Creative Director

Hendall Inc•Rockville, MD

6d•$145,000 - $175,000

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Creative Director to lead the transformation of complex data products, reports, and digital content into compelling, accessible, and visually engaging deliverables for broad public audiences. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in data storytelling, information design, and publication strategy, with a proven ability to guide multidisciplinary teams in producing high-quality, user-centered products. This role will play a critical leadership function in modernizing traditional reporting formats, shifting from dense, research-oriented documents to concise, visually rich, and highly accessible communications.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Communications, Information Design, Data Visualization, or related field (Master's preferred).
10+ years of experience in creative direction, design leadership, or publication development, preferably supporting federal or large-scale data programs.
Knowledge of best practices in public health/behavioral health messaging and design
Demonstrated expertise in: Data visualization and information design
Report and publication design (print and digital)
User-centered design and accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508, WCAG)
Translating technical or statistical information into accessible formats
Experience guiding multidisciplinary teams and managing complex workflows.
Proficiency with industry-standard tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, data visualization software, web content platforms).
Strong understanding of plain language principles and public-facing communications.
Broad portfolio of graphic design work produced within the last 5 years
Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple teams

Nice To Haves

Master's degree

Responsibilities

Define and execute a creative vision that transforms complex datasets and analytical outputs into clear, engaging, and user-friendly products.
Lead the evolution of long-form technical reports into streamlined, modular, and visually driven formats (e.g., dashboards, briefs, infographics, interactive web content).
Establish and enforce design standards, templates, and brand consistency across all deliverables.
Translate technical content (statistical analyses, tables, codebooks, and reports) into compelling narratives tailored to non-technical audiences.
Guide the development of data visualizations, charts, and maps that enhance comprehension and support decision-making.
Ensure content aligns with best practices for accessibility, including Section 508 compliance and plain language standards.
Provide direction and mentorship to designers, desktop publishers, data visualization specialists, and digital content developers.
Collaborate with analysts, subject matter experts, and technical teams to ensure accuracy and clarity in all outputs.
Oversee workflows to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products across multiple concurrent tasks.
Lead innovation in report formats, including interactive PDFs, web-based reports, and digital-first dissemination strategies.
Recommend and implement tools and technologies that enhance visual communication and user experience.
Continuously evaluate user feedback and analytics to improve product usability and engagement.
Ensure all deliverables meet editorial, visual, and accessibility standards.
Oversee quality assurance processes for reports, publications, and digital content prior to release.
Maintain consistency across print and digital platforms, ensuring outputs are publication-ready and web-compliant.