Senior Art Director

*The role can either be in-person in Winston-Salem, NC or hybrid from a drivable and accessible location

*To apply: Please read directions included below!

COMPANY OVERVIEW

The Variable is a forward thinking advertising agency that’s evolved into a company that creates difference, helping our clients stand out in oversaturated markets and overcome the indifference gap that’s holding them back. We are looking for a visionary leader who can combine artistic flair with strategic thinking, using data-driven insights and an understanding of the shifting cultural landscape to elevate our clients’ brands and set new industry standards for creative success.

POSITION OVERVIEW

As a Senior Art Director at The Variable, you will be at the forefront of driving visual/conceptual excellence and creative innovation. We are seeking a visionary and accomplished Art Director with a strong background in conceptualizing and executing creative campaigns. Your ability to combine artistic flair with strategic thinking will play a crucial role in elevating our clients’ brands and setting new industry standards for creative success.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and oversee the visual direction of advertising campaigns and brand initiatives. Collaborate closely with the creative team, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of ideas.
• Develop and present innovative and compelling creative concepts that align with clients’ objectives and resonate with target audiences.
• Bring fresh ideas and a unique artistic vision to each project, inspiring and guiding the team to deliver high-quality and original creative work.
• Ensure consistency and adherence to brand guidelines across all creative materials, maintaining the brand’s visual integrity throughout various campaigns.
• Lead the end-to-end development of advertising campaigns, from ideation to execution, ensuring the delivery of exceptional creative assets across multiple channels.
• Nurture and mentor the creative team, fostering a collaborative and creative-driven environment. Provide constructive feedback to elevate the team’s capabilities.
• Present creative concepts and campaign strategies to clients in a compelling and articulate manner, addressing feedback and refining ideas based on client input.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, design innovations, and emerging technologies, infusing these insights into the agency’s creative work.
• Work closely with project managers to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget, while maintaining the highest standard of quality.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in creative direction and art direction within an advertising agency or a similar environment.
• A diverse portfolio showcasing a range of successful advertising campaigns, demonstrating a mastery of design principles and innovative visual storytelling.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Lightroom).
• Proficiency in incorporating AI tools into workflow (Midjourney, Chat GPT+, Jasper, etc.)
• Excellent conceptual and strategic thinking abilities, with a track record of translating ideas into successful campaigns.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate creative teams.
• Thorough understanding of brand identity, advertising trends, and consumer behavior.
• Ability to work under pressure, managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams, including copywriters, designers, and account managers.

WE OFFER

• Comprehensive medical/dental/vision for you and your family
• 401k retirement savings plan with a 4% match that’s immediately vested
• Monthly, non-taxable cell phone reimbursement
• Profit-sharing bonus program eligibility, based on agency business performance each year
• Participation in our coveted peer-pay bonus program where you receive $1,000 to dole out to your peers for doing awesome, helpful things. You get to choose when you give it out, to whom, in what increments, and for whatever reasons you see fit
• Refer a new employee or a new client and you’ll get paid through our generous referral bonus programs
• 14 weeks fully paid time off for childbirth recovery and bonding time for birthing parents, plus an additional 2 weeks fully paid part-time transition when you come back
• 6 weeks fully paid time off for bonding time for non-birthing new parents (dads, adoptive parents, and parents by surrogacy), plus an additional 2 weeks fully paid part-time transition when you come back.
• 13 paid holidays, including 1 floating holiday to be used at your discretion
• 4 weeks PTO for your first year, 5 weeks after 5 years, and 6 weeks after 10 years
• 4 hours each month of volunteer time off to be used in your community or at your child’s school
• Free access to mental health resources, financial wellness tools, and virtual well-being classes
• Bereavement leave for the loss of family, including miscarriage
• Protected work time with no meetings every Wednesday from 12-5:30p (we call it Heads Down and it rocks)
• Like learning? We do too. Get reimbursed for seminars, training, and continuing education classes.

HOW TO APPLY: If you’re ready to make a significant impact on our clients’ brands and contribute to the agency’s success, we’d love to hear from you!

Please submit your resume, portfolio, and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and your design philosophy to mstreba@thevariable.com.

We are an EOE and do not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin, veteran status or on the basis of disability. We embrace applicants of all of backgrounds.

Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to contact you if we move forward with your candidacy.

Thank you for your interest in The Variable.

The Variable