Associate Creative Director, Art

ICF; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 119,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF Next in Los Angeles, CA, is seeking an Associate Creative Director, Art to lead visual concepts and art direction across major client assignments. The role is onsite and requires 7+ years of relevant creative experience with a strong portfolio.

Responsibilities include translating briefs into ideas, directing integrated work, mentoring teams, and presenting work to clients and stakeholders. Candidates should have a background in art direction and design craft, with fluency in emerging

Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant creative experience in an agency or studio, including demonstrated leadership.
• A strong portfolio showcasing art direction, visual concept, design craft, and integrated campaign work.

Responsibilities

• Lead visual concepts and art direction for major assignments.
• 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 to strengthen 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.
• Support creative standards, talent development, and collaboration across the team.

Skills

Leadership

Art direction

Visual storytelling

Presentation skills

Education

Degree in art direction/design

Tools

AI-powered workflows

Job description

ICF Next is hiring an Associate Creative Director, Art in Los Angeles, CA (onsite) to lead visual concepts and art direction across major client assignments.

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 to strengthen 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
• Support creative standards, talent development, and collaboration across the team

Requirements

• 7+ years of relevant creative experience in an agency or studio, including demonstrated leadership
• A strong portfolio showcasing art direction, visual concept, design craft, and integrated campaign work

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing behavior-change campaigns that motivate measurable action
• Experience working with private- and public-sector clients
• Degree in art direction, design, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience
• Fluency in emerging creative technology, including AI-supported workflows

Traits We Value

• Strong conceptual thinking and visual storytelling
• 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 and design details that strengthen ideas
• Ability to inspire others while staying close to the work

Location

• For select accounts, candidates should be based in the Los Angeles metro area to bring local market knowledge and connect with clients and communities in the region

Compensation

• Pay range (full-time): $118,807.00 - $201,971.00 per year

Work Authorization and Sponsorship

• All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States
• This role is not eligible for new H-1B sponsorship by ICF
• Candidates with current valid work authorization may be considered for a change of employer petition, subject to company policy and applicable immigration requirements

Candidate AI Usage Policy

• Use of AI tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (in-person or virtual) is not permitted
• Candidates needing an accommodation that involves AI should contact [e-mail] in advance

Reasonable Accommodations

• Reasonable accommodations are available for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process
• To request an accommodation, email [e-mail]

Bot and Third-Party Applications

• Application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration
• For accommodation related to disability or religious purposes during the application process, contact [e-mail]