Associate Creative Director, Art

Associate Creative Director, Art

What makes creative work matter? Its ability to move people. At ICF Next, we help organizations turn complex issues into human ideas that build understanding, influence behavior, and inspire action. Our work spans private- and public-sector clients, and we're looking for an Associate Creative Director, Art to help lead it.

You'll lead major assignments across diverse client portfolios—developing visual concepts and campaign systems that build brands, clarify complex topics, and motivate people to act. This is high-stakes, high-impact work, and it demands strong ideas, exceptional craft, and confident creative leadership.

The Role

You'll lead visual concept and craft for major assignments inside a large, mission-driven creative studio. From integrated campaigns to social content to video storytelling, you'll shape work across platforms, audiences, and sectors while raising the creative standard.

You'll partner closely with copy, strategy, account teams, and production. You'll present to clients, mentor the art team, and provide clear direction to designers, makers, and external partners. You'll lead day-to-day creative practice, manage complex stakeholder needs, and help senior leaders maintain standards and develop talent.

What You'll Do

• 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 toward stronger 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
• Help maintain creative standards, develop talent, and strengthen collaboration

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing behavior-change campaigns that motivate measurable action
• Experience working across private- and public-sector clients
• A 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 skills
• Confidence directing integrated work across art and copy
• The ability to give clear, useful creative direction
• Strong presentation and communication skills
• A collaborative approach and sound judgment
• Agility in dynamic, high-pressure environments
• Passion for craft, design, and the details that make an idea stronger
• The ability to inspire others while staying close to the work

Let's build something powerful. If this sounds like you, send us your resume and portfolio. We'd love to see your work.