Cond Nast is hiring: Director, Creative Production in New York

For more than 50 years, GQ has been the premier men's magazine, providing definitive coverage of style and culture. With its unique and powerful design, work from the finest photographers, and a stable of award-winning writers, GQ reaches millions of leading men each month. The only publication that speaks to all sides of the male equation, GQ is simply sharper and smarter.

Job Description

Location:
New York, NY

Role Overview:

GQ is seeking a dynamic and experienced video director to be a key stakeholder of our creative production efforts. This role is critical in shaping the visual narrative of GQ's flagship series, long-form content, social videos, and content-capture from IRL activations. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the creative production process, from pre-production planning to final post-production, and will thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct Flagship Series & Pilots: Direct and be additive to the creative vision and execution of GQ's most prominent video series, including video covers and upcoming "big swing" pilots, ensuring that each project aligns with the brand's expectation of the highest quality and resonates with our audience.
• Pre and Post-Production: Be embedded in the entire production lifecycle for both long-form and social video content. This includes brainstorming concepts with the development team, storyboarding, directing crew and talent, and driving creative through post-production.
• Visual Identity & Branding: Collaborate closely with the development and production teams to create and implement visual tags, title sequences, camera moves, and other signature elements for all GQ shows. Ensure that each show maintains a consistent and compelling visual identity that aligns with the GQ brand.
• Series Bible & Reference Deck Creation: Take the lead in developing comprehensive series bibles and reference decks for all major productions - specifically with video covers, and in collaboration with development on new series. These documents should clearly outline the creative vision, style guides, character breakdowns, references, and any other key elements that ensure consistency across episodes and platforms.
• Proof of Concept Creation: When pitching a creative concept, lead the effort to shoot and edit test footage, creating a visual reference that serves as a proof of concept. This will be used to showcase the feasibility and impact of the proposed ideas to stakeholders before full production begins.
• Resource Management: Help source and screen top-tier crew, equipment, and resources for all productions. Take full leadership on set, ensuring that each project is captured with precision and excellence.
• Budget & Timeline Management: Maintain tight control over creative production, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within financial constraints.
• Guidance & Mentorship: Provide mentorship and guidance to junior staff members, helping them develop their skills and grow within the team. Foster a supportive environment that encourages creativity, learning, and professional development.
• Strategy: Always has an eye on the larger goals of the video and how each video created impacts KPIs. Must be an expert in digital video and understand all nuances across multiple video platforms.
• Adaptability: Demonstrate the ability to pivot quickly in a fast-paced setting, managing tight turnarounds while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Qualifications:

• 7-10 years experience in video directing for a major publication or agency, with a strong portfolio showcasing your work in celebrity-driven long-form content and social videos.
• Proven track record of managing complex productions from inception to completion, including directing on set and overseeing post-production.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide a creative team.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, scheduling, and resource management.
• Experience in developing visual branding, creating series bibles, and producing reference decks.
• Ability to shoot and edit test footage to create compelling visual references for new concepts.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality.

The expected base salary range for this position is from $125,000-$140,000. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including but not limited to relevant skills, training, experience, and education.

In addition to salary and a generous employee benefits package, successful candidates may also be eligible to receive discretionary bonus compensation.

What happens next?

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply below, and we will review your application as soon as possible. You can update your resume or upload a cover letter at any time by accessing your candidate profile.

Cond Nast is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics.