Principal, Art Direction

WHY DEPT?  We are a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, we create what is next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further because standing still just is not in our DNA. We are drawn to people who stay curious, move with intent, and never stop inventing.

Our culture runs on three values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh
* t done. It is how we work, how we grow, and how we make things that matter. At DEPT, you will find the freedom to explore, the space to collaborate, and the trust to make a real impact for our clients, for each other, and for the world we are helping to build.

THE ROLE  We’re looking for a talented and strategic Principal, Art Director to join a fast‑paced, high‑performing team dedicated to one of our most visible and dynamic clients. This is a hands‑on role for someone who brings conceptual thinking, sharp design instincts, and video‑first experience to the table—someone who can translate strategy into smart, engaging creative that performs. You’ll partner closely with Copywriters and report into an Associate Creative Director, collaborating to bring creative briefs to life across digital, social, and video channels.

You’ll help shape campaign direction, lead visual execution, and ensure design excellence from kickoff through delivery. While you’re not the final decision‑maker, you’ll play a crucial role in guiding teammates, owning your workstream, and consistently raising the creative bar. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in creative collaboration, enjoys rolling up their sleeves to execute, and has a strong point of view on what makes effective content in today’s digital world.

This is your opportunity to help lead and shape creative for a bold, fast‑moving client while growing your influence as a creative leader. If you’re ready to make an impact and elevate your craft, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note:

This role requires someone to be onsite with the client in a hybrid capacity or willing to travel up to 50% to the Bay Area.
WHAT YOU’LL DO   Deliver High‑Impact Creative:
Concept and design best‑in‑class creative across digital, social, and video touchpoints, with a strong focus on visual storytelling and performance.
Support Video + Content Production:
Contribute to pre‑production planning, support on‑set shoots, and collaborate with editors and motion designers in post to ensure work comes to life as intended.
Partner Across Disciplines:
Work closely with copywriters, strategists, producers, project managers, and client teams to ensure creative aligns with brief goals, brand voice, and business objectives.
Manage Creative Execution:
Own your work from end to end—delivering polished, on‑brand, and performance‑minded assets on time and on brief.
Mentor Junior Talent:
Provide feedback and creative guidance to Art Directors and Designers, helping them grow while ensuring quality standards across deliverables.
Be a Problem Solver:
Navigate ambiguity with confidence, adapt to shifting priorities, and bring proactive solutions to creative and production challenges.
Embodied Team Culture:
Lead with curiosity, kindness, and accountability. You’ll play an active role in fostering an inclusive, collaborative team environment.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING   5–7 years of experience in visual design, with a strong portfolio showcasing digital campaigns, social‑first content, and video‑driven work.
Previous agency experience and a track record of working on high‑volume, high‑visibility accounts.
On‑set and content production experience (domestic or global), including working with video directors, editors, and producers.
Strong client presentation and communication skills—you can confidently present ideas, take feedback in stride, and advocate for great creative.
Excellent design sensibility and a strategic eye for layout, typography, motion, and branding.
A proactive, collaborative mindset—you bring energy to brainstorms, jump in where needed, and support your teammates with generosity and respect.
A creative portfolio that shows your eye for design, your…