Managing Consultant, Art Director

ERM•Washington, DC

9d•$79,000 - $93,100•Hybrid

About The Position

ERM is seeking a highly talented, detail-oriented Art Director to join its growing global design team. This client-facing role may be performed remotely within the Eastern or Central time zones or in a hybrid model, with a preference for three days in person near the Knoxville office. The Art Director leads creative work across stakeholder engagement campaigns, brand storytelling, digital experiences, sustainability reporting, and pitch and agency deck design and layout, guiding work from initial concept through final execution. The Art Director works under the direction of the Creative Director and collaborates with Art Directors, graphic designers, project managers, consultants, and multidisciplinary teams across ERM. The role leads and develops graphic designers, builds trusted client relationships, and brings strategic creative thinking to digital, print, interactive, branding, and communications work. The position supports organizations communicating environmental and social initiatives and contributes to ERM's work as a sustainability consultancy. The anticipated annual base pay is $79,000–$93,100 USD. Actual pay depends on factors including education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. The role may be eligible for discretionary bonus pay. ERM offers eligible employees a benefits package that includes paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, AD&D insurance, and a 401(k), among other applicable benefits.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or equivalent experience.
4–6+ years of professional graphic design experience.
2+ years of leadership experience.
Seasoned design professional; agency experience is preferred.
Strength in people leadership.
Exceptional portfolio showcasing digital, print, interactive, and branding work.
Superior understanding of design principles, typography, and page layout.
High attention to detail and demonstrated commitment to quality control.
Interest in working with creative professionals, including writers, strategists, and digital designers.
Strong client communication skills and ability to lead design-focused discussions.
Self-motivated, takes initiative, flexible, able to multitask, and able to work with shifting deadlines.
Collaborative and generous with colleagues, with an investment in team success.
Open to input, feedback, and collaboration with colleagues, creatives, and clients.
Able to work extended hours when necessary.
Knowledge of digital strategies and best practices, with an interest in finding new ways to engage users.
Interested in expanding and developing creative skills and experience.
Strong interpersonal skills, including diplomacy, tact, assertiveness, managing up, and effective communication.
Able to handle conflict and manage difficult conversations internally and externally.
Able to work independently and as part of a team, and perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Integrates Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) into leadership culture.

Nice To Haves

Marketing, communications, and advertising experience.
Ability to communicate complex information to a broad audience of internal and external stakeholders.
Experience estimating design budgets.
Familiarity with AI design tools.
Data and infographic design experience.
Experience with major social and digital engagement platforms.
Website and PDF accessibility experience.
Experience with multi-page editorial layout, including annual or sustainability reports, books, and magazines.
Proficiency with Mac OS, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Microsoft Office.
Understanding of UX/UI design for digital experiences.
Knowledge of CSS and HTML.
Retouching capabilities.
Experience with Slack, Teams, and Monday.com project management software.
Experience managing outside vendors, including design, photography, video, developers, and printing.
Video and animation production experience.
Illustration experience.
3D rendering experience.
Working knowledge of Workiva and InDesign integration.
Sustainability experience.
Consulting experience.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop graphic designers, supporting their capabilities and career growth.
Set clear expectations and provide feedback on projects and career development.
Consult with client teams and clients on creative ways to use communications in digital spaces.
Manage shifting priorities, multiple concurrent projects, workloads, and tight timelines.
Own projects from early concept through final delivery, ensuring strategic alignment and high-quality execution.
Work with leadership to develop design-related sales opportunities, prepare estimates, and contribute to proposals.
Lead by example through hands-on design, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
Build strong, trusted internal and external relationships.
Research design trends and report findings to the design team and broader company.
Assist with recruiting and onboarding.
Present design work, answer questions, and provide strategic insight during client calls.
Help set and manage client design project schedules.
Oversee design rules and processes with the design team.