Art Director Job Summary: Sparks Group and a renowned company in Bethesda, MD have partnered together to find an Art Director for a 3-4-month contract assignment. The Art Director will play a key role in creating the strategy, establishing key performance indicators, and executing digital marketing and social media initiatives. The Art Director must excel in highly conceptual design and display an aptitude for strategic thinking. The role will be a core member of the Digital organization and assigned brand teams informing strategy and driving execution for digital and social media marketing tactics to deliver against brand and digital goals. The Art Director should have a strong background in the social/digital space, but also have diversity in other verticals. A professional who can fashion a story that builds the brand through all mediums and delivers a unique experience. In addition to other duties assigned, this role will lead and manage the strategy and execution of the comprehensive brand digital eco-system consisting of dedicated brand websites, brand social media channels, and other digital touch points. This role will work in partnership with the Sr Writer to oversee the creative brainstorming, design, and execution of a variety of social media experiences spanning brand and local level on key platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and others supporting the brand's overarching strategies (ie engagement, awareness, etc.). This includes hands-on development as well as supervising external agencies and contractors to ensure that all collateral follows both brand and industry standards. Art Director Responsibilities: Hands-on execution of concepts and design within a full range of mediums, including photography, static animated social assets, infographics, video, and animations. Ensure that creative meets brand guidelines and production standards. Shepherds concepts from pencil sketches to finished content. Develop a variety of concepts for each assignment that display diversity between them-attacking the creative problem from different points of view while producing concepts consistent with the brand strategy. Supervise the execution of new art such as photo-shoot, illustrations, digital imaging and the research of stock photography. Responsible for crafting strategy and prioritizing, managing, supporting and executing digital marketing strategy initiatives (brand website, social media, paid media, search engine marketing, Marriott.com initiatives, field support) to support assigned brands. Work autonomously to design and execute digital/social strategy for assigned brands level initiatives while also providing strategic guidance for regional and local-level initiatives - if applicable. Work closely with entire internal team to develop effective, impactful ideas based on tactical plan. Oversee and implement visual strategy and workflow of digital marketing and advertising campaigns supporting the digital brand strategy. Manage agency / freelance resources and oversee strategic initiatives related to digital and social strategy for assigned brands. Digital and Social Strategy oversight and execution: Direct oversight of brand website design, optimizations, and day to day maintenance. Work with broader digital team on web sites, apps, mobile, video, and social media campaigns. Communicate effectively with on- and off-site teams to meet deadlines. Lead digital brand ecosystem work in partnership with product leads and Senior Director. Partner with Digital product teams for brand positioning updates to websites. Work with agency and internal partners to deliver creative assets such as digital display, video, social media assets, paid search ads, emails, landing pages, on-site promotional placements. Oversee brand social media content creation, approval of editorial calendar, and influencer programs implemented by agency or in house. Oversee the design, visual brand voice and content for brand level social media and digital channels. Oversee agencies and/or creatives (graphic designers, videographers, photographers) for each brand. Consult and partner with stakeholders to provide expertise: Lead the development of the holistic content strategy for assigned brands and work with Brand Marketing, Creative team, and agency partners on content development and distribution. Liase with content studio to collaborate on influencer and content creation where relevant. Liaise with internal social media teams to collaborate on best practices and customer care integration. Develop strong relationships with subject matter experts and channel leaders, agencies, media and distribution partners to cost-effectively maximize opportunities for the brand while ensuring high-quality on-strategy creative is delivered. Monitor and report out on industry best practices and competitive/landscape trends Liase with internal and external PR teams to ensure tight integration and holistic campaigns. Create streamlined information for internal reports/audits/analysis of digital marketing performance and well as create compelling marketing and reporting presentations. Support and liaise with the field organization and other team members on digital/social marketing best practices to ensure digital strategy alignment. Art Director Qualifications: 4-year degree from an accredited university in Graphic Design, Art Advertising, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or related major. 5-7 years of art direction and design. Experience with travel industry is a plus. Demonstrated experience with digital marketing and advertising design execution. Demonstrated experience with developing, launching, managing website and mobile projects. Demonstrated experience with Social Media marketing, content creation and advertising. Demonstrated experience with content creation creative platforms like Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere Pro, Rush, etc.). In-depth and up-to-date understanding of design trends and industry best practices. In-depth and up-to-date understanding of mobile platforms, devices and trends. Demonstrated experience and success in a highly matrixed cross functional organization Attributes. Download the Sparks Group Jobs mobile app from Apple App Store or Google Play. Qualified candidates should send their resume AND call Sparks Group for additional details. Please note, resume must include a valid email address in order to be considered. We look forward to discussing your background, your current job search, and your potential career path with Sparks Group!Sparks Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, citizenship, family status, genetic information, disability, or protect veteran status.