Associate Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Design Director Company: We Are Social Location: Los Angeles, California, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Creative Operations / Marketing Operations Date Posted: 2025-09-18T20:03:31.82 Experience Level: 8+ Years (Enhanced to 10+ based on role seniority and typical agency progression) Remote Status: Remote OK (with opportunities to work from global offices)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead design strategy and execution for client projects and new business pitches, ensuring visually compelling and culturally relevant outputs.
• Drive content creation across various mediums, including graphic design, motion graphics, photography, and AI imagery, to meet diverse client and campaign needs.
• Cultivate a forward-thinking design approach by staying ahead of social trends, pop culture, and emergent technologies to inspire innovative campaign concepts.
• Foster a collaborative team environment, guiding junior designers and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, impactful creative work within fast-paced timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Associate Design Director," the job description emphasizes hands-on creative execution and leadership, suggesting a role that bridges senior creative contribution with team guidance. The 8+ years of experience requirement, coupled with the emphasis on "getting your hands dirty," points towards a senior individual contributor with leadership potential rather than a pure management role. The remote flexibility and global office passport program are significant perks for operations professionals seeking international exposure and work-life balance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization and design execution for client campaigns and agency new business efforts, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and brand guidelines.
• Develop and produce a wide range of social-first content, including static graphics, motion graphics, photography, and AI-generated visuals, to maximize audience engagement and impact.
• Translate complex creative ideas into visually engaging presentations, mockups, and light retouching to effectively communicate concepts to clients and stakeholders.
• Actively monitor and analyze social media trends, cultural moments, and emerging design aesthetics to inform creative strategies and identify opportunities for innovation.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and executing with rapid turnaround times for real-time social media opportunities while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
• Collaborate effectively with account managers, strategists, and other creative team members to ensure cohesive campaign development and execution.
• Provide constructive feedback and mentorship to junior designers, fostering their professional growth and ensuring adherence to creative briefs and brand standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic creative leadership and hands-on execution, typical of senior creative roles in agencies. The emphasis on "social media craft," "layout," "typography," and "AI imagery" indicates a need for a designer who is not only technically proficient but also deeply attuned to current digital culture and emerging tools. The "workflow management" and "quick turnaround times" are critical operational aspects of this role, requiring strong project management and prioritization skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Multimedia, Visual Communications, or a related creative discipline from an accredited institution.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in creative industries, with a strong preference for experience within a creative agency environment.
• Demonstrated experience in leading creative projects from concept to completion, including managing timelines and deliverables.
• Proven track record of creating world-class design work across various mediums, including still graphics, motion graphics, and editing.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Mastery: Extensive proficiency in industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite – Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for creating visually compelling static assets.
• Motion Graphics & Editing: Competence in motion graphics and video editing software (e.g., After Effects, Premiere Pro) to produce dynamic visual content.
• Social Media Savvy: Deep understanding of what resonates with social audiences, with an ability to adapt design styles and content formats to various social platforms.
• Presentation Design: Skill in creating impactful and persuasive presentations, mockups, and visual aids to effectively communicate creative ideas.
• Trend Analysis & Cultural Acumen: A keen eye for emerging trends in pop culture, entertainment, fashion, music, and travel, with the ability to translate these insights into creative concepts.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and provide constructive feedback.
• Workflow Management: Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple projects and tight deadlines efficiently.

Preferred Skills:

• AI Tool Proficiency: Curiosity and willingness to learn and create using Artificial Intelligence tools for imagery and content generation.
• Photography & Videography: Experience with photography and videography, including shooting and light retouching.
• Community Engagement: Understanding of community engagement principles and how to design content that fosters interaction.
• Agency New Business: Experience contributing to or leading design efforts for new business pitches and proposals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of technical design proficiency and a deep understanding of social media culture and trends. The preferred skill of AI tool proficiency is a significant differentiator, indicating the company's forward-looking approach to creative technology. The experience requirement of 8+ years is elevated to "Senior" or "Associate Director" level, implying a need for leadership in creative execution and potentially team guidance, hence the enhancement to 10+ years for a more accurate reflection of seniority.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of Creative Range: Showcase a diverse portfolio exhibiting expertise across still graphics, motion graphics, photography, and AI-generated imagery.
• Social Media Impact: Include case studies or examples of work specifically designed for social media platforms, highlighting engagement metrics or campaign success.
• Presentation Excellence: Feature examples of visually compelling pitch decks or client presentations that effectively sell creative ideas.
• Process & Workflow Solutions: Demonstrate how you manage creative workflows, handle feedback, and deliver projects efficiently under tight deadlines.
• Cultural Relevance: Showcase work that demonstrates an understanding of pop culture, trends, and what resonates with contemporary social audiences.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process, from initial brief interpretation and concept development to final execution and delivery.
• Be prepared to discuss how you manage iterative feedback loops and incorporate stakeholder input to refine creative outputs.
• Demonstrate an understanding of optimizing design assets for various social media platforms and digital channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, a robust portfolio is crucial. It should not only display creative output but also demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving, workflow management, and understanding of client objectives. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design choices and the process used to achieve them will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for an Associate Design Director with 8-10+ years of experience in Los Angeles, California, the estimated salary range is $90,000 - $130,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the creative industry, agency experience, and the cost of living in Los Angeles.

Benefits:

• Global Passport Program: Opportunity to work from any of the 18 We Are Social offices worldwide, offering unparalleled international experience and cultural immersion.
• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to support employee well-being.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday policies.
• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) or equivalent with potential company match.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and career growth within a global agency network.
• Celebration of Wins: Company culture that acknowledges and celebrates team achievements.
• Commitment to Social Impact: Involvement in company initiatives focused on sustainability and community.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically around 40 hours per week. However, the fast-paced agency environment may require flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines and real-time social media demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry data for similar roles in Los Angeles. The "passport program" is a unique and significant benefit that offers extensive international work opportunities, a major draw for many professionals. The mention of celebrating wins and social impact points to a positive and values-driven company culture.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Marketing & Advertising, Social Media Agency Company Size: 500 - 1000 employees (Global Estimate) Founded: 2000 Company Description: We Are Social is a global, award-winning creative agency powered by social connections. They specialize in creating "Ideas Worth Talking About" for leading brands by understanding and leveraging what's trending and resonating within social communities. They have a significant global presence with offices in major cities worldwide. Company Specialties: Social Media Strategy, Creative Campaigns, Content Creation, Influencer Marketing, Social Listening, Brand Storytelling, Digital Innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Associate Design Director likely sits within the Creative department, reporting to a Creative Director or Head of Design.
• They will collaborate closely with account management, strategy, social media, and production teams.
• The role involves guiding and mentoring junior designers, fostering a collaborative and supportive team dynamic.

Methodology:

• Data-driven creativity, leveraging social insights and analytics to inform campaign development.
• Agile and responsive approach to social media, capitalizing on real-time trends and cultural moments.
• Emphasis on collaboration and cross-functional teamwork to deliver integrated campaigns.
• Continuous experimentation and learning to stay at the forefront of digital culture and creative technologies.

Company Website: https://wearesocial.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: We Are Social positions itself as a cutting-edge agency deeply embedded in social culture. The emphasis on "social connections" and "Ideas Worth Talking About" suggests a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly collaborative environment. The global footprint is a key differentiator, offering significant opportunities for diverse project exposure and international collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Creative Contributor / Emerging Creative Leader Reporting Structure: Reports to a Creative Director or Head of Design. May directly or indirectly manage junior designers or project teams. Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the quality and effectiveness of client creative output, influencing brand perception, campaign performance, and client satisfaction. Strong design leadership contributes to agency reputation and new business wins.

Growth Opportunities:

• Path to Creative Director: Progression to a Creative Director role, with increased strategic responsibility and leadership over larger creative teams and client accounts.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, AI-driven design, or particular industry verticals (e.g., sports, entertainment, fashion).
• Global Mobility: Leverage the passport program to gain international experience, work on global campaigns, and expand professional networks across different markets.
• Leadership Development: Develop management and mentorship skills by guiding junior talent and leading creative projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associate" title suggests a step towards leadership. The growth path is clearly defined towards higher creative leadership roles within the agency. The global passport program also presents a unique avenue for career diversification and international exposure, which is a significant growth opportunity in itself.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, with opportunities for remote work. The agency likely maintains physical office spaces in key locations for collaboration and client meetings. Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California, United States (primary location), with a global network including Paris, Singapore, Madrid, Dubai, London, and others.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is expected to be dynamic, collaborative, and fast-paced, reflecting the nature of a creative agency and the social media landscape.
• Expect a culture that encourages ideation, experimentation, and staying current with digital trends.
• Access to creative tools and technologies will be provided, with an expectation for individuals to bring their own insights and curiosity, particularly regarding new tools like AI.

Work Schedule:

• While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the demands of client work, real-time social moments, and creative pitches may necessitate flexibility and occasional overtime. The remote flexibility can aid in managing personal schedules around these demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and remote-friendly nature of the role, combined with the global office access, offers significant flexibility. The environment is likely to be energetic and stimulating, appealing to individuals who thrive on creativity and staying current with cultural shifts.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications for basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Review & Creative Discussion: A discussion with a Creative Director or Senior Design Lead focused on your portfolio, design philosophy, and experience with social media creative. Expect to walk through specific projects and discuss your role, process, and impact.
• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: Potentially a small creative task or case study to assess your design thinking, execution speed, and ability to respond to a brief. This might involve creating a concept or presentation mock-up.
• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues from strategy, account, or other creative disciplines to assess collaboration skills and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: Conversation with a senior leader (e.g., ECD, Head of Creative) to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and strategic vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that best showcase your skills in graphic design, motion graphics, social media content creation, and presentation design. Prioritize work that demonstrates an understanding of cultural trends.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the creative process, the challenges faced, and the results achieved. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., engagement rates, impressions).
• Highlight Social Expertise: Emphasize work that shows you understand how to design for different social platforms and how to create content that sparks conversation.
• Showcase Process: Include examples that illustrate your workflow, from concept ideation to final execution, and how you handle feedback.
• Be Prepared for AI Discussion: If you have experience with AI tools, be ready to discuss your approach and potential applications. Be open to learning if you don't.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a creative challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.
• Structure your approach logically, outlining your thought process before diving into execution.
• Prioritize clear communication and impactful visual presentation of your ideas.
• Be mindful of time constraints and focus on delivering a strong concept rather than perfect polish if time is limited.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, focusing heavily on creative output, process, and cultural fit. A strong portfolio that directly addresses the requirements of social-first creative and trend awareness will be paramount. Demonstrating an understanding of agency workflows and client-centric thinking is also crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency across Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign for graphic design and asset creation.
• Motion Graphics & Video Editing: After Effects and Premiere Pro for creating animated graphics, social videos, and editing footage.
• Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides for creating client-ready pitch decks and internal presentations.
• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Asana, or Trello for team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with social media analytics platforms (e.g., native platform insights, Sprout Social, Hootsuite) to understand content performance and inform design decisions.
• Basic understanding of data visualization principles to present performance metrics effectively.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus, familiarity with CRM systems (like Salesforce) or project management tools that integrate with client workflows may be beneficial.
• Experience with cloud storage and file-sharing services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) for asset management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around the Adobe Creative Suite and video/motion graphics software. Familiarity with presentation tools and project management/collaboration platforms is also key to efficient workflow within an agency setting. An understanding of how design impacts social media performance metrics is also valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries, experiment with new ideas, and stay ahead of cultural trends.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual support across departments.
• Agility & Responsiveness: The ability to adapt quickly to changing client needs, real-time opportunities, and fast-paced project demands.
• Excellence & Craft: A commitment to producing high-quality, visually compelling work that resonates with audiences and achieves client objectives.
• Curiosity & Learning: A proactive mindset towards learning new tools, techniques, and understanding emerging cultural shifts.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, working closely with strategists, account managers, and social media specialists to ensure creative output is strategically sound and culturally relevant.
• Expect an environment that encourages open feedback, constructive critique, and a shared passion for creating impactful work.
• Team members are expected to be proactive in sharing knowledge, insights, and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at We Are Social appears to value energy, innovation, and a deep connection to social culture. The emphasis on collaboration and agility is critical for success in a fast-paced agency environment. The "Ideas Worth Talking About" ethos suggests a focus on creating work that has genuine cultural impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pace of Social Media: Keeping up with the rapid evolution of social media trends, platforms, and creative formats requires constant learning and adaptation.
• Balancing Creativity with Client Needs: Effectively translating client objectives and brand guidelines into innovative and resonant social content.
• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling numerous client assignments with varying deadlines and creative demands necessitates strong organizational skills.
• Integrating New Technologies: Staying current with and creatively utilizing emerging technologies, such as AI in design, while maintaining a human-centric approach.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Global Brands & Markets: Work on diverse campaigns for world-renowned clients across different regions, broadening creative perspectives.
• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to refine skills in motion graphics, AI-driven design, photography, and other emerging creative disciplines.
• Mentorship: Learn from experienced Creative Directors and industry leaders within a global agency network.
• Networking: Build professional connections across We Are Social's international offices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be maintaining a high level of creative output and trend awareness in a constantly shifting digital landscape. The growth opportunities are significant, particularly the international exposure and the chance to work with a diverse range of clients and creative challenges.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Portfolio Deep Dive: Be prepared to discuss your most impactful projects in detail. Explain your design process, how you addressed the brief, your specific contributions, and the outcomes. For social-focused work, discuss how you ensured cultural relevance and engagement.
• Trend Awareness: How do you stay informed about current social media trends, pop culture, and emerging design aesthetics? Be ready to discuss a recent trend and how you might leverage it for a brand.
• AI in Design: What are your thoughts on using AI tools in the creative process? Share any experience you have or your learning approach.
• Handling Feedback: Describe a time you received constructive criticism on your work and how you incorporated it.
• Collaboration: How do you collaborate with different teams (strategy, account, etc.) to ensure cohesive campaign delivery?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research We Are Social's recent work and client campaigns. Be prepared to discuss what you admire or what creative approaches stand out.
• Understand the agency's philosophy of "Ideas Worth Talking About."
• Be ready to articulate why you are a good cultural fit for a fast-paced, social-first agency.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or client. For each project, provide context: the client, the objective, your role, the process, and the results.
• Visuals: Ensure your portfolio is visually polished and easy to navigate. High-quality images and clear descriptions are key.
• Narrative: Craft a compelling narrative around your work, highlighting your problem-solving skills and creative vision.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant and impactful pieces.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill, but also strategic thinking, cultural fluency, and an understanding of the agency environment. Being able to articulate your process and the impact of your work is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the Workable platform, ensuring your resume and portfolio link are up-to-date and easily accessible.
• Portfolio Customization: Review your portfolio and tailor it to highlight projects demonstrating social media craft, trend awareness, and diverse content creation (graphics, motion, AI).
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 8+ years of experience, agency background, and key skills relevant to creative direction and social media design. Use keywords from the job description.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with We Are Social's work, clients, and agency culture. Understand their approach to social media and creative strategy.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Think about how you will articulate your experience, creative process, and why you are a great fit for this specific role and agency. Be ready to discuss your portfolio with confidence.

⚠️ 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.