Art Director IV [AQ-10847]

About the role

This is a hybrid role currently remote but with the possibility of a future hybrid or in-office schedule. Candidates must be within 50 miles of one of the following locations: Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Portland, St. Louis. Onsite at a client office on the first day is required. Candidates must be open to working specific days at an office.

Responsibilities

• Lead and influence innovative thinking and strategic visions to deliver elevated visual content across various platforms, media, and complex event channels.
• Drive creative and conceptual storytelling methods, actively influencing the development of creative briefs, storyboards, and layouts.
• Initiate, facilitate, and lead creative ideation sessions that inspire new design perspectives and empower teams to develop award-winning work.
• Articulate and present compelling creative concepts to stakeholders, securing alignment, building consensus, and advancing critical business objectives.
• Manage and execute a diverse portfolio of client projects, campaigns, events, and tradeshow deliverables simultaneously from concept to completion in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Review creative work, troubleshoot design challenges, and provide constructive feedback to ensure output meets the highest standards of quality and brand alignment.
• Apply sound business acumen to comprehend stakeholders' strategic visions, directly influencing creative development throughout the project lifecycle.
• Act as a liaison between groups to achieve positive solutions, manage resources, build short- and long-term budgets, and meet business objectives.
• Mentor, coach, and empower creative professionals to develop their conceptual skills, including critiquing design projects and providing constructive feedback in virtual environments.
• Lead multi-disciplinary creative project teams by example, harnessing the strengths of diverse skill sets to implement project vision, concepts, and designs.
• Foster an inclusive, innovative team environment that encourages bold ideas, continuous learning, and creative excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related discipline, or equivalent work experience as an Art Director, alongside 8+ years of related art direction and design experience.
• A strong creative digital portfolio demonstrating outstanding conceptual thinking and design skills.
• A strategic thinker with an innovative mindset, consultative skills, and current knowledge of digital design trends (including trends relevant to events and creative technology).
• Experience working in a fast-paced, matrixed agency or in-house team environment to develop a range of creative initiatives.
• Sound business acumen to fully comprehend stakeholders' strategic vision and influence the development of creative briefs, storyboards, and layouts.
• Ability to initiate and successfully lead creative ideation sessions, inspiring new design perspectives while demonstrating strong leadership skills and the ability to lead by example.
• Ability to work independently on highly complex projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with advanced problem-solving skills to identify, resolve, and overcome challenges.
• Strong time-management skills with the ability to lead resources and build short/long-term budgets.
• Proven ability to successfully lead creative project teams and individuals in implementing project vision, concept, and design of deliverables across various platforms and media; reviewing work, troubleshooting, and providing constructive feedback.
• Ability to proactively foster exceptional client relationships to build trust and collaboration that leads to the co-development of new opportunities, paired with the ability to skillfully liaison between groups of people to bring positive solutions that meet business objectives.
• Advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud; proficiency in prototyping tools, Microsoft Office (including PowerPoint), and Microsoft Teams.
• Experience in mentoring and coaching creatives in developing conceptual skills, including critiquing design projects and providing constructive feedback in a virtual environment.
• Superb communication skills, with active listening and diplomacy when working with internal team members and business partners.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Adobe Workfront or related project management software is beneficial.
• Experience directing motion graphics, video production, and spatial/environmental design for physical experiences is preferred.

Skills

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Microsoft Office (including PowerPoint)
• Microsoft Teams
• Project management software (optional)
• Event and creative technology trends
• Strategic thinking and innovation
• Leadership and mentorship
• Problem-solving and time management
• Client relationship management
• Virtual feedback and mentoring

Benefits

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $55-$60/hr. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to, education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.

Pay

$55-$60/hr

Schedule

Hybrid (currently remote, with potential for future hybrid or in-office schedule)

Company Information

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!

Client Description

Are you ready to be part of a global professional services firm that is renowned for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and client success? Our client, a leading player in the professional services industry, is actively seeking dynamic individuals to join their high-performing team. With a focus on providing unparalleled advisory, assurance, tax, and transaction services, this organization is at the forefront of driving business success. If you are passionate about delivering strategic solutions, thrive in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment, we invite you to explore opportunities with us. Join a team dedicated to shaping the future of business and fostering the growth of both clients and professionals alike.