Art Director
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10157177 Location New York, New York, United States Business ESPN Date posted Aug. 10, 2026Job Summary:
The Visual Storytelling division of ESPN Creative Studio is a team of creative directors, art directors, animators, concept artists, visual journalists, photo editors, web developers, graphic designers and strategy producers whose work reaches across every ESPN platform: We lead the creative direction and execution of on-air brand identities for ESPN’s live events and studio shows. We are responsible for the creative content on ESPN.com and the ESPN app, including photography, illustration, and interactive storytelling. We create and produce key art for ESPN+ and manage product art across our digital products. We manage the design voice of our ESPN brand, from holistic marketing campaigns to cross-platform creative systems.
Position Summary:
ESPN Creative Studio is looking for an Art Director to join its award-winning Visual Storytelling team. The Art Director will be responsible for idea development and hands-on creative execution for various high-priority, multi-discipline projects for ESPN, leading teams big and small. This includes DTC initiatives, identity branding, motion design, info system graphic builds, live action shoots, design toolkits, and large-scale animation design campaigns.
Responsibilities:
Create industry leading work that inspires and brings big ideas to life.
Oversee and create multi-discipline design projects across platforms and products; with an emphasis in live broadcast initiatives.
Direct strategic design systems that are engineered for long-term success.
Lead advanced design and animation builds and understand changing industry tools and technology.
Prepare and present creative briefs to internal and external stakeholders.
Continually evolve the build and infrastructure of our multiplatform design campaigns.
Push for creative excellence and innovation while balancing the priorities of the business.
Partner with stakeholder groups across ESPN to ensure collaborative success.
Adhere to established team workflows and processes.
Build, lead, and inspire a talented team of designers.
Hold regular 1:1s with your team members to foster an environment of growth and communication.
Basic Qualifications:
Minimum of 10 years of professional experience working within a creative studio or media organization.
In-depth knowledge of motion graphics, animation principles/techniques and render engines.
Experience in responsive digital design deliverables.
Experience in leading brand identities and design systems.
An understanding of the common behaviors of deliverables for digital and broadcast.
A complete understanding of typography, composition, hierarchy, and design.
Comfort and experience in leading teams and presenting to Senior Leadership.
Fluent with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Cinema 4D.
Proven project management skills with ability to prioritize and meet multiple deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Reliable work-from-home setup with strong internet connection.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience managing individuals or small teams of people.
Knowledge of the sports design space, trends, and an understanding of ESPN’s place amongst the competition.
Knowledge of ESPN distribution points, including MVPDs and SVODs.
Knowledge of project management tools, including Asana, Smartsheet, etc.
Required Education:
High School Diploma
#ESPNMedia
The hiring range for this position in New York, NY is $132,800 to $178,000 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
About ESPN:
Working at ESPN is unlike anything else. That’s because we’re always finding new ways to interact with fans – however and wherever they connect with sports. Every day we’re doing things that no one has done, all in a dynamic culture where we defy odds and continuously outdo ourselves. When you have the latest technology, game-changing ideas and world-class talent on your team, every day is extraordinary.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with ESPN Productions, Inc, which is part of a business we call ESPN.
ESPN Productions, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.