General Summary
The Sr. Art Director is responsible for leading the art direction on monthly photo and video shoots, elevate ecommerce imagery, support the overall look and feel across graphics, and assist in executing creative across all brand channels including DTC, social, retail, activations, wholesale, and brand extensions.
Steve Madden is seeking a highly skilled and super creative Senior Art Director to work closely with the Creative Director in shaping the visual voice of the brand. This role is hands-on and leadership-driven — perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, loves creating imagery, and is ready to step into a key role with room to grow into an Associate Creative Director.
The responsibilities described below are considered essential functions of the role. This position is based in our LIC office and requires working on-site five days per week.
Key Responsibilities
Campaigns & Shoots
- Lead creative execution on monthly trend-driven DTC shoots, from concepting and casting to on-set direction and final selects
- Oversee PDP and ecommerce imagery, ensuring elevated styling, lighting, and brand cohesion
- Collaborate with stylists, photographers, and in-house teams to bring creative concepts to life across still and motion
Cross-Channel Brand Creative
- Support the Creative Director on brand moments including Market Week, seasonal campaigns, collabs, and in-store storytelling
- Provide input on retail signage, activations, and event design — from moodboards to execution
- Help develop visuals for social content, working with the digital team to bring polish and consistency across channels
Team & Process
- Mentor and guide junior designers, art directors, and freelancers
- Provide clear, actionable feedback and uphold a high standard of execution
- Partner with the Creative Director to streamline workflow and prioritize creative initiatives
- Confidently present and communicate ideas to internal stakeholders
- Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in related field
- Minimum of 6-8+ years experience in art direction within fashion, editorial, or creative agency
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- Proven ability to lead photo and video shoots, including casting, pre-pro, and on-set direction
- Strong portfolio showcasing campaign, social-first, and ecommerce content
- Fluency in design principles, layout, typography, and digital asset development
- Comfortable working across multiple projects and tight deadlines
- Collaborative spirit with a sharp eye and high taste level
- A deep love for trend, style, and culture — and a strong POV
The expected base salary for this position ranges from $180,000-$200,000. Ranges are based on various factors such as relevant skillset, training, years of experience related to the current job description, education, and our organizational structure. In addition to the base salary, Steve Madden offers a competitive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401K, paid holidays, a generous paid time-off policy, and career opportunities within a dynamic team.
Top Skills
What We Do
Steven Madden, Ltd. is globally recognized as a leading company in the fashion industry. What began as a modest $1100 investment in 1990 has developed into one of the most iconic brands in footwear. From a factory in Queens, NY, Steve Madden has revolutionized the shoe industry, merging years of experience with unique and creative designs. Inspired by rock and roll and his NY roots, Steve’s vision to provide on-trend women and men with an outlet to express their individuality is innovative, daring, and inspiring. Steve’s innate understanding of trends and unparalleled willpower have resulted in millions of customers worldwide and propelled his designs to the forefront of fashion.
In addition to marketing products under its own brands including Steve Madden®, Kurt Geiger London®, Dolce Vita®, Betsey Johnson®, Carvela®, Blondo® and ATM®, Steve Madden licenses footwear, handbags and other accessory categories for the Anne Klein® brand. In addition, Steve Madden designs and sources products under private label brand names for various retailers. Steve Madden’s wholesale distribution includes department stores, mass merchants, off-price retailers, shoe chains, online retailers, national chains, specialty retailers and independent stores. Steve Madden also directly operates brick-and-mortar retail stores and e-commerce websites. In addition, Steve Madden licenses certain of its brands to third parties for the marketing and sale of certain products in the apparel, accessory, and home categories.
With an emphasis on retail, wholesale, licensing and international business, there's a constant need for new ideas and versatility. Our environment is extremely fast paced and requires associates to maintain a balance of energy and professionalism. Steve Madden is about fashion-forward product and great people. Our employees are energized, intelligent and passionate about our business and committed to providing excellent customer service.
