Contributing Art Director

Role Overview

Edutopia, a widely read source of videos and stories focused on effective practices in education, is looking for a creative and adaptable Contributing Art Director. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about compelling editorial visuals, contemporary social-first design, and advanced data visualizations, along with other creative initiatives.

You will partner closely with the Art Director and help shape visual output across the organization. The work calls for someone who can juggle varied priorities, communicate clearly, and turn complex ideas into fresh, audience-friendly visual solutions for pre-K-12 educators and parents.

This is a fully remote contract opportunity reporting to the Art Director. The position averages about 30 hours per week and pays $60-$70 per hour, depending on experience and location. Candidates must be able to overlap working hours with team members on both the East and West Coasts.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop eye-catching custom collages and other art treatments that support stories and meet deadlines.
• Commission and guide illustrators, photographers, and other creative contractors to produce polished visual assets for web content.
• Handle several design assignments at once across editorial, social, and product work while keeping schedules on track.
• Work with editorial colleagues and the Art Director to keep the organization’s website and social channels visually strong, current, and relevant to the audience.
• Find and select strong stock imagery for daily publishing needs.
• Support the Art Director with additional creative duties such as photo research and development of visual collateral for social and community use.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual arts, or a related discipline, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in editorial or publishing settings, supported by a strong portfolio that shows range in typography, illustration, and other visual areas.
• Reliable availability during key working hours aligned with either the East Coast or West Coast.
• Proven experience directing multiple outside creatives at the same time.
• Strong editorial illustration skills, with the ability to build custom visuals in a variety of styles.
• Comfort using Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as Figma.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, plus the ability to incorporate feedback effectively.
• A meticulous approach and a consistent commitment to high-quality output.
• Preferred: familiarity with stock and wire photo services.
• Preferred: experience with commissioning and producing photography.
• Preferred: awareness of current visual trends and enthusiasm for experimentation.
• Preferred: familiarity with hand-lettering and social media design.

Perks and Terms

This is a contract role, so standard employee benefits are not provided.

Compensation is $60-$70 per hour, paid for an average of approximately 30 hours per week. Pay is based on experience and location.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit a short cover letter of 150 words or fewer explaining how they stay informed about editorial design trends and how they would apply that perspective in this role. A portfolio link and/or relevant work samples should also be included.

About the Organization

Edutopia is part of the George Lucas Educational Foundation and focuses on improving prekindergarten through 12th grade education so students can gain and use the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they need to succeed in school, careers, and adult life.

Established in 1991 by filmmaker George Lucas, the Foundation supports its mission through Edutopia by using digital media and interactive technology to share effective educational practices. It is a nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) private foundation serving educational purposes and welcomes people committed to improving education.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The George Lucas Educational Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit-based factor.