Associate Creative Director, Art

ICF Next is seeking an Associate Creative Director, Art to lead visual concept development, art direction, and creative craft for major, mission-driven client assignments. This onsite role in Rockville, MD partners closely with copy, strategy, account, and production teams to shape integrated campaign work across multiple channels, while mentoring creative teams and upholding creative standards.

Role Focus

• 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 visual integrity from concept through production.
• Partner with copywriters and strategists to shape clear, compelling stories.
• Present work persuasively to clients and internal stakeholders.

Leadership and Execution

• Guide and mentor art directors and designers toward stronger execution.
• Lead multiple assignments with urgency, quality, and limited oversight.
• Support creative standards, develop talent, and strengthen collaboration.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant creative experience in an agency or studio, including demonstrated leadership.
• A strong portfolio showing art direction, visual concepting, 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.
• 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 attention to details that improve an idea.
• Ability to inspire others while staying close to the work.

Application Requirements

• Please submit this application directly by the applicant for consideration.
• Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration.
• Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact [email protected].

Working at ICF

• ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider.
• ICF is an equal opportunity employer.
• ICF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
• Reasonable accommodations are available, including 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 [email protected].
• All information provided will be kept confidential and used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
• For more information, review workplace discrimination rights or benefit offerings included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

• Use of AI tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (in-person or virtual) is not permitted.
• Some candidates may require an accommodation that involves AI. For advance accommodation requests, contact [email protected].

Pay Range and Location

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is USD 108,476 - 184,409 per yearly. Maryland Remote Office (MD99). The role is onsite in Rockville, MD.