Associate Director, Creative (B2C)

DEPT®•New York, NY

21h•Remote

About The Position

DEPT® is a Growth Invention company focused on helping ambitious brands grow faster by operating at the intersection of technology and marketing. They create what's next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further. The company values curiosity, intent, and invention, with a culture built on being better together, relentlessly curious, and getting things done. At DEPT®, employees have the freedom to explore, collaborate, and make a significant impact. The Associate Director, Creative is a visual leader responsible for defining the aesthetic direction of key accounts and ensuring all touchpoints, from social content to integrated campaigns, are visually stunning and strategically sound. This role bridges the gap between concept and execution, requiring a master of craft who can also mentor a team of designers, copywriters, and art directors. A deep understanding of performance-driven creative for growth marketing and social-first thinking across various paid social platforms is essential.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in art direction or design within a creative agency or high-growth brand environment or related field.
Mastery of art direction, layout, typography, and integrated visual storytelling across various platforms.
Deep understanding of performance creative best practices and various paid social marketing platforms.
Experience leading small teams or overseeing the work of freelancers and junior creatives.
Expert-level knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.).
Familiarity with Figma, motion design, or emerging AI creative tools.
Concepting skills and the ability to craft compelling campaigns or copy within brand guidelines.
Ability to ensure visual choices serve client business goals and brand identity.

Responsibilities

Lead the visual evolution of brands, overseeing art direction for pitches and flagship projects to ensure world-class design, typography, and composition.
Guide junior to mid-level Art Directors and Designers, providing specific, craft-based feedback to push their work and develop their visual voices.
Partner with creative strategy and media teams to craft compelling performance creative informed by data and creative instincts.
Take ownership of the visual narrative across multi-channel campaigns, ensuring a cohesive look and feel across film, digital, social, and physical experiences.
Lead the visual side of production, including selecting talent and overseeing post-production elements like color grading and retouching.
Act as the visual authority in client meetings, presenting design systems and art direction with clarity and passion.
Partner with Creative leadership to evolve design workflows, establish quality standards, and identify new tools or AI technologies.
Foster an inclusive, design-forward culture that encourages experimentation, shared learning, and visual excellence.