Summary of the Art Director - Part time job at 116 and West

J O B   D E S C R I P T I O N

Art Director

Creative Department  |  Reports to Creative Director

POSITION SUMMARY
The Art Director brings ideas to life through strong visual thinking, creative leadership and thoughtful execution. This role balances higher-level concept development and art direction with hands-on production, helping ensure every deliverable meets the creative standards of 116 & West and the needs of a fast-paced agency environment.

The Art Director collaborates closely with strategists, writers, account teams, media, and production partners to develop compelling campaigns across digital, print, social, video, environmental, and experiential channels. During high-volume production periods, particularly Kendall incentive weeks, this role also provides critical production support by developing storyboards, digital assets, presentation materials, and other creative deliverables.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Creative Leadership

• Partner with the Creative Director to set a high standard for concept, craft and visual consistency across the agency’s work.
• Translate business objectives, audience insights and strategic direction into compelling creative ideas and visual solutions.
• Lead by example through thoughtful collaboration, clear communication, sound judgment and accountability.
• Provide constructive direction and feedback to designers and other creative contributors throughout the development process.
• Mentor developing creative talent and help foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented team culture.
• Present creative concepts internally and to clients with clarity, confidence and a strong rationale.

Concept Development & Art Direction

• Develop integrated campaign concepts and visual systems across digital, social, print, video, environmental and experiential channels.
• Create mood boards, visual territories, storyboards and other materials that communicate creative intent.
• Provide art direction for photography, video, illustration, animation, typography, layout and visual storytelling.
• Guide work from initial concept through final execution, ensuring ideas remain strategically grounded and creatively strong.
• Contribute conceptual thinking and creative leadership to new business opportunities, agency initiatives and priority client work.

Hands-On Production & Kendall Incentive Weeks

• Provide direct production support during Kendall incentive weeks and other high-volume periods to keep work moving accurately and on schedule.
• Develop storyboards, digital advertising assets, social content, presentation materials, campaign production files and related deliverables as needed.
• Adapt approved concepts across formats and specifications while maintaining brand consistency and creative quality.
• Prepare production-ready files and conduct detailed quality control for technical accuracy, completeness and consistency.
• Balance speed, efficiency and attention to detail while working within compressed timelines and shifting priorities.

Collaboration & Workflow

• Help clarify creative requirements, identify potential risks and align teams on the intended output before work begins.
• Work with project managers and the Creative Director to prioritize assignments, manage workload and meet deadlines.
• Coordinate effectively with photographers, directors, illustrators, developers, printers and other external production partners.
• Participate in creative reviews and incorporate feedback without losing sight of the strategy or core idea.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, advertising or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Approximately 5–8+ years of agency or in-house creative experience, including experience leading projects and directing creative work.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking, art direction and polished execution across multiple media.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign; experience with presentation and digital design tools is also expected.
• Strong understanding of digital and print production requirements, file preparation and quality-control practices.
• Experience directing photography, video, illustration or motion work is preferred.
• Excellent communication, presentation, collaboration and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, shift between conceptual and production work, and remain composed under deadline pressure.

KEY COMPETENCIES

•  Creative leadership

•  Collaboration

•  Conceptual thinking

•  Production fluency

•  Art direction

•  Attention to detail

•  Visual storytelling

•  Adaptability

•  Design craft

•  Client communication

SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE

A successful Art Director at 116 & West moves comfortably between big-picture thinking and hands-on execution. They elevate the agency’s creative product, build trust through thoughtful leadership and help turn strong ideas into effective, beautifully executed work.