Job Title: Associate Art Director - Photo & Video

Job Level: Senior-Level

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Job Location: Cotopaxi HQ: Salt Lake City, Utah

Job Compensation: $85-100k

About Cotopaxi:

Cotopaxi is a B Corporation that makes adventure travel gear to empower people to see the world and make it better. Our Gear for Good^Ⓡ promise is to make our products as ethically, sustainably, and durably as possible, while having a positive social, environmental, and economic impact. We dedicate 1% of revenue to the Cotopaxi Foundation, which supports nonprofit partners with proven track records of alleviating poverty. Through our Foundation to date, we have helped more than 4.25 million individuals experiencing extreme poverty. For more information, visit www.cotopaxi.com.

Cotopaxi is a company that values people, innovation, and adventure and our work environment reflects just that. Whether you are working from one of our retail stores, our headquarters, your couch at home, or even your van in the woods, you’ll feel the camaraderie of our amazing team of visionaries, builders and go-getters. We are a team of adventurous, mission-driven people looking to prove that business CAN be a force for good.

Job Overview (What This Role Is All About):

Cotopaxi is seeking an Associate Art Director of Photo & Video to lead the visual direction for our photography and future video production. You will own the look and feel of our ecommerce, studio, and local lifestyle shoots, ensuring every image aligns with Cotopaxi’s vibrant, story-driven brand. This is a hands-on role that will require you to be on set several days a week, collaborating closely with our Lead Photographer and Junior Producer to bring seasonal campaigns and evergreen content to life.

In partnership with the VP of Creative Design, Associate Art Director of Integrated Campaigns, and Creative Services Manager, you’ll help maintain and elevate our visual standards across all channels. While your primary focus will be photography, there's an opportunity to shape campaign concepts and influence Cotopaxi’s evolving approach to in-house video. We’re looking for someone with strong visual taste, a love for production, and the ability to create high-impact work with scrappy, resourceful energy.

Job Responsibilities (How You’ll Make An Impact):

• Lead the conceptual and visual direction for all Cotopaxi photography - including ecommerce, lifestyle, product, and paid media content.
• Art direct studio and on-location shoots 3–4 days a week in close collaboration with the Lead Photographer and Junior Producer.
• Partner across Product, Marketing, and Creative teams to translate seasonal narratives into bold, story-driven imagery that captures attention and reflects Cotopaxi’s unique identity.
• Collaborate with fellow creatives - including the Associate Art Director of Integrated Campaigns, and the Senior Graphic Designer - to shape visual concepts for seasonal campaigns and performance media.
• Translate briefs into actionable creative plans, crafting shot lists, mood boards, and styling direction to guide each production.
• Lead styling, casting, and creative direction on shoots, ensuring cultural relevance and alignment with current visual and fashion trends.
• Scout and select locations that enhance storytelling and embody the Cotopaxi spirit.
• Oversee the editing, retouching, and selection process to maintain a high standard of quality, consistency, and brand alignment across all visual assets.
• Develop and maintain updated photo style guidelines to support internal teams and external partners in upholding a consistent visual language.
• Collaborate with the VP of Creative Design to shape the future of Cotopaxi’s in-house video strategy, helping define tone, direction, and creative process.
• Manage, mentor, and inspire a resourceful, high-performing team - including a Lead Photographer and Junior Producer - while supporting hiring as the team expands.
• Foster a photo team culture that values creativity, inclusivity, experimentation, and continuous growth.
• Uphold Cotopaxi’s core values by leading with integrity, empathy, and respect in every interaction.

The Ideal Candidate (What You’ll Bring to the Table):

• Bachelor’s Degree in Photography, Art Direction, Visual Communication, or a related field preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in art direction, commercial photography, or visual content creation.
• 3+ years in a photo-heavy creative role (agency or in-house) with significant on-set experience.
• A strong portfolio showcasing lifestyle and/or eCommerce photography direction.
• Experience working with direct-to-consumer, outdoor, or mission-driven brands is a big plus.
• Well-versed in the full photo production process, from mood board to post-production.
• Confident and experienced leading photo shoots from concept through final asset delivery, both in studio and on location.
• Skilled in managing photo production teams, including stylists, photographers, producers, and talent.
• Familiar with video production workflows and excited to help shape Cotopaxi’s in-house video capabilities.
• Proficient in Capture One, Lightroom, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• A visual storyteller with a sharp eye for composition, color, light, and brand identity.
• Constantly inspired - you draw creative energy from everywhere, including unexpected places.
• An excellent listener who can absorb input from cross-functional teams and translate ideas into compelling visual direction.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to juggle high-volume, fast-turn content alongside large-scale campaigns.
• Informed and curious - you stay current on visual trends and constantly seek to elevate your work.

Job Benefits (The Perks):

We deeply care about our employees and are proud of our commitment and investment in our team. We prioritize wages and benefits and always keep the employee experience in mind as we work to create a quality work-life balance for everyone.

Here is a snapshot of the benefits we provide:

Core Benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision benefits with HSA, FSA, and DCSA options.
• Company paid basic life insurance with the option to purchase additional coverage.
• Voluntary short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Voluntary accident and critical illness insurance.
• Company paid employee assistance program.

Wellness Benefits:

• Company paid mental health benefits.
• Company paid volunteer time.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Unlimited responsible PTO.
• In The Wild Days: Two company-wide days off to recharge, reconnect, and embrace what inspires you.

Uniquely Us:

• Enjoy deep product discounts with 60% off Cotopaxi gear—perfect for living out your next adventure in style.
• Gear up for the outdoors with exclusive discounts from partner outdoor and lifestyle brands.
• Grow personally and professionally through thoughtfully curated learning and development opportunities.
• Stay connected and celebrate often with regular in-person and virtual events that bring our team together, no matter where you work.
• Be part of a vibrant, values-driven culture that champions people, innovation, and adventure in everything we do.

As a mission-driven brand, Cotopaxi is not only hyper aware of but also deeply invested in putting people first and paving the way as a humanitarian brand. We welcome, embrace and celebrate all people regardless of gender, age, race, disability, nationality, ethnicity, faith, or sexual orientation. We believe in Doing Good, and how we’re involved with that has no limits.

No matter what experience you have within the outdoor industry we encourage you to apply. At Cotopaxi we believe that experience comes from a variety of places. We look for individuals who thrive on challenges, are passionate about doing good, and believe that collaboration and radical candor are necessary for success. Show us how your experiences have shaped you and how you can contribute to Cotopaxi in our mission to Do Good. We can’t wait for you to share with us your personal story!

Cotopaxi participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.