Art Director

ESPN Creative Studio is seeking an Art Director in New York, NY (onsite) to lead idea development and hands-on creative execution on multi-discipline, high-priority projects across ESPN platforms, with a focus on live broadcast initiatives. This role combines strategic oversight with advanced building, design systems leadership, and team development, helping deliver creative excellence while balancing business priorities.

What you’ll do

• Create industry-leading work that turns big ideas into finished, inspiring results.
• Oversee and create multi-discipline design projects across platforms and products, with emphasis on live broadcast initiatives.
• Direct strategic design systems engineered for long-term success.
• Lead advanced design and animation builds, staying current with changing industry tools and technology.
• Prepare and present creative briefs to internal and external stakeholders.
• Continuously evolve the build and infrastructure behind multiplatform design campaigns.
• Push for creative excellence and innovation while maintaining alignment with business priorities.
• Partner with stakeholder groups across ESPN to support collaborative delivery.
• Adhere to established team workflows and processes.
• Build, lead, and inspire a talented team of designers.
• Hold regular 1:1s with team members to foster growth and clear communication.

What you bring

• Minimum 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 with responsive digital design deliverables.
• Experience leading brand identities and design systems.
• Understanding of common behaviors of deliverables for digital and broadcast.
• Full understanding of typography, composition, hierarchy, and design.
• Comfort and experience leading teams and presenting to Senior Leadership.
• Fluency with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Cinema 4D.
• Proven project management skills, including the ability to prioritize and meet multiple deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Reliable work-from-home setup with strong internet connection.

Tools & technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Figma
• Cinema 4D

Compensation & incentives

Salary: USD 132,800 - 178,000 per year.

In addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, a bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience managing individuals or small teams.
• Knowledge of the sports design space, trends, and an understanding of ESPN’s place among competitors.
• Knowledge of ESPN distribution points, including MVPDs and SVODs.
• Knowledge of project management tools, including Asana and Smartsheet.

Education: High School Diploma