Associate Creative Director

RR Donnelley•Atlanta, GA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Creative Director oversees a creative team delivering multi-channel programs and client-facing projects. The role ensures creative work is innovative, aligned with brand standards, and supports business and client goals while balancing operational management with hands-on creative leadership. It serves as the primary creative point of contact for client-facing projects, translating business goals into creative briefs and leading presentations to manage feedback and expectations. The position also manages team performance, workload distribution, and development plans. The role directs daily creative workflows, mentors junior and mid-level talent, leads brainstorming and concept development, and can create quick mockups or contribute directly to design work when needed. It presents creative work to clients and stakeholders, interprets feedback into actionable guidance, and collaborates with project managers and strategists to address clients’ underlying business needs. The Associate Creative Director reviews and approves concept decks and final mechanicals before they reach the Creative Director or client, and partners with project managers to keep work within deadlines, scope, and budget. This is an onsite position. RRD’s stated salary range is $99,100 to $158,500 per year. Compensation may vary based on factors including education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift, and location. Depending on the role, total compensation may also include participation in a bonus, commission, or incentive program. Employment offers are contingent on successfully completing a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in creative services.
At least 2 years of supervisory experience.
Solid understanding of marketing and advertising principles.
Proven ability to translate client needs into creative solutions.
Leadership skills that inspire collaboration and accountability.
Strong problem-solving and prioritization abilities.
Strong foundation in design, copywriting, or creative production processes.
Attention to detail and commitment to brand standards.
Ability to manage priorities and allocate resources effectively.
Adobe Creative Suite proficiency.
PowerPoint proficiency.

Nice To Haves

Figma.
Motion graphics.
AI tools such as Gemini and Midjourney.

Responsibilities

Act as the primary creative point of contact for client-facing projects and campaigns, translating business goals into creative briefs and leading presentations to manage feedback and expectations.
Manage team performance, workload distribution, and development plans.
Oversee the daily workflow of art directors, designers, and production artists to ensure concepts are executed to a high standard.
Provide constructive feedback, identify growth opportunities for junior and mid-level creatives, and help them overcome creative blocks.
Lead brainstorming sessions and develop high-level concepts for campaigns, brand identities, and product launches.
Create quick mockups and contribute directly to design work when needed.
Ensure creative output aligns with clients’ brand guidelines, tone of voice, and visual identity.
Present and pitch creative work in client meetings and new business pitches, articulating the rationale behind creative choices.
Translate client feedback into clear, actionable direction for the creative team while preserving the core idea.
Collaborate with project managers and strategists to ensure creative work addresses clients’ underlying business problems.
Review and approve concept decks and final mechanicals before they reach the Creative Director or client.
Partner with project managers to ensure teams meet deadlines and work within scope and budget constraints.