Art Director – Commercial Print & Environmental Graphics
Full-Time | $100,000–$110,000/year | Hybrid (NYC Area-based)

About Vanguard
Vanguard is a leading enterprise marketing communications company with deep expertise in commercial printing and a sharp eye on what’s next. We build lasting partnerships by delivering high-impact visual solutions — whether on billboards, in branded environments, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, or direct-to-mail campaigns. Our team combines decades of print experience with a drive for continuous innovation.

Who You Are
We’re looking for an Art Director with at least 5+ years of experience guiding both the creative and technical execution of print-centric projects — from brochures, booklets, and direct mail to large-format signage, wayfinding systems, and immersive branded environments. You know how to bring visual identity to life not just digitally, but in physical, tangible ways — whether that’s an annual report or a ten-foot wall wrap.

This is a hands-on, client-facing role for someone who thrives in the details of design production, understands the nuances of substrates, scoring, folding, and variable data printing, and feels just as comfortable leading the layout of a textbook series as designing a vinyl installation across an office lobby.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute creative design projects across both traditional and large-format mediums, including brochures, direct mail, signage systems, exhibitions, wayfinding programs, and environmental graphics.
• Design for scale and impact, applying expert knowledge of typography, layout, and production methods to deliver polished, high-quality print materials across formats.
• Advise clients on production options—including substrate selection, binding styles, finishing techniques (e.g., spot UV, foil, scoring, folding), and USPS compliance such as tabbing, addressing zones, and variable barcode placement.
• Support high-volume, quick-turn projects like promotional collateral, marketing inserts, and branded templates, while maintaining consistency and precision under tight timelines.
• Attend client meetings and site visits to assess physical environments, gather specs, and provide installation direction and troubleshooting when needed.
• Mentor staff designers and collaborate closely with the design team to ensure quality and encourage creative growth.
• Work cross-functionally with sales, project management, and production teams to align design solutions with real-world constraints and delivery schedules.
• Champion innovation, embracing new design tools, automation, and AI-driven workflows to enhance quality, speed, and output.
• Contribute to project estimating by helping assess design feasibility and providing input on timelines and production costs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in graphic design with a portfolio that demonstrates both commercial print expertise (brochures, direct mail, catalogs, booklets) and large-format/environmental work (signage, murals, events, window vinyl, etc.).
• Deep understanding of print production processes including offset, digital, and large-format printing, as well as finishing methods like folding, die-cutting, binding, and lamination.
• Experience designing for variable data printing (VDP), including mail merges, personalization logic, and USPS mailing standards (tabbing, addressing, barcoding).
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop required; Acrobat and additional Adobe tools a plus).
• Strong working knowledge of substrates and fabrication techniques for both traditional and environmental applications.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, B2B environment, delivering on-brand creative with attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present to clients and lead internal team discussions.
• Experience mentoring designers or leading creative projects is preferred.
• Willingness to travel locally within the NYC area for client meetings, walkthroughs, and installations.
• Familiarity with estimating software or print spec workflows is a plus.

Important Note
Portfolio submission is required to be considered for this role. Please include a curated portfolio file or link showcasing both traditional print and large-format/environmental projects.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Graphic design: 5 years (Required)
• Print advertising: 5 years (Required)
• Environmental design: 3 years (Required)
• Production design: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• New York, NY 10018 (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Required)

Work Location: In person