Temporary Design Director, Oprah Daily at Hearst

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Temporary Design Director, Oprah Daily Company: Hearst Location: United States Job Type: Full time, Temporary Category: Design Operations / Creative Operations Date Posted: 2025-08-06T14:02:45 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

This role is critical for the visual execution of Oprah Daily's holiday print issue, requiring a strong understanding of editorial design principles and a keen eye for aesthetic detail.
The position demands a collaborative approach, working closely with cross-functional teams including art, photography, and editorial to ensure a cohesive and impactful final product.
Success in this role hinges on the ability to translate creative concepts into compelling visual narratives suitable for a high-profile print publication.
The temporary nature of this role suggests a project-based focus on a specific, high-impact deliverable within a defined timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data suggests a "Design Director" title, the description and AI-derived skills point towards a role that is more focused on the execution and art direction of a specific print issue rather than overall design strategy for the entire publication. This is common for temporary or project-based roles in media. The "Operations" aspect here relates to the operational execution of the creative process within a media company.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end design process for the Oprah Daily holiday print issue, from concept development through to final print-ready files.
Collaborate closely with the Creative Director to interpret and execute the overall vision for the holiday issue, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and editorial content.
Direct and manage the work of art and photo teams, providing clear guidance on visual direction, layout, and image selection to achieve specific editorial goals.
Develop and refine page layouts, typography, and graphic elements to create an engaging and visually appealing reader experience.
Ensure all design elements are optimized for print production, adhering to technical specifications and quality standards.
Manage project timelines and deliverables for the design aspects of the holiday issue, coordinating with editorial and production teams to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Director" title and the specific project focus (holiday print issue), responsibilities are inferred to include not just design execution but also team oversight and project management within the creative workflow.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field is typically expected for a directorial role in design. Experience: 2-5 years of progressive experience in editorial design, preferably within magazine publishing or a related media environment, with a demonstrated ability to lead design projects.

Required Skills:

Editorial Design Expertise: Proven ability to design compelling layouts for print publications, with a strong understanding of typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.
Art Direction & Photo Styling: Experience in art directing photo shoots and selecting imagery that aligns with editorial narratives and brand aesthetic.
Collaborative Workflow Management: Proficiency in working effectively within cross-functional teams (editorial, photo, production) to achieve project goals.
Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Advanced skills in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator are essential for executing high-quality print design.
Print Production Knowledge: Understanding of print production processes, including pre-press, color correction, and file preparation.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with digital design tools and workflows for potential cross-platform synergy.
Familiarity with Oprah Daily's brand voice and aesthetic.
Project management skills for tracking design tasks and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-derived skills "Design," "Collaboration," "Art Direction," "Photo Editing," and "Editorial Design" strongly indicate the core competencies required. Experience level is inferred from the "Design Director" title combined with the typical career progression in creative fields.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A curated portfolio showcasing successful print design projects, with a focus on editorial layouts and a clear demonstration of art direction capabilities.
Specific examples of magazine spreads, feature layouts, or special issue designs that highlight visual storytelling and aesthetic appeal.
Case studies or project descriptions that detail the design process, challenges faced, and solutions implemented, emphasizing collaboration with editorial and photo teams.
Demonstration of ability to manage multiple design elements and maintain brand consistency across a publication.

Process Documentation:

Candidates may be asked to walk through their process for developing a design concept for a specific editorial piece.
Expectation to articulate how they manage feedback from stakeholders and iterate on designs to meet project objectives.
Ability to discuss their approach to briefing and guiding photographers or illustrators to ensure alignment with the overall design vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving the creation of a print issue, a strong portfolio is paramount. The emphasis is on demonstrating practical design execution, creative direction, and collaborative project management within a media context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a temporary, full-time role in the United States, a competitive hourly rate or project-based fee would be expected. For a Design Director with 2-5 years of experience in a major media market like New York (where Hearst is headquartered), an estimated range could be between $60 - $90 per hour, depending on specific experience and the scope of the holiday issue. This is an estimate and may vary based on Hearst's internal compensation structure and the candidate's qualifications.

Benefits: As a temporary employee, benefits may vary. Typically, temporary roles might not include comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans, though some companies offer limited benefits. Specific details would need to be confirmed with Hearst.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, implying approximately 40 hours per week. However, given the project-driven nature of magazine production, especially for a special issue, there may be a need for flexibility and potential overtime to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on general industry standards for temporary design leadership roles in major US markets, considering the specified experience level. Specific benefits for temporary positions are typically less extensive than for permanent roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media and Publishing, specifically within a large, established media conglomerate (Hearst). Oprah Daily operates within the lifestyle and entertainment content space, known for its aspirational and inspirational tone. Company Size: Hearst is a large, global corporation with a substantial workforce, implying a structured environment with established processes. Oprah Daily, as a brand within Hearst, likely has a more focused, team-oriented culture. Founded: Hearst was founded in 1887, indicating a long-standing presence and deep roots in the media industry. Oprah Daily, as a newer venture, benefits from this established infrastructure while cultivating its own brand identity.

Team Structure:

The Design Director will report to the Creative Director, indicating a clear hierarchy within the creative department.
The role requires close collaboration with dedicated art, photo, and editorial teams, suggesting a project-team structure where individuals from different departments are brought together for specific deliverables like the holiday issue.
Expect a dynamic environment where creative professionals work closely to produce high-quality content under deadlines.

Methodology:

The creative process likely involves initial concepting and mood boards, followed by layout development, content integration, and iterative feedback loops.
Emphasis will be placed on data-informed design decisions where possible (e.g., reader engagement metrics for past issues), but creative vision and editorial direction will likely lead.
Workflow management and clear communication are critical to coordinating the various stages of print production.

Company Website: https://www.hearst.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Information about Hearst's scale and history provides context for the operational environment. The specific brand, Oprah Daily, implies a focus on quality, inspiration, and a certain aesthetic that candidates should be aware of.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level to senior-level project-based role, classified as a "Director" level within a specific creative function for a defined project scope. It offers a leadership opportunity on a high-visibility project. Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Creative Director, providing a clear line of supervision and creative guidance. Collaboration with other department heads (photo, editorial) is also a key aspect of the reporting and working relationship. Operations Impact: The Design Director's work directly impacts the visual appeal and reader engagement of a key print publication. Successful design execution is crucial for brand perception, advertising appeal, and overall reader satisfaction, contributing indirectly to revenue generation and brand loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

Portfolio Enhancement: Successfully completing this project will significantly bolster a designer's portfolio with a high-profile publication credit.
Networking: Opportunities to build professional relationships with key figures in the magazine industry at Hearst and within the Oprah Daily brand.
Specialized Skill Development: Deepening expertise in editorial design for print, art direction, and project management within a fast-paced media environment.
Potential for Future Projects: Successful completion of this temporary role could lead to further project-based opportunities or even consideration for permanent roles within Hearst, depending on performance and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for a creative professional to gain experience with a prestigious brand and to showcase their leadership and design execution skills on a tangible, high-impact project.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, suggesting a traditional office environment within Hearst's corporate structure. This typically means a professional, collaborative workspace designed for media and creative professionals. Office Location(s): While the specific office location within the United States is not detailed, major media companies like Hearst often have headquarters and major operations centers in large metropolitan areas, such as New York City. Workspace Context:

Expect a collaborative desk-sharing or individual workspace environment conducive to creative work and team interaction.
Access to standard office amenities and creative resources, including design software and possibly print proofing facilities.
Opportunities for in-person collaboration with the Creative Director, art team, photo team, and editorial staff, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is expected to be standard full-time office hours (approx. 40 hours/week), but flexibility may be required to meet the demands of a print publication's production cycle, especially leading up to deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the collaborative and hands-on nature of the role, which is typical for creative direction and design execution in print media.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative fit.
Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, highlighting relevant editorial design and art direction experience. Be prepared to discuss your process, your role in team collaborations, and how you approach creative challenges.
Creative/Technical Interview: Discussion with the Creative Director and potentially other team members to evaluate design sensibility, technical skills, and understanding of the Oprah Daily brand.
Project-Specific Discussion: Potential for a small design exercise or a discussion about how you would approach specific design challenges for the holiday issue.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate editorial design, art direction, and collaboration.
Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the objective, your role, the creative process, challenges, solutions, and the final impact.
Highlight Collaboration: Specifically mention how you worked with editorial and photo teams.
Print Focus: Ensure your selected pieces include high-quality examples of magazine spreads or similar print layouts.
Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to speak in detail about your design choices, software proficiency, and print production understanding.

Challenge Preparation:

Familiarize yourself with recent issues of Oprah Daily to understand its visual style, tone, and content.
Be prepared to discuss current trends in editorial design and how they might apply to a holiday-themed issue.
Think about how you would approach translating editorial copy and photography into visually compelling layouts under time constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for creative roles heavily relies on the portfolio. Candidates must be prepared to articulate their creative process and collaborative approach.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe InDesign: Essential for page layout, typography, and overall magazine design. Mastery is expected.
Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image editing, retouching, color correction, and graphic creation.
Adobe Illustrator: Used for creating vector graphics, logos, and other design elements.

Analytics & Reporting: Not directly applicable to this creative role's primary function, but understanding reader engagement metrics from past issues might inform design choices.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this role's core responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is a fundamental requirement for any print design role, especially at a directorial level.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Creativity & Excellence: A commitment to producing visually stunning and high-quality content that aligns with the Oprah Daily brand.
Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and open communication across creative and editorial departments.
Efficiency & Timeliness: Adherence to strict deadlines and efficient workflow management to ensure timely publication.
Brand Integrity: Upholding the aspirational and inspirational values associated with Oprah Winfrey and the Oprah Daily brand.

Collaboration Style:

Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers, art directors, photographers, and editors work in close partnership.
Open feedback and constructive criticism are likely part of the process to refine designs.
A proactive approach to communication and problem-solving within the project team is valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the brand values and collaborative style is key to fitting into the Oprah Daily team, even for a temporary role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Tight Deadlines: The primary challenge will be delivering a high-quality print issue under a compressed timeline, typical for special editions.
Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Standards: Ensuring the design is innovative and engaging while strictly adhering to Oprah Daily's established aesthetic and editorial direction.
Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively managing diverse creative inputs and feedback from multiple stakeholders to achieve a cohesive final product.
Remote Collaboration (if applicable): If any team members are remote, ensuring seamless communication and design handoffs will be crucial.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

High-Profile Project Experience: Gaining experience working on a publication associated with a globally recognized brand.
Industry Best Practices: Learning and applying best practices in editorial design, art direction, and print production within a leading media company.
Networking: Building connections within the publishing industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the fast-paced nature of magazine production, offering significant learning experiences for the candidate.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe your process for designing a magazine cover or a key feature spread for a lifestyle publication. How do you incorporate editorial content and photography?"
"How do you collaborate with editors and photographers to achieve a cohesive visual story? Can you provide an example?"
"Imagine we have a specific feature that needs to feel both festive and sophisticated for the holiday issue. What design elements would you consider, and how would you approach it?"
"How do you stay updated on design trends, and how would you balance current trends with the established Oprah Daily brand aesthetic?"

Company & Culture Questions:

"What is your understanding of the Oprah Daily brand, and what excites you about contributing to its holiday issue?"
"How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs from stakeholders?"
"Describe a time you had to manage competing priorities or tight deadlines on a creative project. How did you ensure success?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Storytelling: Frame your portfolio pieces as mini case studies, explaining the brief, your role, your process, and the outcome.
Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is clean, professional, and visually appealing, reflecting your design skills.
Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most relevant work efficiently, focusing on quality over quantity.
Engagement: Be ready to answer questions about your work and engage in a discussion about design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your creative process, collaborative approach, and how your design philosophy aligns with the Oprah Daily brand.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link.
Portfolio Submission: Ensure your resume includes a link to your online portfolio. If the application system allows for attachments, include a PDF version of your portfolio tailored to include relevant editorial and print design work.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in editorial design, art direction, magazine layout, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, and collaborative project experience. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed 12 feature spreads for X publication").
Company Research: Thoroughly review the Oprah Daily website and recent issues to understand its visual language, content themes, and brand voice. This will be crucial for interviews and any potential design exercises.
Prepare for Portfolio Walkthrough: Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on your process, collaborative efforts, and design rationale.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Temporary Design Director, Oprah Daily