Associate Director, Art Director

THE ROLE

We’re looking for a talented and strategic Associate Director, Art Direction to join a fast‑paced, high‑performing team supporting one of our most visible, dynamic clients. This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who brings conceptual thinking, sharp visual design capabilities, and video‑first experience to the table.

As a key leader within the creative department, you will translate strategy into smart, engaging creative, mentor a multidisciplinary team of designers and creators, and partner closely with Copywriters, Video Editors, and Content Creators. Reporting to the Creative Director, you will ensure design excellence from kickoff through delivery and own your workstream, manage junior talent, and consistently raise the creative bar.

• Deliver High‑Impact Creative – Concept and design best‑in‑class digital creative across social and video, focusing on visual storytelling and performance.
• Mentor & Lead – Supervise and mentor junior and mid‑level Art Directors and Designers, providing constructive feedback to elevate the team’s output and foster growth.
• Support Video + Content Production – Contribute to pre‑production planning, support on‑set shoots, and collaborate with editors and designers in post‑production to ensure work is realized as intended.
• Partner Across Disciplines – Work closely with copywriters, strategists, producers, project managers, and client teams to align creative with brief goals, brand voice, and business objectives.
• Be a Problem Solver – Navigate ambiguity with CD support, adapt to shifting priorities, and bring proactive solutions to creative and production challenges.
• Cultivate Culture – Foster an inclusive, high‑energy environment, lead daily brainstorms and inspiration sessions, and own end‑to‑end production to meet timelines and briefs.

• 5+ years of experience in visual design with a strong portfolio showcasing digital campaigns, social‑first content, and video‑driven work.
• Prior social agency experience or a track record of navigating high‑volume, high‑visibility accounts.
• On‑set and content production experience, including work with video directors, editors, and producers.
• Generative AI mastery – hands‑on experience using advanced generative AI platforms (Midjourney, Runway, Vizcom, Weavy, or equivalent).
• Performance‑driven creative execution – deep understanding of paid media ecosystems, conversion design, and data‑backed creative strategies.
• Multi‑channel social optimization – strong track record in developing native short‑form video content and paid ads tailored to user engagement and platform performance.
• Strong client presentation and communication skills, able to present ideas, take feedback, and advocate for great creative.
• Excellent design sensibility and strategic eye for layout, typography, motion, and branding; deep knowledge of social best practices.
• A proactive, collaborative mindset that contributes energy to brainstorms and supports teammates with generosity and respect.
• A creative portfolio demonstrating a range in digital, video, and the ability to turn strategy into scroll‑stopping creative.

• Healthcare, dental, and vision coverage
• PTO
• Paid company holidays

DEPT® is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We believe our work is best when our people feel safe and free to be themselves. We’re committed to an inclusive, barrier‑free recruitment and selection process and workplace for all identities, backgrounds, beliefs, lifestyles, or disabilities. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected group status under any applicable law. DEPT® participates in E‑Verify.

US Remote – $122,000 – $160,000 USD (based on experience, physical location, and organizational impact).