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Associate Creative Director Design Jobs in California

Meta

Creative Director, Design

Burlingame, CA

$177K/yr

Meta is seeking a Creative Director, Design to lead brand expression and visual strategy in Reality Labs. This role sits at the intersection of brand storytelling, visual expression with a focus on ...

Meta

Creative Director, Design

Los Angeles, CA

$177K/yr

Meta is seeking a Creative Director, Design to lead brand expression and visual strategy in Reality Labs. This role sits at the intersection of brand storytelling, visual expression with a focus on ...

Meta

Creative Director, Design

San Francisco, CA

$177K/yr

Meta is seeking a Creative Director, Design to lead brand expression and visual strategy in Reality Labs. This role sits at the intersection of brand storytelling, visual expression with a focus on ...

Meta

Creative Director, Design

Menlo Park, CA

$177K/yr

Meta is seeking a Creative Director, Design to lead brand expression and visual strategy in Reality Labs. This role sits at the intersection of brand storytelling, visual expression with a focus on ...

Change Craft

Associate Creative Director

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lead Creative for Campaigns That Change Lives About Change Craft Change Craft is a California-based strategic communications agency that helps public agencies, nonprofits ...

Tubi

Associate Creative Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$135K - $192K/yr

Tubi's Creative Studio is looking for an Associate Creative Director to lead creative across a ... Oversees static digital design across B2B and B2C creative - ensuring consistency, craft, and on ...

Tubi

Associate Creative Director

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

Tubi's Creative Studio is looking for an Associate Creative Director to lead creative across a ... Oversees static digital design across B2B and B2C creative - ensuring consistency, craft, and on ...

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Associate Creative Director Design information

What does an associate creative director design do?

An Associate Creative Director of Design is responsible for helping lead the creative vision and direction of design projects within an organization or agency. They collaborate with creative teams, clients, and other stakeholders to develop innovative visual concepts, ensuring that all design work aligns with brand standards and project goals. In addition to providing guidance and feedback to designers, they may also participate in strategic planning, client presentations, and project management. This role typically reports to the Creative Director and serves as a bridge between upper management and the design team.

What is the difference between Associate Creative Director Design vs Creative Director?

AspectAssociate Creative Director DesignCreative Director
ResponsibilitiesSupports creative projects, manages design teams, assists in concept developmentLeads overall creative vision, makes high-level decisions, oversees multiple projects
Experience & CredentialsTypically 5-8 years in design, strong portfolio, leadership skills10+ years experience, extensive portfolio, strategic leadership
Work EnvironmentCollaborative design teams, reporting to Creative DirectorsExecutive level, cross-department collaboration, client interaction

The main difference between an Associate Creative Director Design and a Creative Director lies in scope and seniority. The Associate supports and implements creative strategies, while the Creative Director sets the overall vision and direction for projects and teams. Both roles require strong design credentials and leadership skills, but the Creative Director holds a higher-level strategic position.

How does an associate creative director design typically collaborate with other departments on creative projects?

An Associate Creative Director Design frequently works cross-functionally, partnering closely with copywriters, strategists, account managers, and production teams to ensure design concepts align with project goals and client expectations. They often lead brainstorming sessions, provide creative direction, and oversee the translation of ideas into visual assets. Effective communication and feedback loops with other departments are essential to maintain consistency and deliver cohesive campaigns. This collaborative environment helps foster innovation and ensures that creative solutions meet both aesthetic and business objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate creative director design?

To thrive as an Associate Creative Director Design, you need a strong background in visual design, creative strategy, and team leadership, often supported by a degree in graphic design or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, and knowledge of project management systems is essential. Outstanding communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills help you inspire teams and translate client needs into innovative creative solutions. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-impact designs, leading creative teams effectively, and ensuring client satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.

What are popular job titles related to Associate Creative Director Design jobs in California?

For Associate Creative Director Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Creative Director Design jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Creative Director Design jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Associate Creative Director Design jobs?

Cities in California with the most Associate Creative Director Design job openings:

Associate Creative Director Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Creative Director Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Associate Creative Director (Design)

Day One Agency

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Associate Creative Director (Design)
Department: Design / Art Direction
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Los Angeles
Description
Looking for something fresh?
Day One Agency is hiring.
Day One is a creative agency committed to bringing fresh thinking to our work. Every. Single. Day. For us, every day is day one, a new opportunity to start from the beginning, find a new angle, and let our creativity and curiosity lead us to earn the unexpected.
We've built a reputation as a creative partner tuned for navigating culture today; helping brands build legacy through relevance. We're looking to expand our team with a new Associate Creative Director (Art). You'll become part of an award winning collective of cultural insiders* and industry outsiders**, all of whom are storytellers at heart.
Below you'll find some specifics about the role. At Day One, the job description is truly just the start. Our best team members are enthusiasts who opt-in and bring something to the party.
Ready to join a team that's been on Fast Company's Most Innovative list for three years running, made the Ad-Age A-List and been named Agency to Watch 2025, and took home Campaign AOY in 2025 and PR Week Midsize AOY 4 years in row (2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026)?
Keep reading.
This position is full-time, requires a hybrid work schedule, and is only available in Los Angeles.
* TREND FORECASTERS, WRITERS, DESIGNERS, PRODUCERS, PEOPLE PERSONS, DIGITAL NATIVES, CULTURE HEADS, INTERNET ARCHAEOLOGISTS, MEME HISTORIANS
** ORGANIZERS, GLOBETROTTERS, DROPOUTS, SKATE SHOP ALUMNI, FORMER BARISTAS, SELF-TAUGHT DEVS, INDIE PUBLISHERS, FINE ARTISTS, SMALL-TOWN ESCAPEES
Responsibilities
We are looking for a team member with a solid foundation and proven track record of success in leading creative projects from ideation through to execution, and managing every piece in between. The ACD will serve a vital role at Day One- whether you are concepting, designing, producing, or managing, our team will depend on you for all things creative.
  • Lead by example and get hands on with the work. Enjoying being in the weeds of all things design and visual communication, with attention to detail.
  • Motivate our internal design team to think differently and constantly look to elevate their work, inspire a team of art directors, designers, copywriters, creative strategists, and storytellers.
  • Come from a place of earning it, developing concepts designed to connect with culture. Be a leader and champion of big ideas.
  • Help to mentor our existing staff and collaborate with the Creative Director to inform where we need to evolve as we grow.
  • Execute creative and brand vision for our clients and the Day One brand.
  • Shape and develop cohesive narratives, maximizing the quality of our output.
  • Be comfortable executing, personally ideating and developing breakthrough concepts and setting an example for the team.
  • Consistently manage up to Creative Director and agency leadership. Over communicate when necessary and bring a solution oriented approach to every challenge.
  • Get into the details. Review and refine briefs, project plans and staffing across projects. Get into the work but also think about how to set the team up for success.

Requirements
  • 7+ years of art direction and/or design experience
  • Comfort working cross discipline
  • Demonstrated expertise in managing and juggling multiple creative projects
  • Ability to project manage deliverables and organize resources
  • Comfortable with complex assignments and leading a diverse team
  • Visually led skill set, but able to oversee ideation and presentations
  • An entrepreneurial spirit and a style that inspires
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or equivalent professional experience

Preferred Skills:
  • Are driven by the creative landscape of social media
  • Know where to find alt TikTok
  • Bored with traditional design
  • Had enough of the millennial aesthetic

Characteristics of our ideal candidate:
  • Passionate and Dedicated
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit
  • Agile
  • Inspiring
  • A true mentor & manager
  • A team player who's willing to take on any creative task, big or small

Compensation + Benefits
We value all of our employees and are happy to provide comprehensive benefits to help support them holistically in the best way we can. We offer all our employees:
  • Health Care (Medical, Dental, Vision)
  • Paid Time Off and Company Paid Holidays
  • Summer Fridays
  • 401K Retirement Plan with Company Match
  • Lifestyle Spending Account
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Commuter Benefits
  • New Business Referral Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus

The Company is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base compensation range for this role is $125,000-$150,000 and this position is eligible for benefits that include medical insurance (health, dental, and vision), retirement plan, paid time off, paid parental leave, new business and employee referral bonuses, etc. Please note that the compensation information provided is a good faith estimate for Los Angeles based hires only and is provided pursuant to the applicable law. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as candidates' relevant work experience, skills, qualifications, and location.

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