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About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Associate Creative Director (Art Focus) to lead and shape the agency's creative output. This role is for a seasoned art director ready to take on more leadership responsibility while remaining hands-on with the work. You will develop bold concepts, refine visual storytelling, and mentor design and art teams across various campaigns. You will partner with copy leads, strategy, and account teams to deliver integrated ideas that are strategically sharp, visually stunning, and culturally resonant, balancing hands-on work with team leadership.

Responsibilities

Partner with Creative Directors to lead the art direction and design vision across multiple accounts.
Drive the development of campaign concepts, mood boards, storyboards, style frames, and visual systems.
Inspire and oversee junior and mid-level art directors/designers, elevating their craft and pushing for excellence.
Generate fresh, innovative ideas for integrated campaigns (digital, social, broadcast, experiential, print, OOH).
Contribute hands-on art direction and design, ensuring craft and attention to detail in all deliverables.
Direct photography, illustration, video shoots, and other production elements to ensure strong visual storytelling.
Partner closely with copy-focused ACDs, strategists, and producers to develop unified campaign ideas.
Work with account management to align creative solutions with client objectives and brand strategy.
Collaborate with external production partners to execute campaigns at the highest level.
Confidently present creative concepts and design rationale to clients.
Build trust with clients by providing thoughtful, strategic, and visually compelling solutions.
Mentor junior team members, providing constructive feedback and guidance.
Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and design-driven creative culture.

Requirements

6–9 years of experience in art direction/design within an advertising agency or creative environment.
Strong portfolio showcasing integrated campaigns and design excellence across multiple channels.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and familiarity with design/prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch).
Deep understanding of typography, layout, color, photography direction, and emerging design trends.
Experience working across digital, social, and traditional media.
Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate creative ideas.
Experience mentoring and providing creative direction to junior talent.
Ability to work in the US; unable to sponsor work visas.

Skills

Adobe Creative Suite
Design/prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch)
Typography
Layout
Color theory
Photography direction
Emerging design trends
Presentation skills
Communication skills
Mentoring
Creative direction
Art direction
Design
Concept development
Visual storytelling
Team leadership
Client relationship management

Location

Work Type

Onsite
Full-time

Experience Level

Associate
6-9 years

Salary/Compensations

$175,000–$190,000

Benefits

Employer subsidized benefits package
Group medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Health Savings Account
401k retirement plan with annual company match
Employee wellness programs
Commuter benefits
Cellular phone allowance
Generous paid time off
Employee volunteer day

About the Company

M+C Saatchi SSK as part of M+C Saatchi Group has pledged its commitment to create a company that values difference, with an inclusive culture.
M+C Saatchi Group continues to be an Equal Opportunity Employer which does not and shall not discriminate, celebrates diversity and bases all hiring and promotion decisions solely on merit, without regard for any personal characteristics.
All employee information is kept confidential according to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Equal Opportunity

M+C Saatchi Group continues to be an Equal Opportunity Employer which does not and shall not discriminate, celebrates diversity and bases all hiring and promotion decisions solely on merit, without regard for any personal characteristics.
If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please make us aware as part of your application.