Nova Sky Stories is hiring: Art Director in Boulder

At Nova Sky Stories, we empower artists and producers to bring awe and wonder to live audiences around the world. As the global leader in drone entertainment, we’ve been redefining live shows for over a decade—merging cutting‑edge drone technology with imaginative artistry.

With a veteran team of engineers and creatives, we design and operate lightweight, small, precise, and safe drones that perform in the most demanding environments—urban centers, extreme temperatures, and high winds. The result? Sky Stories that inspire, captivate, and transform the sky into a canvas of imagination.

About this role

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Art Director to define, inspire, and oversee the visual execution of our projects. This role serves as the central creative authority, translating client objectives and brand standards into compelling visual narratives. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on leader who can seamlessly bridge the gap between creative strategy, design execution, technical requirements, and client satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Define and oversee the visual direction for all assigned projects and campaigns.
• Inspire, mentor, and guide the design team, ensuring all work is on‑brand, meets the highest quality standards, and effectively achieves storytelling goals.
• Act as the primary creative lead and central point of communication between clients, the internal design team, and the production department.
• Drive the implementation of the overall creative strategy, ensuring consistency and innovation across all touchpoints.
• Manage client relationships and expectations, presenting concepts and rationale clearly and persuasively.
• Ensure the design output meets all technical, production, and budget requirements.
• Oversee the project lifecycle from concept through final delivery, ensuring a fully validated show/product is delivered on time.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in storytelling and concept creation.
• 3+ years of proven experience in leading, managing, and mentoring creative teams.
• 2+ years of specific design experience related to drone design (e.g., drone light shows, aerial visuals, drone cinematography, or similar specialized field).
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute a cohesive visual strategy.
• Exceptional presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Expert‑level knowledge of design software and production pipelines relevant to the industry.

How to be successful in this role

• Enthusiastic about the creative potential of drone technology
• Effective communication skills to articulate ideas and collaborate within teams
• Strong interpersonal skills with a team‑oriented approach
• Capacity to manage priorities, multitask, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Having an efficient and structured workflow
• Strong drive to experiment and innovate
• Quick learner with agility in adapting design approaches
• A results‑oriented, “can‑do” attitude with a focus on creative solutions
• Ability to provide and receive constructive, creative feedback across teams
• Willingness to collaborate closely with team members, clients, and external partners

Location

Denver, CO

Employment type

Full‑time

If you're ready to elevate drone shows into imaginative Sky Stories that ignite the skies and captivate audiences, we invite you to join the Nova Sky Stories team. Your passion for creative innovation, strong drive, and “get shit done” attitude will thrive in our dynamic and collaborative environment. Apply now and be part of a team that brings dreams to life through the art of drone storytelling.