color and edit, communicate directly with retouchers, and be the arbiter of delivery specs and formatting post-shoots
• Task graphic designers with delegated work, and you're fluent with AI tools.
• Create and oversee the production of all creative materials, ensuring that they are completed on time and to a high standard.
• Partner and collaborate with other departments to refine and develop clients' vision through all outlets.
• Collaborate with strategists to develop thoughtful and impactful, purpose-based creative solutions and ideas for a wide range of clients.
• Maintain a knowledge of latest industry trends and techniques
• Work with client specific brand guidelines and bring projects from concept through production.
• Create and maintain consistent, high-level visuals, standards and specifications.
• Coach design staff to maximize performance and ensure project quality.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• 6+ years experience within a similar role, preferably with experience in an agency environment
• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or related field.
• Experience in print is a plus, as is familiarity with experiential
• Excels at client relationship management and team management
• Strong work ethic and sense of project ownership
• Ability to lead and collaborate with a team of designers and copywriters.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Approachable, collaborative, results-oriented, problem-solver who can both provide and take direction well.
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and figma are a must.
• Experience in Copywriting is a must.
• Ability to work from our office 4x days per week, Monday-Thursday, Fridays are remote.

Compensation: $120,000–$140,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401k with a 4% company contribution max match 
• Fully covered yearly Citibike membership 
• Talkspace membership 
• Competitive PTO package
• End of Year Recharge paid time off
• Sabbatical Program 
• Parental Leave for all new parents

Everyone is welcome at MATTE - we’re passionate about building a team that reflects the diversity of our community and creating an environment where our differences are celebrated. MATTE provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, MATTE will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.