Freelance Associate Creative Director, Design (Pharma)

About the role

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 drives the development of thoughtful, insight-driven ideas and elevates visual craft across omnichannel campaigns. The ACD, Art plays a hands-on role in developing concepts, directing design, and mentoring art directors and designers—ensuring all creative solutions align with strategy and deliver impact.

This role requires an individual who thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment and understands the nuances of pharmaceutical creative, including scientific storytelling, regulatory requirements, and launch fundamentals. They bring a strong aesthetic sensibility, a deep understanding of visual trends, and the ability to translate complex science into compelling visual narratives. This role is client-facing and requires strong presentation skills, along with the ability to supervise and manage junior and mid-level creative team members.

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

Requirements

• 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 art 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 with a generous employer contribution.
• 401K plan with a generous company match and immediate vesting.
• Generous paid parental leave.
• Annual professional development budget for workshops, webinars, associations, and more.
• Flexible time off.
• Life insurance and long-term disability (LTD).
• Robust employee assistance program.

Pay

The estimated hourly range for this position is $100 - $120 USD. Offers are tailored within this range based on organizational needs, internal equity, market data, geographic zone, and the candidate’s experience, education, industry knowledge, location, technical and communication skills, and other relevant factors. This position is also eligible to participate in a discretionary bonus program.