Managing Consultant, Art Director

Turn bold ideas into meaningful creative work that helps leading organizations communicate a more sustainable future.

ERM is seeking a highly talented and detail-oriented Art Director with an impressive portfolio to join our growing global design team. This client-facing role may work remotely within the Eastern or Central time zones or in a hybrid model, with a preference for three days in person near our Knoxville office. As Art Director, you will lead creative work spanning stakeholder engagement campaigns, brand storytelling, digital experiences, sustainability reporting, and pitch and agency deck design/layout, creating high-impact work from initial concept through final execution.

ERM Marketing & Communications Agency exists to give organizations building a sustainable future a market advantage. This role offers the opportunity to blend world-class creative work with work that truly matters, alongside people who are as genuine as they are talented.

You will help Fortune 500 companies communicate some of their most important environmental and social initiatives while partnering with multidisciplinary teams across a global organization.

As Art Director, you will work under the direction of the Creative Director and collaborate with other Art Directors, graphic designers, project managers, and consultants to lead design on client engagements from creative concept through execution.

You will lead, mentor, and develop graphic designers; provide clear expectations and feedback; build trusted client relationships; and bring strategic creative thinking to digital, print, interactive, branding, and communications work.

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or equivalent experience.
• 4-6+ years of professional graphic design experience.
• 2+ years of leadership experience.
• A seasoned design professional; agency experience preferred.
• Strength in people leadership.
• Exceptional portfolio showcasing digital, print, interactive, and branding work.
• Superior understanding of design principles, typography, and page layout.
• Extreme attention to detail and proven commitment to quality control.
• Interest in working with a variety of creative professionals, including writers, strategists, and digital designers.
• Strength in client communications and leading design-focused discussions.
• Self-motivated, with personal initiative, a flexible attitude, and the ability to multitask and work with shifting deadlines.
• Collaborative and generous with colleagues and invested in the team’s success as much as your own.
• Open to input, feedback, and collaboration with colleagues, fellow creatives, and clients.
• Able to work extended hours when necessary.
• Conscientious with high attention to detail.
• Versed in digital strategies and best practices while continuously looking for unexpected new ways to engage users.
• Eager to expand and grow your skill set and experience as a creative professional.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including diplomacy, tact, and assertiveness, as well as the ability to manage up and communicate effectively.
• Ability to handle conflict and manage difficult conversations internally and externally.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team and perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Integrates Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) into leadership culture.

• Marketing, communications, and advertising experience.
• Ability to communicate complex information to a broad audience of internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience estimating design budgets.
• Familiarity with AI design tools.
• Data and info graphic design experience.
• Experience with major social and digital engagement platforms.
• Accessibility experience for websites and PDFs.
• Experience with multi-page editorial layout design, including annual/sustainability reports, books and magazines.
• Proficiency with Mac OS, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Microsoft Office.
• Solid understanding of UX/UI design for digital experiences.
• Knowledge of CSS and HTML.
• Retouching capabilities.
• Experience with Slack, Teams, and  project management software.
• Experience managing outside vendors, including design, photography, video, developers and printing.
• Video and animation production.
• Illustration.
• 3D rendering.
• Working knowledge of Workiva and InDesign integration.
• Sustainability experience.
• Consulting experience.

• Lead, mentor, and develop our graphic designers, creating an environment where people can do…