Associate Creative Director

THE POSITION

The Associate Creative Director (ACD) holds responsibility in a variety of areas in the creative services department, working closely with the VP Creative to produce creative work that’s strategically on-target, of the appropriate end-quality, and above all, effective for our clients. They will inspire a skilled team of creative professionals to push boundaries, implement new ideas and work collaboratively to produce leading-edge creative that is on time and within budget.

The ACD oversees and contributes to both the traditional and digital creative product. They must possess a thorough understanding of omnichannel marketing as well as UI/UX design. Their role is to guide and review the development of the work for integrated campaigns to ensure consistency, conceptual integrity and client standards. The ACD will direct and motivate the creative team to transform concepts into creative solutions across different platforms.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy

Works in support of the VP Creative and VP Digital to set the direction and execute both short-term and long-term creative strategies
Assists in the process of creative strategy/concept/design and production execution

Concept and Design

Creative, conceptual, clever, courageous and consistent in solving the needs of our clients and their audiences
Concepts ‘big ideas’ alongside the creative team
Stays up to date with a passion and understanding for latest design trends and new technologies
Develops and executes brand campaign concepts (artistic vision, look and feel) that leverage strategic audience insights and can span across digital, social, print, broadcast and other media
Applies conceptual strategy, design, copywriting/editing, brainstorm facilitation and day-to-day shepherding of projects to completion
Understands branding and the importance of brand consistency in all communications including UI/UX design
Assembles style guides as needed to guide creative visions for projects
Implements design templates and master pages and creates styles based on design specs
Works with client graphic standards, designs appropriate for their brand and receives approval from senior management
Provides art direction on photo/video shoots
Concepts and manages projects while working within a budget

Communication/Management

Creative leader on brand, design, imagery
Manages illustrators, photographers and production artists on all assigned projects
Works closely with art directors and production artists reviewing their work and mentoring in design discipline
Interacts with clients as needed in a way that positively impacts the agency relationship, including presentation of new initiatives, concepts and campaigns
Collaborates with team members throughout the work process to foster, facilitate and consistently deliver great work that is on strategy, on time, and on budget
Exhibits excellent presentation skills and communication abilities at all levels of both internal and client groups
Mentors and inspires Art Directors and Designers to support the Creative Director and VP Digital
Directs a multidisciplinary team to produce projects
Coordinates with Creative Director and VP Creative to select vendors to bid
Maintains an awareness of status and project deliverables

QUALIFICATIONS

7+ years agency experience in creative services
Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication Design or related field required
Well-rounded portfolio of innovative work both print and digital web based
Prior success in project management, supervisory leadership, and operational management preferred
Healthcare and/or agency knowledge and experience preferred
Creative awards a plus
Experience in mentoring art directors, designers, copywriters and production artists

REQUIREMENTS

Highly conceptual thinking in both visual and interactive design
Strong desire to define the look and feel of what is next in visual and interactive design and an interest in the latest design trends, technology and social media
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to articulate and sell a creative idea with enthusiasm and knowledge
Ability to see others’ point of view and cope with criticism
Excellent creative writing and editing skills a plus
Desire to produce award-winning creative for each and every assignment
Proactive, self-motivated and collaborative
Reliable, professional, assertive, extremely organized with keen attention to detail to prioritize in order to meet deadlines
Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite and Interactive Design Software
Proven digital experience and successful experience in UI/UX design
Proficient in designing front-end web solutions and basic knowledge of HTML and CSS a plus
HubSpot or Email Marketing Experience also an added bonus