Art Director - Print (WHBM)

With approximately 1,300 boutiques and outlets throughout the U.S., as well as an online presence for each of our brands, it takes sophisticated technology, resources and infrastructure to ensure the continued success of our businesses. From finance and accounting to technology and merchandising careers, we have diverse opportunities available for talented professionals to join our team of nearly 16,000 associates who share our commitment to excellence.

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

The Art Director partners with Creative Leaders: Creative Director and Senior Art Directors to execute elevated, brand-right creative across print and omni-channel marketing while maintaining the integrity of the brand.

This is a highly hands-on design role requiring exceptional print expertise, strong typography and layout skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. The ideal candidate is proactive, collaborative, fashion-savvy, and able to translate established creative direction into compelling, production-ready marketing materials.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and execute print marketing assets including direct mail, catalogs, retail signage, in-store marketing, promotional collateral, and supporting omni-channel materials.
• Translate approved creative briefs and direction into elevated, on-brand, production-ready designs that support seasonal campaigns and business objectives.
• Prepare accurate files ready to pass to Production Artists, ensuring proper typography, layout, color management, image quality, file specifications, and overall production accuracy.
• Apply and maintain brand standards consistently across all creative executions while ensuring exceptional attention to detail.
• Collaborate with Creative Directors, Senior Art Directors, Graphic Designers, Copywriters, Merchandising, Marketing, Production Artists, and external partners to deliver high-quality creative.
• Present and articulate design concepts, recommendations, and rationale to creative and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Proactively develop thoughtful, creative solutions that elevate the work while supporting business objectives and established brand direction.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously in a high-volume environment, effectively prioritizing competing deadlines, revisions, and shifting business needs.
• Incorporate feedback efficiently while maintaining creative integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Organize files and creative assets following established team workflows and production standards.
• Share best practices and support junior designers and production partners to maintain a high standard of creative excellence.
• Stay informed of trends in fashion, luxury, retail, typography, editorial design, and visual communications, leveraging industry insights, competitive inspiration, and a strong visual point of view to inform design decisions and continuously elevate creative output.
• This position may be found in multiple brands.  Some duties may vary from brand to brand.

QUALIFICATIONS:

•  Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• 5+ years of professional design experience within a fashion, retail, agency, or luxury creative environment.
• Extensive print design experience is required.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in catalogs, direct mail, editorial layouts, retail marketing, in-store signage, and other print collateral.

• Experience developing production-ready creative assets, with a strong understanding of print production, prepress, color management, file preparation, and vendor-ready artwork.
• Knowledge of retouching workflows, including image markup, review, and approval.
• Experience with laydown photo shoots, including production planning and on-set art direction.

• • Agency experience or experience in a fast-paced retail creative environment is strongly preferred.
  • Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Adobe InDesign (required), Photoshop, and Illustrator; working knowledge of Figma preferred.
  • Strong understanding of typography, layout, visual hierarchy, and design craftsmanship with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize competing deadlines, and adapt to changing business needs in a fast-paced environment.
  • Self-motivated, proactive, and solutions-oriented, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to anticipate challenges.
  • Strong understanding of fashion, retail, editorial, and graphic design trends, with a refined aesthetic and customer-focused design sensibility.
  • Excellent presentation, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to clearly articulate creative decisions and build effective cross-functional partnerships.
  • Positive, collaborative team player who builds strong working relationships and contributes to an inspiring, creative team culture.

Chico’s FAS, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, lactation, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military service, veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law.