Director, Head of Art Direction

The Head of Art Direction is responsible for leading the creative vision, development, and execution of photography and video content across all customer-facing marketing channels. This role will work in close partnership with the GVP of Creative Marketing, Head of Brand Design, Creative Services and other cross-functional creative teams, to develop compelling on-model, campaign, and motion content that strengthens the Belk brand, supports business objectives, and drives customer engagement. The position oversees the creative direction of campaign photography, video production, lifestyle content, social-first assets, promotional marketing, and brand storytelling initiatives.
This leader combines strategic thinking with hands-on creative expertise to evolve Belk's visual identity while delivering high-quality content that supports key marketing initiatives, seasonal campaigns, omnichannel experiences, and growth objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Partner with Creative and Marketing leadership to develop and execute photography and video strategies that support brand and business objectives.
• Evolve and maintain Belk's photographic and motion visual identity across all customer touchpoints.
• Monitor industry, retail, fashion, lifestyle, and digital content trends to identify innovative creative opportunities.
• Lead creative execution for on-model, editorial, lifestyle, campaign, e-commerce, social, and promotional photography and video content.
• Partner with Marketing and Creative teams to support key launches, hero campaigns, retail initiatives, influencer collaborations, brand events, and tentpole marketing moments.
• Direct all aspects of photo and video shoots, including lighting, composition, talent direction, posing, movement/blocking, and narrowing image and footage selection.
• Support photography and video budget management and vendor relationships to maximize creative impact and operational efficiency.
• Provide creative direction throughout pre-production, production, and post-production to maintain visual quality and consistency.
• Review and approve final imagery, video edits, and retouching to ensure alignment with brand standards.
• Ensure all photography and video assets are delivered accurately, on time, and according to brand standards.
• Support the development of omnichannel marketing initiatives across digital, social, retail, print, broadcast, and emerging platforms.
• Help establish photography and video standards, workflows, and best practices that support efficient, high-quality content creation.
• Serve as a key creative partner in maintaining and evolving the brand's visual identity across photography and video.
• Champion innovation in photography, motion, editing technologies, and AI-enabled creative tools while maintaining authentic brand representation.
• Portfolio (photo and video) and social media handles are required for consideration.

Required for All Jobs

• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree in marketing, Advertising, Design, Visual Communications, Photography, Fine Arts, or related field, required.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• 10+ Years professional experience in photography, art direction, creative leadership, brand marketing, or related creative disciplines, required.
• 5+ Years leadership experience managing creative teams, agencies, freelancers, and production partners, required.
• 3+ Years retail and brand experience developing photography and video content for retail, fashion, lifestyle or consumer brands, required
• 3+ Years experience directing large-scale brand campaigns, seasonal storytelling, product launches, and integrated marketing iniatives, required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated expertise in photography, video production, visual storytelling, lighting, composition, and post-production workflows.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to translate business objectives into compelling creative concepts and campaigns.
• Blend of creative excellence, strategic thinking, and business acumen.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities with experience managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high creative standards.
• Demonstrated proficiency Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Experience with digital asset management systems and creative production workflows.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Up to 25% travel
• Available and able to travel for location shoots, campaign productions, vendor meetings, industry events, and business needs

Accessibility Guidelines:

Belkcareers.com is committed to making the on-line application experience easy and accessible to individuals with disabilities. We are constantly making improvements to comply with the spirit of the "Americans with Disabilities Act," and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. If any of the information on the belkcareers.com website is not accessible to you due to a disability, please contact us via email at [email protected]. Please provide the location of the inaccessible information and the format you wish to have the information presented and we will be happy to send it to you, either via your email address or a separate mailing address you provide. If you prefer, you may contact one of our friendly Shared Services representatives at 1-800-588-3700 and we will be happy to assist you with the application process.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Belk is an equal-opportunity employer committed to providing a workplace free from harassment or discrimination. All employment decisions are to be made without regard to race, color, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, hair style, hair texture, religion, marital status, pregnancy, national origin/ancestry, citizenship, physical/mental disability, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
 

Pay Range
$136,000 - $210,000

Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to achievements, skills, experience, or work location. The range listed is just one component of the compensation package offered to candidates.

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