Associate Creative Director/Design Lead, Direct Mail (contract)

About the Role

Digitas is seeking a freelance Associate Creative Director/Design Lead with extensive direct mail experience to join our team. This role involves serving as a strategic partner and executional design lead on high-profile direct mail projects for both existing clients and new business pitches. The position is based in our Detroit office, with a preference for onsite collaboration 3-4 days/week. This is a 40hr/week freelance role expected to start in late August and run for 3-4 months, with potential conversion to a full-time role.

Responsibilities

• Partner with an ACD/Copy Lead to brainstorm and generate innovative, compelling direct mail campaign concepts.
• Understand client business needs, translate creative briefs, and oversee the development and execution of brand and retailer-specific direct mail concepts.
• Deliver compelling internal and client-facing presentations for existing work and new business pitches.
• Take ownership of projects, driving them toward successful outcomes.
• Design on-brand direct mail pieces, including formatting, layout, and visual elements.
• Keep projects on-brand, on-brief, and on-time.
• Stay updated on cultural trends, consumer behaviors, and competitor activities.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional visual design experience, specifically in direct mail campaigns, preferably in an advertising agency or in-house marketing team.
• Bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing, graphic design, or related field; equivalent experience may be substituted.
• Prior experience working in or alongside the automotive industry preferred.
• Experience guiding creative projects and team members from concept to production.
• Excellent conceptual creative and visual storytelling skills.
• Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other relevant design tools.
• Ability to translate existing design language into fresh, unique concepts.
• Extensive experience supporting direct mail campaigns for large, national brands.
• Understanding of how direct mail and CRM campaigns integrate into broader marketing strategies.
• Prior experience with new business pitches and CRM/direct mail audits.
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of ownership and accountability.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and presentation skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Portfolio showcasing direct mail campaign work is required.

Pay

Anticipated pay range is $100-$125/hr on a W2.

Additional Information

This role offers medical and voluntary benefits to freelancers after 90 consecutive calendar days of active employment. A portfolio showcasing direct mail campaign work is required for application.