Senior Art Director/ Brand Designer - 3 Month Contract

Job description

Our client is a fast-paced, nimble independent agency that gives team members the chance to make an immediate impact, touch major national brands, and see their work go live in-market in a matter of months. We are looking for a versatile, highly conceptual Senior Art Director/ Brand Designer to join our client's creative team on a 3 month contract. You will serve as the brand design keeper and lead visual storytelling across digital, print, motion, and physical brand environments. Your core focus will be bringing fresh creative eyes to a major, long-standing client account, including leading an upcoming capital campaign, brand refresh, video spots, and interactive digital executions. This role is heavily client-facing and reports directly to Creative Director. ### Key Responsibilities: - **Brand Identity & Capital Campaigns:** Lead comprehensive brand refreshes, develop cohesive visual systems (logos, typography guidelines, brand books), and conceptualize high-impact capital campaigns. - **Print & Environmental Design (~70% of execution):** Design physical marketing materials, collateral, event themes, stage signage, scaffolding graphics, and campus activation materials. - **Digital & Motion Design (~30% of execution):** Concept and adapt print assets into dynamic social media campaigns, web pages, display ads, and video spots. Collaborate with 3D vendors for interactive campus/rendering tools. - **Conceptual Strategy & Pitching:** Think big-picture to concept innovative multi-channel campaigns from initial idea to launch. Act as a primary client-facing representative to present and pitch concepts. - **Production & Network Collaboration:** Work closely with our internal production studio and peer designers. Leverage an existing network of industry partners (photographers, video production teams, 3D renders) to bring ideas to life. ### Required Qualifications & Experience: - **Experience:** 5+ years of professional graphic design or art direction experience in-house or agency side. Prior experience working with clients in education or alumni/capital fundraising is a major bonus. - **Software Mastery:** Expert command of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects). - **UI/UX & Prototyping:** Proficiency in Figma or Adobe XD for digital layouts, prototyping, and digital campaign extensions. - **Conceptual Thinking:** Strong ability to bridge high-level campaign concepts with executional design detail, particularly adapting print campaigns into engaging social and motion assets. - **Communication & Presentation:** High comfort level pitching ideas directly to clients and presenting creative work. - **Portfolio:** A diverse portfolio showcasing strong brand systems, environmental concepts, digital design, and print collateral.