Principal, Art Direction

Dept Holding B.V.; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 104,900 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Dept Holding B.V. is seeking a Principal, Art Director in San Francisco, CA. This role demands a strategic individual with 5-7 years of visual design experience to lead high-impact creative across digital, social, and video channels. Working closely with Copywriters and an Associate Creative Director, the ideal candidate will manage creative executions from concept through delivery. A strong portfolio showcasing digital campaigns, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in Figma and Adobe Illustrator are essential. Salary ranges between $104,900 and $125,000 USD.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in visual design with a strong portfolio.
• Experience in working with video directors, editors, and producers.
• Strong client presentation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-impact creative across digital, social, and video touchpoints.
• Support video and content production in all phases.
• Own creative executions from concept to delivery.

Skills

Visual design

Client presentation

Creative portfolio development

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Tools

Figma

Adobe Illustrator

Google Suite

macOS

Job description

Roles open in: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, Salt Lake City, San Diego

Principal, Art Director

We’re looking for a talented and strategic Principal, Art Director to join a fast‑paced, high‑performing team dedicated to one of our most visible and dynamic clients. This is a hands‑on role for someone who brings conceptual thinking, sharp design instincts, and video‑first experience.

You’ll partner closely with Copywriters and report to an Associate Creative Director, collaborating to bring creative briefs to life across digital, social, and video channels. You’ll help shape campaign direction, lead visual execution, and ensure design excellence from kickoff through delivery.

Please note: This role requires someone to be onsite with the client in a hybrid capacity or willing to travel up to 50% to the Bay Area.

What You’ll Do

• Deliver High-Impact Creative: Concept and design best-in-class creative across digital, social, and video touchpoints, with a strong focus on visual storytelling and performance.
• Support Video + Content Production: Contribute to pre-production planning, support on‑set shoots, and collaborate with editors and motion designers in post to ensure work comes to life as intended.
• Partner Across Disciplines: Work closely with copywriters, strategists, producers, project managers, and client teams to ensure creative aligns with brief goals, brand voice, and business objectives.
• Manage Creative Execution: Own your work from end to end—delivering polished, on‑brand, and performance‑minded assets on time and on brief.
• Mentor Junior Talent: Provide feedback and creative guidance to Art Directors and Designers, helping them grow while ensuring quality standards across deliverables.
• Be a Problem Solver: Navigate ambiguity with confidence, adapt to shifting priorities, and bring proactive solutions to creative and production challenges.
• Embody Team Culture: Lead with curiosity, kindness, and accountability. You’ll play an active role in fostering an inclusive, collaborative team environment.

What You’ll Bring

• 5-7 years of experience in visual design, with a strong portfolio showcasing digital campaigns, social‑first content, and video‑driven work
• Previous agency experience and a track record of working on high‑volume, high‑visibility accounts
• On‑set and content production experience (domestic or global), including working with video directors, editors, and producers
• Strong client presentation and communication skills—you can confidently present ideas, take feedback in stride, and advocate for great creative
• Excellent design sensibility and a strategic eye for layout, typography, motion, and branding
• A proactive, collaborative mindset—you bring energy to brainstorms, jump in where needed, and support your teammates with generosity and respect
• A creative portfolio that shows your eye for design, your range in digital and video, and your ability to turn strategy into scroll‑stopping creative

Proficiency in the following programs/tools

• Figma or Sketch
• Adobe Illustrator
• Google Suite (Slides, Sheets, Docs)
• macOS

Additional things that will impress us

• Basic to intermediate animation skills to demonstrate proof of concept
• Experience at a performance marketing agency
• Experience with time tracking, project management software, and other team communication tools (Slack, Google Meet, Zoom, Asana, Harvest)

We Support You Being You

DEPT® is an equal‑opportunity employer (EOE). We believe our work is best when our people feel safe and free to be themselves. We’re committed to an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment and selection process and workplace, regardless of anyone’s identity, background, beliefs, lifestyle or disabilities. So tell us about any accommodations you need.

DEPT® participates in E‑Verify, meaning your Form I‑9 information will be sent to the federal government to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.

San Francisco, CA Salary Band

$104,900 – $125,000 USD

US Remote Range

$83,700 – $110,000 USD