Photography Art Director

The Children's Place is seeking a director-level Photography Art Director to shape and sustain a distinct, elevated photographic identity across both The Children's Place and Gymboree. Based onsite in Secaucus, New Jersey, this role leads concept development, on-set direction, and the enforcement of brand standards for campaigns, seasonal shoots, and ecommerce imagery. The position carries a salary range of USD 115,000 - 225,000 per year and requires seven or more years of experience in photo art direction within fashion retail or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Direct on-set art direction for TCP and Gymboree campaigns, seasonal content, and ecommerce shoots.
• Bring a decisive, informed point of view to each set, with a trained eye for lighting, composition, casting, and styling.
• Own the creative brief for every shoot, ensuring the concept is realized from concept through final selects.
• Collaborate with Brand Creative leadership on seasonal concept development for both brands.
• Translate brand strategy and seasonal direction into a clear photographic vision that spans all channels.
• Stay current on visual trends in children’s fashion, lifestyle, and ecommerce photography.
• Develop and maintain photo standards manuals for TCP and Gymboree as the brands evolve.
• Establish and document ecommerce and campaign photography guidelines for on-figure, lifestyle, and product imagery.
• Ensure visual consistency across all channels including ecommerce, marketing, social, and retail.
• Provide creative oversight of the photoshoot plan document in partnership with the Junior Photo Producer.
• Review casting options and provide direction on model selections aligned to brand standards and inclusive representation.
• Partner with post-production on retouching direction and final image delivery.
• Directly manage the Junior Photo Producer, offering mentorship, clear direction, and ongoing development.
• Build a collaborative, respectful and high-performing photo creative culture.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience directing photo art direction within fashion retail, apparel, or a closely related category.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating brand-building campaigns, ecommerce, and editorial work across diverse talent.
• Deep knowledge of photography production from pre-production through on-set execution and post-production.
• A trained eye for casting that reflects inclusive, diverse, and authentic representation.
• Experience developing or maintaining photo standards, style guides, or brand photography guidelines.
• Strong communication skills and comfort presenting creative direction to cross-functional partners and senior leadership.
• Experience managing or mentoring junior team members.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience with digital asset management systems is a plus.

Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Digital asset management systems

Benefits

• Bonus eligible (depending on role)
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Discount
• 401(k) and company match
• Wellness Reimbursement
• Adoption Assistance
• Free backup care for kids, pets, and the elderly
• Choice of health insurance plans
• Company-paid life/AD&D
• Short- and long-term disability
• A variety of voluntary benefits
• An employee assistance program

Location

Secaucus, New Jersey (onsite)