Associate Creative Director, Art

Fifth Element; New York (NY); On-site; USD 160,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Fifth Element in New York is looking for an Associate Creative Director (ACD) for Art. This role focuses on leading creative vision and mentoring teams while guiding brand campaigns across various media.

The ideal candidate has 8-10+ years of advertising experience, preferably in healthcare or pharma, and excels in collaborative environments. The position offers a competitive salary range of $160,000–$175,000.

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years of experience in Advertising.
• Experience in a healthcare or pharma agency.
• Strong design instincts and attention to detail.
• Clear communicator and collaborative partner.

Responsibilities

• Lead concept development and shape campaign ideas.
• Guide the visual direction across various media.
• Mentor art directors and designers.
• Ensure that all creative work aligns with the brand strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Creative vision

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Communication

Problem-solving

Job description

This role is for someone who loves big ideas, strong craft, and helping teams do their best work. The ACD, Art is both a hands‑on creative and a creative leader—someone who can jump into the work, guide the vision, and help shape where the brand goes next.

You’ll partner closely with copy leads, strategy and account to turn complex healthcare stories into smart, memorable brand experiences. You’ll help teams crack concepts, refine ideas, and make sure the final work is just as strong as the thinking behind it.

Responsibilities

• Partner with copy and strategy to lead concept development and shape campaign ideas from the start.
• Guide the visual direction of brands and campaigns across digital, social, video, print, and emerging media.
• Lead and mentor art directors and designers, helping them grow their thinking and craft.
• Jump into the work when needed—sketching, designing, or helping push ideas further.
• Collaborate closely with account and project management to keep work moving, on brief, and on budget.
• Present creative to clients and help them see the thinking behind the work.
• Make sure everything that leaves the building looks sharp, feels on‑brand, and delivers on the strategy.
• Help teams navigate the realities of a fast‑paced agency while keeping the creative energy high.
• Build a deeper understanding of the science, therapeutic areas, and disease states behind the work.
• Play an active role in shaping the creative culture and raising the bar for the agency.

Requirements

• 8‑10+ years of experience in Advertising.
• Healthcare or pharma agency experience preferred.
• Someone who's comfortable leading ideas, guiding teams, and talking to clients.
• Strong design instincts and attention to detail.
• Clear communicator, collaborative partner, and problem‑solver.
• Curiosity about science, healthcare, and the people the work ultimately helps.

Pay Range – $160,000–$175,000