Associate Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Design Director

Company: Klick

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-19

Experience Level: 7-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the visual direction and design strategy for significant healthcare campaigns and initiatives.

• Lead and mentor design teams through the execution of complex, multi-asset projects, ensuring high-quality creative output.

• Bridge strategic thinking with hands-on design delivery to craft compelling visual solutions that elevate client brands within the healthcare sector's specific constraints.

• Drive the development of cohesive design systems and guidelines to ensure brand consistency across all print, digital, and experiential executions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an Associate Director, indicating a significant level of responsibility in both creative leadership and project execution. The focus on healthcare campaigns suggests a need for understanding industry-specific regulations and communication nuances. The hybrid work arrangement implies a need for strong self-management and effective remote collaboration skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and evolve the overarching visual direction and comprehensive design strategy for major healthcare marketing campaigns and brand initiatives.

• Develop robust design systems and clear brand guidelines to ensure visual consistency and integrity across all creative assets and channels.

• Lead, guide, and mentor junior designers, fostering a collaborative environment for design reviews and quality assurance.

• Translate complex strategic concepts and creative briefs into polished, on-brand visual solutions that resonate across print, digital platforms, and experiential activations.

• Collaborate closely with Art Direction and Creative Strategy teams to conceptualize and develop compelling visual narratives that effectively support client positioning and objectives.

• Present design concepts and strategies effectively to clients, articulate the rationale behind design decisions, and manage the feedback and approval process through to final implementation.

• Ensure that all visual solutions adhere to healthcare brand constraints, regulatory guidelines, and accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic leadership, team management, and hands-on design execution. The focus on "healthcare brand constraints" highlights a critical requirement for understanding and navigating industry-specific regulations and communication challenges within the design process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Communications, or a related field is typically expected for this level of seniority.

Experience: 7-10 years of progressive experience in graphic design or digital design, preferably within advertising, marketing, or creative agencies. Demonstrated experience in a leadership or mentorship capacity is essential.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Advanced proficiency in Figma for collaborative design and prototyping.

• Proven ability to establish and articulate visual direction for campaigns.

• Demonstrated experience in leading and mentoring design teams.

• Strong understanding of design systems and the ability to develop brand guidelines.

• Experience translating strategic briefs into effective visual solutions across multiple channels (print, digital, experiential).

• Excellent client-facing presentation and communication skills.

• Ability to manage creative execution for complex, multi-asset projects. Preferred Skills:

• Award-winning work or recognized design achievements.

• Experience with design thinking methodologies and user experience (UX) principles.

• Familiarity with digital production workflows, including accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and responsive design principles.

• Exposure to and practical application of emerging creative technologies, such as generative AI tools for ideation and asset creation.

• Specific experience within the healthcare or life sciences industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "heavy emphasis on digital design" and preferred experience with Figma suggests a modern agency environment prioritizing digital-first strategies. The inclusion of generative AI and accessibility standards points to a forward-thinking agency that values innovation and inclusivity.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a strong track record of establishing visual direction and leading design teams.

• Must include examples of integrated creative work across multiple channels, demonstrating an ability to maintain brand consistency.

• Showcase case studies of complex, multi-asset projects, highlighting the design process from brief to execution.

• Demonstrate experience in developing and implementing design systems and brand guidelines.

• Include examples of work within the healthcare sector, if applicable, to showcase understanding of industry constraints. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how design strategy is developed and documented, linking it to client objectives.

• Illustrate the process for conducting design reviews and providing constructive feedback to junior designers.

• Detail the workflow for managing multi-channel creative execution, from concept to final delivery.

• Showcase experience in presenting design work and managing client feedback loops effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is critical for this role, emphasizing the need to demonstrate practical application of design leadership and strategic thinking. The prompt to include "any passwords that are required" indicates a desire for unhindered access to digital portfolios.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD $140,000 - $160,000 per year.

Explanation: This range is provided by the employer and reflects the seniority and specialized nature of the Associate Design Director role, particularly within the competitive Toronto market and the healthcare advertising sector. Factors influencing the final offer include candidate location, specific skills, education, and prior experience.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick days, and public holidays.

• Retirement savings plan options (e.g., RRSP matching).

• Professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Opportunities for career advancement within Klick's ecosystem.

• Access to Klick's unique culture and employee well-being programs.

• Hybrid work model allowing for flexibility between office and remote work.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility often provided given the hybrid work arrangement. Overtime may be required during peak project periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior design leadership role in Toronto. The benefits package is expected to be robust, typical of a large, established agency like Klick, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The Klick Group operates within the Life Sciences and Healthcare Marketing & Advertising sector, encompassing a broad ecosystem of services including marketing, advertising, media, medical affairs, consulting, and technology/analytics. This industry requires a deep understanding of scientific data, regulatory compliance, and ethical communication practices.

Company Size: Klick is a substantial organization with over 500 employees, indicating a well-structured environment with established processes and a significant market presence. This size allows for specialized teams and extensive resources.

Founded: Founded in 1997, Klick has a long-standing history and significant experience in the industry, suggesting a stable and mature company culture with a proven track record.

Team Structure:

• The Creative Craft team, within which this role sits, is dedicated to bringing Klick's ideas to life through storytelling, design, and experience.

• This role will likely lead a sub-team of graphic and digital designers, reporting to a higher-level Creative Director or VP of Creative.

• Collaboration is expected across various disciplines, including Art Direction, Creative Strategy, Medical Affairs, Data Science, and client account teams, requiring strong cross-functional communication. Methodology:

• Klick's Creative Craft emphasizes blending imagination with strategy to create emotionally resonant and culturally relevant work.

• The approach involves simplifying complexity and humanizing healthcare through creative storytelling and design.

• Data-driven insights and AI capabilities power their creative output, suggesting a focus on measurable impact and innovative approaches.

Company Website: https://klick.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Klick's reputation as an award-winning agency with a strong people-first culture is a significant draw. The emphasis on life sciences and healthcare means candidates must be comfortable with a specialized and regulated industry. The "ecosystem" model suggests opportunities for diverse project involvement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the Associate Director level, signifying a mid-to-senior leadership position within the creative department. It requires a blend of advanced design skills, strategic thinking, client management, and team leadership. This level typically involves significant autonomy and responsibility for key client accounts or major campaign initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Design Director will likely report to a Creative Director or a VP of Creative, and will directly manage and mentor a team of junior designers. They will also collaborate extensively with other department leads, including Art Directors, Strategists, Account Managers, and potentially specialists in data science or medical affairs.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the visual representation and communication effectiveness of client brands. Strong design direction and execution are critical for brand perception, campaign success, and ultimately, driving engagement and action within the healthcare sector. The role contributes to the agency's reputation for creative excellence and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Vertical Growth: Potential to advance to Creative Director, Executive Creative Director, or specialized leadership roles within Klick's broader ecosystem.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in healthcare marketing, digital design trends, AI-powered creative tools, and design thinking.

• Leadership Expansion: Further development of team management, client relationship, and strategic planning skills.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Potential to gain experience in areas like UX/UI, medical communications, or data visualization through Klick's integrated model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associate Director" title implies a clear career path towards full Director or higher, with opportunities to hone leadership and strategic capabilities. Klick's multi-faceted structure offers unique growth avenues beyond traditional design leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Klick operates with a hybrid model, meaning employees will split their time between working remotely and from their Toronto office. This offers flexibility while maintaining opportunities for in-person collaboration and team building.

Office Location(s): The primary office for this role is in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Specific details about office amenities, accessibility, and neighborhood are not provided but can be assumed to be professional and well-equipped for a modern agency.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model requires individuals to be proficient in remote work tools and communication platforms, alongside in-office collaboration.

• Expect a dynamic and collaborative environment where creativity and innovation are highly valued.

• Access to state-of-the-art design software and technology, including Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, will be standard.

• Opportunities for spontaneous brainstorming and team huddles will exist during in-office days.

Work Schedule: The typical work week is 40 hours, with the flexibility offered by the hybrid arrangement. Days spent in the office will likely be structured to maximize collaborative activities and team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key aspect of this role, requiring individuals to be adaptable and effective in both remote and in-office settings. The Toronto office is a hub for Klick's operations, suggesting a vibrant and connected workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a talent acquisition specialist.

• Portfolio Presentation: A formal presentation of your portfolio to a hiring manager and/or senior creative leadership, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership examples, and creative execution. Be prepared to discuss your design process and rationale.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design exercise or case study focusing on translating a healthcare brief into visual concepts, assessing strategic thinking and creative problem-solving.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interviews: Meetings with potential team members and cross-functional collaborators to assess fit with Klick's people-first culture and collaborative approach.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates leadership, strategic thinking, and integrated campaign execution, especially within healthcare if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your role, the strategic approach, the creative solution, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight instances where you mentored junior designers, led design reviews, or managed project execution from concept to completion.

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your design thinking, how you developed design systems, and how you ensured brand consistency across channels.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your digital portfolio is easily navigable and visually polished. Provide any necessary passwords upfront.

Challenge Preparation:

• Healthcare Focus: If a creative challenge is given, anticipate scenarios related to healthcare marketing. Research current trends, regulatory considerations (e.g., patient privacy, drug promotion guidelines), and effective communication strategies in this sector.

• Strategic Thinking: Practice breaking down briefs, identifying key objectives, and developing a strategic rationale for design decisions.

• Visual Problem-Solving: Be ready to brainstorm concepts and present visual directions that address specific client needs and constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio presentation and potential design challenge underscores the practical, execution-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should be prepared to articulate not just their design skills but also their strategic acumen and leadership capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for graphic design and asset creation.

• Figma: Advanced proficiency required for collaborative design, prototyping, and design system development.

• Presentation Software: Proficiency in tools like PowerPoint or Keynote for client presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, an understanding of how design impacts analytics and reporting (e.g., click-through rates on digital ads, engagement metrics) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards could be an asset. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design responsibilities, but awareness of how creative assets are managed and deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRMs may be helpful for integrated campaign understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma highlights the core technical requirements. Familiarity with generative AI tools is a noted "desired" skill, suggesting Klick is investing in and exploring these technologies for creative workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People-First Culture: Klick is consistently recognized for its commitment to employee well-being and growth, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

• Innovation & Excellence: A drive to push creative boundaries and deliver award-winning work, particularly in the life sciences sector.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork and breaking down silos to achieve integrated solutions.

• Data-Driven Creativity: Combining imaginative thinking with data analytics and AI capabilities to ensure creative effectiveness and measurable impact.

• Integrity & Compliance: Adherence to ethical standards and regulatory requirements, especially crucial in healthcare marketing.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional integration: Expect to work closely with strategists, account managers, medical experts, and data scientists to ensure creative solutions are strategically sound, medically accurate, and aligned with client objectives.

• Feedback-driven: A culture that values constructive feedback for continuous improvement of creative work and processes.

• Knowledge sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, insights, and emerging trends across teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Klick's "people-first" culture is a significant differentiator. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with values like collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to ethical practices, particularly in the sensitive healthcare domain.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Healthcare Regulations: Balancing creative ambition with strict industry regulations (e.g., FDA, Health Canada guidelines) for pharmaceutical and healthcare marketing.

• Bridging Strategy and Execution: Effectively translating complex scientific and strategic briefs into clear, compelling, and compliant visual narratives.

• Leading Diverse Teams: Mentoring and guiding designers with varying skill sets and experience levels, ensuring consistent quality and alignment.

• Adopting New Technologies: Staying abreast of and integrating emerging creative technologies like generative AI into workflows effectively and ethically.

• Hybrid Work Management: Maintaining strong team cohesion and productivity across remote and in-office environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to internal and external training programs focused on healthcare marketing, design thinking, UX/UI, and AI in creative applications.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend leading industry events for designers and healthcare marketers.

• Mentorship Programs: Benefit from mentorship from senior leaders within Klick's extensive network.

• Cross-Disciplinary Projects: Engage with Klick's diverse service offerings (e.g., data science, medical affairs) to broaden understanding and skill sets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are specific to the healthcare advertising industry and the demands of a leadership role in a dynamic agency environment. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging Klick's size and integrated structure for comprehensive professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you established the visual direction for a major campaign. What was your process, and how did you ensure strategic alignment?"

• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers? Can you share an example of how you helped a team member grow their skills?"

• "Walk us through a complex, multi-asset project you led. What were the key challenges, and how did you manage the design execution?"

• "How do you balance creative vision with client brand constraints and regulatory requirements, particularly in healthcare?"

• "How do you ensure design consistency across diverse channels (print, digital, experiential) within a single campaign?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Klick and our work in the life sciences sector?"

• "How do you align with Klick's people-first culture and collaborative approach?"

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. What strategies do you use to stay connected and productive?"

• "How do you incorporate data and insights into your design process?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, your strategic approach, the creative solution, and the resulting impact (e.g., increased engagement, brand recognition, campaign success).

• Highlight Leadership: Explicitly point out where you led teams, mentored designers, or managed project timelines and deliverables.

• Explain Your "Why": Be prepared to articulate the rationale behind your design decisions, connecting them back to strategy and client objectives.

• Demonstrate Adaptability: Showcase your ability to work with different brands, channels, and potentially challenging client briefs.

• Technical Readiness: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible, loads quickly, and is free of errors. Have any necessary passwords ready.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership experience, and a deep understanding of the design process within the context of healthcare marketing. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the Klick careers portal via the provided URL.

• Curate and Optimize Your Portfolio: Select your most impactful projects that showcase leadership, strategic design thinking, and integrated campaign execution, especially within healthcare. Ensure it's easily navigable and includes passwords if required.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 7-10 years of relevant experience, leadership accomplishments, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and any healthcare-specific design experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on articulating your strategic approach, design rationale, leadership contributions, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your process for managing teams and client feedback.

• Research Klick: Understand Klick's company culture, its work in the life sciences sector, and its award-winning creative output. Prepare to discuss why you are a good fit for their people-first, collaborative environment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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