MTUS - Freelance Associate Director - Creative

DEPT®

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Associate Director, Creative is a visual visionary and a tactical leader responsible for defining the aesthetic direction of key accounts. This role bridges the gap between "the big idea" and "the beautiful execution," ensuring that every touchpoint, from social content to large-scale integrated campaigns, is visually stunning and strategically sound. The position requires a master of craft who can still design or art direct high-stakes work, while also mentoring a team of designers and art directors to elevate their visual output.

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.
Experience leading small teams or overseeing the work of freelancers and junior creatives.
Expert-level knowledge of Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.), motion design, or AI image generation.
Ability to ensure every visual choice serves client business goals and brand identity.
Ability to articulate complex visual concepts to non-visual stakeholders and clients.

Responsibilities

Lead the visual evolution of brands, overseeing art direction for pitches and flagship projects to ensure world-class standards in design, typography, and composition.
Guide a team of junior to mid-level Art Directors and Designers, providing specific, craft-based feedback to push their work and develop their visual voices.
Take ownership of the visual narrative across multi-channel campaigns, leading the aesthetic side of "the big idea" for cohesive looks across film, digital, social, and physical experiences.
Lead the visual side of production, including selecting photographers and directors, and overseeing color grading, retouching, and motion design to match the original creative vision.
Act as the visual authority in client meetings, presenting design systems and art direction with passion and clarity, explaining the strategic "why" behind visual choices.
Partner with Creative leadership to evolve design workflows, establish quality standards, and identify new tools or AI-driven technologies for future-ready craft.
Foster an inclusive, design-forward culture that encourages experimentation, shared learning, and a relentless pursuit of visual excellence.