Principal, Art Direction - Performance Marketing

WHY DEPT®? We are a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, we create what is next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further because standing still just is not in our DNA.

We are drawn to people who stay curious, move with intent, and never stop inventing. Our culture runs on three values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh*t done. It is how we work, how we grow, and how we make things that matter.

At DEPT®, you will find the freedom to explore, the space to collaborate, and the trust to make a real impact for our clients, for each other, and for the world we are helping to build. THE ROLE: We’re looking for a talented and strategic Principal, Art Direction to join a fast-paced, high-performing team supporting one of our most visible, dynamic clients. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who brings conceptual thinking, sharp visual design capabilities, and video-first experience to the table.

As a key leader within the creative department, you will not only translate strategy into smart, engaging creative but also mentor a multidisciplinary team of designers and creators. You’ll partner closely with Copywriters, Video Editors, and Content Creators, reporting to the Creative Director to ensure design excellence from kickoff through delivery. You’ll play a crucial role in owning your workstream, managing junior talent, and consistently raising the creative bar.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives in creative collaboration, is autonomous in ideation, enjoys rolling up their sleeves to execute, and has a strong point of view on what makes effective content in the digital world.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

: Deliver High-Impact Creative: Concept and design best-in-class digital creative across social, and video, with a strong focus on visual storytelling and performance. Mentor Lead: Act as a direct supervisor and mentor to junior and mid-level Art Directors and Designers. Provide clear, constructive feedback to creatives across disciplines (for example, to copy) to elevate the team's output and foster professional growth.

Support Video + Content Production: Contribute to pre-production planning, support on-set shoots, and collaborate with editors and designers in post to ensure work comes to life as intended. Partner Across Disciplines: Work closely with copywriters, strategists, producers, project managers, and client teams to ensure creative aligns with brief goals, brand voice, and business objectives. Manage Creative Execution: Own the work from end to end.

Concepting and producing polished on-brand, performance-minded assets that meet timelines and briefs. As an Associate Director, Art Direction, you will lead by doing, driving execution while strategically delegating portions of our projects to our junior team members to support efficiency, mentorship and delivery while remaining accountable for the final output. Be a Problem Solver: Navigate ambiguity with CD support, adapt to shifting priorities, and bring proactive solutions to creative and production challenges.

These solutions should come in the form of daily brainstorming and inspiration sharing with the team. Cultivate Culture: Foster an inclusive, high-energy environment. Lead daily brainstorms and inspiration-sharing sessions to keep the team’s creative pulse sharp.

WHAT YOU BRING: 5+ years of experience in visual design with a strong portfolio showcasing digital campaigns, social-first content, and video-driven work. Prior social agency experience or relevant experience with a track record of navigating high-volume, high-visibility accounts. On-set and content production experience (domestic or international), including working with video directors, editors, and producers.

Strong client presentation and communication skills - you can confidently present ideas, take feedback in stride, and advocate for great creative.