Director, Art Direction East, NA at Nike

New York, New York, United States

Nike Logo
$157,600 – $332,300Compensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Advertising, Marketing, Fashion, SportswearIndustries

Requirements

  • 10+ years of experience in product, brand, or marketing within a major brand or agency
  • Bachelor’s degree in design or related field (will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training)
  • Deep passion and knowledge of North American sport, athletes, and the cultural landscape
  • Ability to evolve and elevate North America and NYC-focused art direction in partnership with the creative team
  • Lead, inspire, and coach young designers, fostering growth and creative excellence
  • Build visual worlds and deliver best-in-class art direction for campaigns rooted in sport, athlete-entertainer storytelling, and product innovation
  • Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of high-quality creative work from concept through final execution
  • Present creative concepts with strong storytelling, clarity, and stage presence
  • Maintain uncompromising standards of quality, consistency, and innovation
  • Highly proficient in design, typography, image-making, and retouching using Adobe Creative Suite and tools such as Figma (3D or motion knowledge is a plus)
  • Cultivate strong relationships with external creative partners (agencies, photographers, directors, 3D artists, designers, animators, writers, illustrators, etc.)
  • Stay ahead of trends across sport, fashion, subculture, music, design, retail, film, technology, AI, and social media to ensure creative relevance

Responsibilities

  • Lead art direction for Nike North America, partnering with senior leadership to shape and deliver the region’s visual identity
  • Guide design teams across mediums (visual systems, campaigns, photography, film, digital, and experiential), ensuring all work reflects Nike’s innovation, diversity, and cultural relevance
  • Develop, refine, and deliver multiple visual directions system for North America and NYC in partnership with senior creative leaders
  • Drive NA art direction with design teams through inspiration, execution, mentorship, and clear creative guidance
  • Deliver outstanding concepts, visual centres, project guidelines, photography, film content, digital design, social assets, and consumer experiences
  • Build and maintain relationships with top creative partners (agencies, photographers, filmmakers, illustrators, typographers, designers, 3D artists, writers, etc.)
  • Partner with cross-functional leaders to strategically identify and manage external creative talents
  • Define and elevate art direction for NA video and photography across categories, ensuring work is on-brand, diverse, culturally resonant, and fiscally responsible
  • Foster a culture of creative excellence

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Art DirectionDesign LeadershipBrand CreativeVisual StorytellingCampaign DevelopmentTeam CoachingCultural AwarenessSport MarketingProduct InnovationAthlete Storytelling

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for the Director, Art Direction East, NA position?

The annual base salary ranges from $157,600.00 in the lowest geographic market to $332,300.00 in the highest geographic market, varying based on location, qualifications, skills, and experience.

What benefits are offered for this role?

Information about benefits can be found via the provided link in the job description.

Who will I be working with in this role?

You will report to the Senior Creative Director of Nike North America (NA) Brand creative studio and collaborate daily with creative teammates from experience, narrative, and retail teams.

What skills and experience are required for this position?

Candidates need 10+ years of experience in product, brand, or marketing within a major brand or agency, a Bachelor’s degree in design or related field (or equivalent), deep passion for North American sport and culture, leadership in multidisciplinary teams, and high proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, design, typography, image-making, and retouching.

What makes a strong candidate for this Director role?

Strong candidates have 10+ years of experience, can lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams, present to senior leadership with clarity, champion design excellence, and stay ahead of trends in sport, fashion, culture, and technology.

Nike

Designs and sells athletic footwear and apparel

About Nike

Nike designs, manufactures, and sells a variety of footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories aimed at athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and everyday consumers. Their products are created to be stylish and performance-oriented, catering to the needs of a diverse clientele. Nike operates through multiple sales channels, including retail stores, online platforms, and third-party retailers, and enhances its brand image through endorsements from well-known athletes and sports teams. A key aspect of Nike's approach is its membership program, which offers exclusive access to products and content, fostering a deeper connection with consumers. Unlike many competitors, Nike places a strong emphasis on sustainability and corporate responsibility, integrating these values into its operations and product development. The company's goal is to continue growing by creating products that resonate with consumers while promoting positive social and environmental impact.

Beaverton, OregonHeadquarters
1964Year Founded
IPOCompany Stage
Consumer Software, Social Impact, Consumer GoodsIndustries
10,001+Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Remote Work Options
Flexible Work Hours

Risks

Emerging sportswear brands increase competition through digital marketing and direct sales.
Rising raw material costs could impact Nike's profit margins.
Consumer backlash over labor practices could harm Nike's brand reputation.

Differentiation

Nike integrates electronics into footwear for active recovery, enhancing product innovation.
The company capitalizes on retro designs, appealing to nostalgic consumers.
Nike's strong brand loyalty is bolstered by high-profile athlete endorsements.

Upsides

Nike's partnership with Oaklands Wolves boosts brand visibility among younger demographics.
Significant investments indicate strong investor confidence in Nike's growth prospects.
Nike's recognition as a socially responsible stock appeals to environmentally conscious investors.

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