[Hiring] Associate Director, Creative @Dept

Role Description

The Associate Director, Creative is a visual visionary and a tactical leader. You are responsible for defining the aesthetic direction of our key accounts and ensuring that every touchpoint, from social content to large-scale integrated campaigns, is visually stunning and strategically sound.

In this role, you bridge the gap between "the big idea" and "the beautiful execution." You are a master of craft who can still write, design, or art-direct high-stakes work, but you are equally focused on mentoring a team of designers, copywriters, and art directors to elevate their visual output.

You have a deep understanding of performance-driven creative built for growth marketing. You understand social-first creative thinking and the many unique platforms where paid social advertising happens.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in art direction or design within a creative agency or high-growth brand environment or related field.
• Showcasing a mastery of art direction, layout, typography, and integrated visual storytelling across various platforms.
• Deep understanding of performance creative best practices and various paid social marketing platforms.
• Experience leading small teams or overseeing the work of freelancers and junior creatives.
• Expert-level knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.) and familiarity with Figma, motion design, or emerging AI creative tools.
• Concepting skills and the ability to craft compelling campaigns or copy that fits within brand guidelines.
• The ability to ensure that every visual choice, from color palette to casting, serves the client’s business goals and brand identity.

Requirements

• Lead the visual evolution of brands, overseeing the art direction for pitches and flagship projects.
• Guide a team of junior to mid-level Art Directors and Designers, providing specific, craft-based feedback.
• Partner with creative strategy and media teams to craft compelling performance creative driven by data and creative instincts.
• Take ownership of the visual narrative across multi-channel campaigns.
• Lead the visual side of production, from selecting photographers and directors to overseeing color grading, retouching, and motion design.
• Act as the visual authority in client meetings, presenting design systems and art direction with passion and clarity.
• Partner with Creative leadership to evolve design workflows, establish quality standards, and identify new tools or AI-driven technologies.
• Foster an inclusive, design-forward culture that encourages experimentation, shared learning, and a relentless pursuit of visual excellence.

Benefits

• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401k plan, plus matching
• PTO
• Paid Company Holidays
• Parental Leave