Design Director

At Cast & Crew, we've empowered creativity and supported the global entertainment industry for decades. Together with our family of brands - Backstage, CAPS, Checks & Balances, Final Draft, Media Services, Sargent-Disc, and The TEAM Companies – we operate as a combined entertainment technology and services provider offering industry standard screenwriting accounting software, digital payroll products, data & reporting, and a host of creative tools. The industry continues to move faster than ever, and the need for our expertise, our technology, and our people has never been greater. We are a production's best ally every step of the way. #OneCastOneCrew

About Backstage

Backstage is the largest talent marketplace for the entertainment industry, media, brand marketers, and other content creators, matching their creative projects with the best actors, voiceover artists, production crew, and other industry professionals. Employers around the world use our best-in-class technology to staff over 50,000 creative projects a year in film, television, commercials, branded content, theater, experiential marketing, and more.

Backstage is the only platform that services the entire content creation ecosystem, providing a one-stop shop for productions to source, hire, and pay right-fit talent for any project, anywhere. We recognize creatives as the beating heart of our brand, and we have a core mission to break down barriers for entry to careers in the entertainment industry by connecting talent to the best jobs, networking opportunities, and educational resources.

Crucial to that mission is our ongoing commitment to harnessing the latest technology to design innovative digital tools that promote more diverse, equitable, and inclusive hiring practices and facilitate more authentic, successful storytelling. We're a team of customer-centric, data-driven, forward-thinking, strategic problem-solvers with a passion for helping our customers and members make amazing things together.

About TCS

TCS' mission is to empower creative talent and streamline the content creation process for projects in film, television, commercials/branded content, social media, theater, music video, video games, and more. We provide solutions that manage the entire project lifecycle, including talent discovery and staffing, production, post production, and distribution. Our brands include Backstage, Coverfly, FilmFreeway, Final Draft, ShareGrid, and Voice123.

TCS is the creative services division of Cast & Crew, a family of individually innovative companies modernizing the ways in which content is created.

The Role:

Backstage is seeking a dynamic Design Director to lead us into a new era. This pivotal role will be responsible for shaping the creative vision and visual identity of the print magazine and online editorial products. If you have exceptional design skills, a knack for communicating big ideas visually, and a meticulous attention to detail, we want to hear from you.

You will be joining our creative and fast-paced editorial team of 13, which includes writers, editors, content strategists, and designers who work together to deliver impactful and informative content to our audience. We are a passionate group with a keen interest in television, film, and the performing arts, and our mission is to support our community of actors, performers, and creatives looking to manage and grow their careers. We believe in a work environment that is inclusive, transparent, and motivating. We enjoy a casual approach while taking the work seriously. We strive to be nimble and curious, to try new ideas, and test different approaches to create a path to success.

The Design Director will report to Backstage's Editorial Director.

What You'll Do:

• Develop and execute a cohesive visual identity for the magazine, including cover packages, features, and front of book pages
• Organize and direct all cover photo shoots with celebrity talent from pre- to post-production and print
• Commission and create original artwork, including illustrations, infographics, and other design elements
• Generate innovative design concepts that align with editorial goals and resonate with our audience across web print and social platforms
• Build and maintain relationships of excellent photographers in major markets like NYC, L.A. and London
• Oversee the production of all magazine elements prior to going to press
• Manage contracts and process invoices in a timely manner
• Negotiate rates with vendors, studio, site locations, photo agencies and labs
• Uphold and maintain brand standards across all editorial products
• Supervise the Art Director and all contract designers, fostering their professional development, and ensuring consistent and high-quality work.
• Oversee the art production process, working closely the ED to make sure it's systems are working efficiently, the team has the resources they need, and the work is being distributed in an effective manner
  
  

What we're looking for from you:

• 7+ years experience as a manager-level designer working across print and web
• Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite
• A distinct and creative eye for print + web design and photography
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with talent reps, designers, photographers and other editors
• Ability to meet tight deadlines
• Meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate as a cross-functional team member
• Interest in film, television, theater, and the business thereof
  
  

Compensation is commensurate with various factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, qualifications, skills, training, licensure, certifications, geographic cost of labor, and other business and organizational needs. Compensation range for candidates in other locations may differ based on the cost of labor in that location.

The compensation range for this position is:

$90,000—$110,000 USD

Benefits

Cast & Crew provides a comprehensive package of employee benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, health and wellness programs, employee discounts, and more! Note: Cast & Crew benefits are subject to eligibility requirements.

Due to the high volume of applicants, it is likely that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

CA residents: Your personal information may be collected in connection with certain services provided by Cast & Crew or its affiliated companies. A summary of your California privacy rights can be found at: https://www.castandcrew.com/privacy-policy/

Cast & Crew is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job-related qualifications and ability to perform a job, without regard to age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship or marital status, and to maintain a non-discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment or bias based upon these grounds.