Freelance Associate Creative Director, Art (Pharma)

Job Overview

The Freelance Associate Creative Director, Art (ACD, Art) is a conceptual and visual leader who shapes breakthrough creative thinking across assigned brands. Working closely with the Group Creative Director, this role will help to drive the development of thoughtful, insight-driven ideas and elevates visual craft across omnichannel campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead concept development and visual articulation for integrated campaigns across print, digital, social, experiential, and video.
• Translate strategic insights into compelling visual ideas that elevate the client’s brand.
• Partner closely with copy leads to drive cohesive creative thinking.
• Push creative boundaries while ensuring solutions remain strategically grounded.
• Provide hands-on direction to designers and art directors throughout the creative process.
• Present creative work confidently to internal stakeholders and clients.

Design & Art Direction

• Direct the creation of visual systems, campaign identities, and design approaches.
• Ensure all visual outputs are consistent, brand aligned, and support core messaging.
• Guide photo direction, illustration style, typography choices, color palettes, and layout decisions.
• Oversee quality control for all visual deliverables.

Collaboration & Cross-functional Partnership

• Collaborate with Strategy, Account, Project Management, and Creative partners to ensure creative accuracy and alignment.
• Contribute to new business efforts by developing conceptual directions and participating in pitch presentations.
• Partner effectively with production, UX, and development teams on multichannel executions.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level art talent, providing constructive feedback and modeling creative excellence.
• Contribute to the growth and creative culture of the department.

Operational & Industry Awareness

• Maintain a deep understanding of visual trends, technologies, and production techniques.
• Ensure creative adheres to pharma regulatory expectations while still delivering innovation.
• Support brand planning and tactical development in partnership with cross-functional leads.

Qualifications And Skills

• 8+ years of pharmaceutical art direction or design experience within creative or advertising agencies, including AOR and launch experience.
• Rare disease experience strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor copy teams, providing actionable and inspiring feedback.
• Strong client-facing presence and excellent presentation skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications or a related field.
• Portfolio demonstrating conceptual range and strong art direction and design across formats.
• Proven ability to translate scientific content into persuasive and original creative work.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to partner closely with cross-functional teams.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance.
• 401K plan with a generous company match and immediate vesting.
• Generous paid time off for parents to bond with their newest addition.
• Professional Development budget to allocate to workshops, webinars, and association memberships.
• Flexible time off.
• Life insurance.
• LTD (Long Term Disability).
• A robust employee assistance program.