Temporary Associate Creative Director

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Associate Creative Director’s Role:

As an Associate Creative Director for one of the largest automotive companies in the world, you'll partner with copywriters, account managers, creative directors, strategists, and other creatives to deliver a variety of compelling materials. Focusing on both art direction and design, the ACD will collaborate with cross-functional teams to create innovative and visually compelling solutions that resonate with target audiences. This position requires a blend of artistic talent, strategic thinking, and leadership skills to elevate our agency's creative output. In practice, this means steering the team towards excellence while also actively participating in hands-on design, creative development and production. This pivotal position requires you to navigate multiple responsibilities, serving as both creator and supervisor simultaneously. You bring a progressive creative instinct and positivity, working effectively in teams with a low-ego approach.

You will work closely with account leadership on how we continue to grow and support our strong relationship with one of the largest automotive companies in the world. Also pivotal to your success in this role is having a strong partnership with the other discipline leads and contributing to an environment of teamwork and mutual understanding. You will need to work collaboratively and inclusively across brand, strategy, product, content and integrated marketing teams through a variety of opportunities while also supporting your ever-growing creative team. Of equal importance is your influencing prowess with clients while ever being humble and adaptable.

Key Responsibilities

Elevate Creative Vision:

Partner with Creative Directors and leadership to elevate client brand expression and achieve creative excellence.

Lead the conceptualization and design of integrated digital advertising campaigns.

Present ideas, build client relationships, and confidently lead art and design conversations. Proactively respond to feedback (both written and verbal), and follow up with creative and account teams throughout each project.

Guide the conceptual and aesthetic direction of campaigns, asset creation, experiential activations, and design projects.

Work closely with clients to understand their vision, objectives, and feedback.

Confidently present work alongside Creative Directors during client reviews.

Foster Collaboration and Execution:

Collaborate with copywriters, designers, and strategists to develop cohesive creative concepts.

Creation of high-quality, impactful work across all deliverables - from campaigns and design assets to experiential work.

Provide clear, focused feedback to creative teams regarding work, department, and agency improvements.

Mentor junior creatives by providing guidance on design best practices and professional development.

Champion Creative Excellence:

Contribute to the creative process from concept ideation to production, ensuring high-quality, consistent, and innovative work.

Critique major deliverables, upholding the highest standards of creative excellence and ensuring alignment with client objectives.

Drive innovation and creativity, setting new industry standards and ensuring work is consistently smart, impactful, and scalable.

Ensure work is best-in-class and award-worthy.

Thrive in a Fast-Paced Environment:

Stay updated on industry trends, tools, and techniques to inspire innovation.

Embrace a hands-on approach, seamlessly collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive projects forward and proactively identify areas for improvement.

Thrive in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment, effectively prioritizing tasks and maintaining a poised and professional demeanor.

Collaborate seamlessly across time zones with a global team, supporting both local and international initiatives.

Qualifications:

5-7+ years of design and art direction experience in advertising and marketing.

Exceptional skill as a graphic designer and the ability to create high-quality work in both Figma and the Adobe Suite

Thrive under pressure, adapting to changing priorities and consistently meeting tight deadlines.

Possess an exceptional creative background, inherently understanding digital and thinking beyond traditional ad formats and budgets.

Collaborate effectively with creative leads and copywriters, developing on-brand, strategically sound designs that meet brief requirements.

Contribute constructively to strategic and creative discussions throughout the entire project lifecycle, from conception to production.

Leverage data and research to identify unique brand opportunities, effectively presenting creative vision and philosophy.

Experience crafting brand style guides to ensure consistency across all touchpoints.

Interest in automotive culture is required, and any previous auto experience is a plus.

A versatile, contemporary, digital-centric portfolio showcasing a proven track record of excellence across multiple formats (digital, video, social, etc.) is required.

Your Working Style:

Highly creative and imaginative with a strong visual and design aesthetic.

Exceptionally detail-oriented and organized, with an unwavering commitment to pixel-perfect precision.

Self-motivated, resilient, and adaptable, thriving in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

Adept at handling quick turnarounds as part of a dedicated, collaborative team.

Constructive, solution-oriented, and client-centric, balancing a strong work ethic with a positive, humble approach, eager to learn from clients and teammates.

Manage projects efficiently, minimizing friction and maximizing productivity.

Open to feedback, providing clear rationale and readily offering alternative solutions, seamlessly transitioning between projects and brands.

Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.

Driven to become a subject matter expert with a strong understanding of related creative disciplines.

Possess excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to delivering high-quality work.

Stay ahead of the curve, informed about emerging creative trends, cultures, and technologies.

Committed to upholding equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of the role.

Working Conditions:

The role may involve long hours and tight deadlines, requiring flexibility and a commitment to maintaining high standards under pressure. Collaboration with teams across different locations and time zones is frequently necessary.

At Monks, we believe in fostering an environment where a diversity of perspectives can thrive. We proactively work to design hiring processes that promote equity and inclusion while mitigating bias. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage qualified applicants, from all backgrounds, who are excited to contribute to our mission.

This role is subject to our Return to Office (RTO) policy. If you reside within a commutable distance of one of our office locations, you will be expected to work from the office a set number of days per week. The specific details, including the number of required office days, will be in accordance with the company’s then-current RTO policy, which is subject to change from time to time.

What We Offer

Monks has provided an hourly rate that represents its good faith estimate of what Mo