Art Director

Salt Xc • Chicago, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Kitchen North America is a team of creatives, producers, data analysts, and social experts who collaborate to deliver remarkable ideas across various mediums, from social to TV. This team operates at the speed of culture, responding to trends and events to generate impactful ideas that capture attention, earn media impressions, and spark conversation. Recognized internationally by industry giants like Cannes and One Show, and named Campaign's Global ‘In-House Agency of The Year’, The Kitchen is an award-ambitious team seeking trailblazers passionate about producing award-winning work and driving innovation. As an Art Director, you will be a key contributor of ideas and the visual leader of a creative team, producing high-quality content that stands out on social platforms and in the real world. You will lead a team of Social Creatives, partner with a Writer, and collaborate with a Creative Director, Designers, and Creators to develop disruptive work for iconic brands. The role involves planning year-round cultural moments, creating thumb-stopping design, and developing interactions that bring brands to life. A strong understanding of best-practice design principles for platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook is essential, as is the ability to innovate and break norms. Experience in traditional mediums will be leveraged to elevate work quality and storytelling. You will work at an agile agency pace, adapting to dynamic needs, and using your unique skillset and design eye to inspire others. Your work will have a meaningful impact within a multi-talented North American team (Toronto & Chicago) that redefines marketing in today's always-on, socially connected industry.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience as a Creative Designer performing at an Art Director level, or experience as an Art Director with a proven track record of leading other designers and stewarding brands.
• A broad portfolio including examples of personal work and work managed by a team, featuring ground-breaking, innovative work, including social media examples that elevate the medium.
• The ability to execute concepts at a top-tier industry level.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills - both written and verbal.
• Proficient using Mac OS, Adobe Creative Cloud (Expert knowledge of Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign), SharePoint, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (or Keynote).

Nice To Haves

• College or University diploma in Advertising, Graphic or Communication Design is preferred.
• Exposure to Art Direction, Photo Shoots, and UI/UX are an advantage.

Responsibilities

• ART DIRECTION: Experienced design leader who manages others to a high level of visual quality and elevates their work.
• INNOVATIVE & TRADITIONAL DESIGN: Works across a wide range of mediums including traditional video and photo content, real-world design (experiential), and social media content.
• BRAND DESIGN: Serves as the final voice ensuring brands have a consistent, high-quality look and feel across all mediums.
• IDEATION: Participates in and occasionally leads brainstorms with positive energy and big-idea thinking, focusing on visual execution and broad concept development. Identifies consumer or cultural tension points and develops ideas that leverage them.
• PRESENTATION DESIGN: Manages a team to create compelling visual stories and presentation decks that sell through big ideas. Develops storyboards and presentation decks to preview creative ideas.
• LEADERSHIP: Manages the career and development of a team of Designers, including a direct report.
• COLLABORATION: Works as part of a cross-functional Design Team and a larger Creative Team.
• WORKFLOW MANAGEMENT: Manages multiple priorities and assignments in a fast-paced environment to deliver high-quality work on time and accurately. Delegates work and manages team capacity.

Benefits

• The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is $73,000–$90,000.
• This range represents the expected base salary for this role and does not include other elements of The Kitchen’s total rewards program.
• Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting and retaining the most qualified employees regardless of race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age or disability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees