Associate Creative Director, Art

Role Summary

The Associate Creative Director, Art partners with the Copy counterpart to shepherd the creative output of multiple brands, producing work that is Brave, Authentic, and Inspiring. Works closely with Copy, Account, Studio, and Creative Management to ensure client satisfaction with the quality, value, and responsiveness of our creative services. This is a hybrid role requiring commuting to Irvine, CA office at least 3 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Creative/Hands-on Work (60%)
  • Helps develop and review creative briefs with Copy and Account partners
  • Works with Copy partner to produce strategically focused concepts and campaigns
  • Takes on print, video, and digital projects as lead art director
  • Creates layouts and designs that are attention-grabbing, unique, and aligned with brand identity
  • Works independently under tight deadlines while juggling multiple brands/projects and managing other art directors
  • Provides constructive feedback and clear direction to improve others‚Äô work
  • Provides direction to external vendors, including photographers, illustrators, and video producers
  • Seeks new vendor leads to expand agency roster
  • Actively participates in client meetings
  • Leads design presentations; helps lead concept presentations
  • Helps lead brand planning and new business efforts as required
  • Attends market research as appropriate
  • Understands advertising is a service industry that may require extra time to meet client commitments
• Management (20%)
  • Assigns art directors best suited for each project based on ability and workload
  • Manages workloads to maximize productivity of the Art team, ensuring that everyone is billable
  • Works closely with other team leads to ensure jobs stay on track with deadlines and budgets
  • Guides creative execution with constructive feedback and clear direction
  • Provides written and face-to-face feedback for annual performance reviews, as well as ongoing feedback throughout the year
  • Identifies and interviews prospective creative candidates
• Leadership (20%)
  • Creative leader for assigned brands in partnership with Copy ACD
  • Maintains excellent client relationships
  • Works with Account partners to grow business with existing clients
  • Works with Creative Management to address performance, workflow, and quality issues
  • Leads art directors in development of award-worthy concepts and execution of all projects
  • Ensures junior art directors are trained and mentored to meet agency and client expectations
  • Demonstrates understanding of clients‚Äô brands and marketing challenges; responsive to strategic and creative needs
  • Represents the agency at client meetings; co-presents creative work with Copy partner

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in advertising agency (creative in pharmaceutical or healthcare industry preferred). BA degree preferred
• Proven leadership competencies: setting vision and strategy, building teams, knowing the business, driving results, encouraging open exchange of ideas
• Strong, proven management experience across multiple functions including management of exempt personnel in fast-paced, service/team environment
• Highly motivated change agent capable of driving business-focused solutions
• Experience with a wide array of media including print, video, online, events/displays
• Proficient with design applications including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and PowerPoint; thorough working knowledge of print production
• Understanding of interactive media production
• Proven track record of creative ability; strong client contact experience
• Excellent presenter, collaboration skills, management experience, and strategic abilities; deep understanding of science and healthcare; expert understanding of MLR requirements; award-winning design skills in all media

Skills

• Creative leadership
• Strategic brand thinking
• Team management and mentoring
• Client relationship management
• Concept development and presentation
• Vendor management
• Communication and collaboration

Education

• BA degree preferred

Additional Requirements

• Hybrid role requiring Irvine, CA office presence at least 3 days per week