What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Creative Director position at Hearst Magazines?
Job Description
Overview (Why This Role?)
Do you live and breathe video storytelling with a platform-first mindset? HearstMade is looking for a visionary Senior Creative Director to elevate our video content to new heights. This is your opportunity to lead cross-functional creative across branded content campaigns that break through the scroll, inspire action, and drive measurable results.
About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)
Hearst Magazines’ portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands in the U.S.—including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s BAZAAR, and Popular Mechanics—inspires, entertains, and builds new and bold experiences for an engaged and growing audience across digital, video, social, and print, reaching nearly 130 million readers and site visitors each month. With sophisticated content creation, cutting-edge technology, and industry-leading data capabilities, we make media and products that move people across all platforms. We are a global media company that publishes nearly 200 magazine editions and 175 websites around the world—and together, we are shaping what’s next.
Key Responsibilities (What You Are Doing)
Hearst is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Overview (Why This Role?)
Do you live and breathe video storytelling with a platform-first mindset? HearstMade is looking for a visionary Senior Creative Director to elevate our video content to new heights. This is your opportunity to lead cross-functional creative across branded content campaigns that break through the scroll, inspire action, and drive measurable results.
About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)
Hearst Magazines’ portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands in the U.S.—including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s BAZAAR, and Popular Mechanics—inspires, entertains, and builds new and bold experiences for an engaged and growing audience across digital, video, social, and print, reaching nearly 130 million readers and site visitors each month. With sophisticated content creation, cutting-edge technology, and industry-leading data capabilities, we make media and products that move people across all platforms. We are a global media company that publishes nearly 200 magazine editions and 175 websites around the world—and together, we are shaping what’s next.
Key Responsibilities (What You Are Doing)
- Translate briefs into compelling, platform-native concepts with clear messaging and scroll-stopping hooks
- Build creative frameworks including treatments, narrative beats, and deliverables maps across multiple platforms
- Define and communicate the visual and editorial approach, including look and feel, graphics systems, audio, and motion design
- Plan storytelling tailored for specific platforms (Meta, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Pinterest, X), both organic and paid
- Direct select shoots, ensuring a cohesive throughline from pre-production through post
- Lead creative alignment across directors, producers, and post teams to ensure clarity and consistency
- Guide editorial structure, pacing, and motion design in post-production with clear, efficient feedback
- Scale content efficiently, creating optimized versions by channel and objective without diluting creative integrity
- Leverage emerging technology, including AI tools, to enhance speed and craft
- Maintain quality control across specs, file hygiene, exports, and timely delivery
- Partner with strategy and analytics to test, learn, and integrate insights into future creative
- Systematize creative processes with documented templates, libraries, and style guides
- 8 years of creative leadership in branded or social video (agency, publisher, brand studio, or platform)
- Proven ability to direct content and guide teams across pre-production, production, and post
- Strong editorial judgment and understanding of post-production workflows, even if not editing hands-on
- Deep understanding of platform-specific storytelling and social trends
- A standout portfolio of cross-platform video work featuring vertical formats, dynamic editing, and innovative use of tech
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator), and awareness of creator tools like CapCut and Canva Pro
- Familiarity with AI tools such as RunwayML or similar; bonus points for 3D/motion experience (Cinema4D/Blender)
- Collaborative, decisive, and adaptable—thriving in fast-paced, experimental environments
- This role is hybrid with 4 days per week in our NYC office
- Work with the Best: Collaborate with top-tier professionals across media, advertising, tech, fashion, lifestyle, and publishing, shaping the future of these dynamic industries.
- Grow Your Skills: Unlock your potential with access to innovative training programs, immersive workshops, and exclusive industry events.
- Work-Life Harmony: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work, empowering you to balance professional success with personal priorities.
- Foster Connection & Belonging: Join our Employee Resource Groups and help create a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.
- Wellness First: Prioritize your well-being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance from Day 1.
- Plan for Your Financial Future: Enjoy competitive financial perks, including a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
Hearst is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Salary : $149,000 - $168,000