Art Director

Job Summary

Are your artistic aspirations too big for artboards to handle? Are you just as confident in your leading design choices as you are leading people? Are you a visionary who thinks big-but pays attention to details smaller than kerning? Most importantly, do you believe your ideas can help solve some of the most pressing challenges our country is facing?

As an Art Director at Aptive Resources, you will have the rewarding opportunity to take your ideas from your sketchbook to the national stage, where they'll inspire millions. Whether it's ending Veteran homelessness, strengthening our National Parks, or making sure individuals with PTSD access life-changing treatment, what you create here creates change.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide art direction from concept to distribution for a variety of products and clients
• Elevate design across contracts by coaching senior and mid-level designers
• Translate complex client challenges, visions, and messages into products that effectively resonate with target audiences
• Assist in the implementation and streamlining of creative team workflow processes
• Foster and maintain a culture of collaboration, kindness, respect, innovation, and fun
• Collaborate with in-house and freelance strategists, analytics experts, technologists, and marketing specialists to create compelling campaigns and stories that help protect, promote, and evolve clients' brands
• Ensure campaigns and products seamlessly integrate accessibility requirements
• Introduce innovative approaches and ideas while following client brand guidelines
• Lead internal review sessions to ensure and strengthen the quality of creative products
• Build and maintain strong relationships with team members and clients
• Work independently to prioritize multiple projects and meet client timelines
• Receive and incorporate constructive feedback

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related visual arts field • 7-10+ years of experience in print and digital design
• Portfolio with samples of work
• Deep knowledge of industry best practices, including a strong understanding of paid digital and traditional advertising, content marketing, and experiential marketing
• Awareness of emerging trends and innovative means to engage audiences
• A willingness to grow and learn-and a desire to help others do the same
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain the rationale behind creative ideas to both clients and internal teams
• Experience, comfort, and confidence in pitching new ideas to clients
• Experience embedding accessibility considerations into creative campaigns
• Ability to lead and organize internal and external meetings
• Expert knowledge of Adobe CC: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop
• Ability to connect and align small details with an overarching vision
• Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in federal contracting and 508 compliance • Knowledge of Veterans'/military life and issues helpful, though not required
• Interest in using art to create positive change for diverse populations
• Skills in motion graphics, video editing, or UX and web design
• Experiencing directly managing employees • Comfort communicating and working with remote team members and clients
• Drive to take artistic risks and create the unexpected

About Aptive

Aptive is a modern federal consulting firm focused on human experience, digital services, and business transformation. We harness creativity, technology, and culture to connect people and systems to impact the world. We're advisors, strategists, and engineers focused on people, above all else.

We believe in generating success collaboratively, leaving client organizations stronger after every engagement and building trust for the next big challenge. Our work inspires people, fuels change and makes an impact. Join our team to be part of positive change in your community and our nation.

EEO Statement

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class.

Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.