Associate Director, Art Director

DEPT

$122K — $160K *
US-Anywhere
+ 2 other locationsRemote
Media
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in visual design with a strong portfolio of digital and video content
  • Experience handling high-profile, high-volume accounts in a social agency setting
  • On-set production experience with video directors and content creators
  • Expertise in generative AI tools for creative production
  • Strong understanding of paid media ecosystems and conversion design
  • Demonstrated ability to develop social-first short-form video and paid ads
  • Excellent communication skills for client presentations and feedback

Responsibilities

  • Concept and design high-impact digital creative for social media and video
  • Mentor and lead junior Art Directors and Designers, providing constructive feedback
  • Support video production from pre-production through post-production
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align creative work with brand and business goals
  • Solve creative challenges and adapt to changing project priorities
  • Cultivate an inclusive and energetic team culture through brainstorming and inspiration sharing
  • Own the creative execution process from concept to delivery, ensuring quality and efficiency

Benefits

  • Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage
  • 401K plan with matching
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Company Holidays
  • Parental Leave
Full Job Description
Associate Director, Art Direction

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 not only translate strategy into smart, engaging creative but also mentor a multidisciplinary team of designers and creators. You'll partner closely with Copywriters, Video Editors, and Content Creators, reporting to the Creative Director to ensure design excellence from kickoff through delivery. You'll play a crucial role in owning your workstream, managing junior talent, and consistently raising the creative bar.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives in creative collaboration, is autonomous in ideation, enjoys rolling up their sleeves to execute, and has a strong point of view on what makes effective content in the digital world.

.WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Deliver High-Impact Creative: Concept and design best-in-class digital creative across social, and video, with a strong focus on visual storytelling and performance.
  • Mentor & Lead: Act as a direct supervisor and mentor to junior and mid-level Art Directors and Designers. Provide clear, constructive feedback to creatives across disciplines (for example, to copy) to elevate the team's output and foster professional growth.
  • Support Video + Content Production: Contribute to pre-production planning, support on-set shoots, and collaborate with editors and 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.
  • Be a Problem Solver: Navigate ambiguity with CD support, adapt to shifting priorities, and bring proactive solutions to creative and production challenges. These solutions should come in the form of daily brainstorming and inspiration sharing with the team.
  • Cultivate Culture: Foster an inclusive, high-energy environment. Lead daily brainstorms and inspiration-sharing sessions to keep the team's creative pulse sharp.Manage Creative Execution: Own the work from end to end. Concepting and producing polished on-brand, performance-minded assets that meet timelines and briefs. As an Associate Director, Art Direction, you will lead by doing, driving execution while strategically delegating portions of our projects to our junior team members to support efficiency, mentorship and delivery while remaining accountable for the final output.

WHAT YOU BRING:
  • 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 relevant experience with a track record of navigating high-volume, high-visibility accounts.
  • On-set and content production experience (domestic or international), including working with video directors, editors, and producers.
  • Generative AI Mastery: Proven hands-on experience utilizing advanced generative AI platforms (including Midjourney, Runway, Vizcom, Weavy, or equivalent visual AI tools) to conceptualize, iterate, and scale creative production workflows.
  • Performance-Driven Creative Execution: Deep understanding of paid media ecosystems, conversion design, and data-backed creative strategies. Responsible for translating high-level marketing briefs into high-volume, scroll-stopping digital assets.
  • Multi-Channel Social Optimization: Strong track record in developing native short-form video content and paid ads tailored, optimizing assets for user engagement and platform algorithm performance.
  • 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. Additionally, deep knowledge of social best practices for optimal performance.
  • 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 range in digital, video, and ability to turn strategy into scroll-stopping creative.

WHAT DO WE OFFER?
  • Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage
  • 401K plan, plus matching
  • PTO
  • Paid Company Holidays
  • Parental Leave

#LI-Remote

The anticipated salary range for this position is listed below. Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, expertise, physical location, and organizational impact. This is based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling. Keep in mind, we're flexible.

US Remote Range

$122,000-$160,000 USD

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