Associate Creative Director, Art (Los Angeles Based)

ICF•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

ICF Next is seeking an Associate Creative Director, Art to lead visual concepts and craft for major assignments across diverse client portfolios. The role develops visual concepts, campaign systems, and integrated work that build brands, clarify complex topics, influence behavior, and inspire action. Work spans integrated campaigns, social content, and video storytelling across platforms, audiences, and sectors. The Associate Creative Director partners closely with copy, strategy, account teams, and production; presents work to clients; mentors the art team; and directs designers, makers, and external partners. The role leads day-to-day creative practice, manages complex stakeholder needs, and helps senior leaders maintain creative standards and develop talent. For select accounts, candidates based in the Los Angeles metro area are sought for local market knowledge and connections with regional clients and communities.

Requirements

7+ years of relevant creative experience in an agency or studio, including demonstrated leadership.
A strong portfolio rooted in art direction, visual concept, design craft, and integrated campaign work.
Strong conceptual thinking and visual storytelling skills.
Confidence directing integrated work across art and copy.
Ability to give clear, useful creative direction.
Strong presentation and communication skills.
Collaborative approach and sound judgment.
Agility in dynamic, high-pressure environments.
Passion for craft, design, and details.
Ability to inspire others while staying close to the work.
All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing behavior-change campaigns that motivate measurable action.
Experience working across private- and public-sector clients.
A degree in art direction, design, or a related discipline—or equivalent professional experience.
Fluency in emerging creative technology, including AI-supported workflows.
Los Angeles metro-area location and strong local market knowledge for select accounts.

Responsibilities

Lead visual concepts and art direction for major assignments across diverse client portfolios.
Translate briefs into strong ideas, campaign visuals, and cohesive design systems.
Direct integrated work across digital, social, video, experiential, and earned media.
Protect the visual integrity of ideas from concept through production.
Guide and mentor art directors and designers toward stronger execution.
Partner with copywriters and strategists to shape clear, compelling stories.
Present work persuasively to clients and internal stakeholders.
Lead multiple assignments with urgency, quality, and limited oversight.
Help maintain creative standards, develop talent, and strengthen collaboration.
Provide clear direction to designers, makers, and external partners.
Manage complex stakeholder needs and lead day-to-day creative practice.