Associate Creative Director Design Jobs in California

ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTORLead Creative for Campaigns That Change LivesAbout Change CraftChange Craft is a California-based strategic communications agency that helps public agencies, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations solve complex public challenges through research, strategy, communications, and behavior change. We're a federally recognized minority-owned small business and a certified LGBT Business Enterprise, with a growing roster of clients including some of California's leading public health, education, and advocacy organizations.Our creative practice sits at the center of the agency. We build campaigns that reach a diverse range of audiences and historically underserved populations across California and the US. The work matters, the audiences are real, and the standard for craft is high.About the RoleWe're looking for an Associate Creative Director to help lead our creative practice alongside our Creative Director. This is a player-coach role. You'll own a share of the creative portfolio, drive concepts from brief to production, and mentor a growing team of designers, copywriters, and content strategists.You'll partner with our Insights & Impact team, PR, digital, and account service leads to translate research and strategy into campaign work that clients can actually launch. You'll present to clients, defend the idea, and ship the work.What You'll DoCreative LeadershipSplit the creative portfolio with the Creative Director and own end-to-end creative on assigned accountsLead concept development for integrated campaigns spanning digital, social, video, print, and experientialPresent creative work to clients and internal leadership with clarity and convictionEnsure creative output is on-brand, on-strategy, and on-deadline across every project you touchTeam ManagementManage and mentor a team of copywriters, designers, video producers, and content strategistsSet direction, give clear feedback, and raise the bar on craftSupport hiring, onboarding, and career development for creative staffCross-Functional PartnershipPartner with the Research and Strategy teams to translate insight into creative directionWork with PR, digital, and account leads to keep creative aligned with campaign goalsCoordinate with production partners, freelancers, and vendors on executionCraft and QualityMaintain a high standard of creative craft across every deliverableBring an eye for typography, layout, tone, and multicultural nuanceUse AI creative tools thoughtfully to accelerate concepting without compromising originalityRequired Qualifications6+ years of creative agency experience across advertising, PR, digital, or integrated marketing2+ years directly managing creative talent (copywriters, designers, or hybrid teams)Strong portfolio demonstrating campaign-level work from concept to productionExcellent written and verbal communication in EnglishProficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Canva, and modern collaboration toolsAbility to present and defend creative work to senior clientsComfort managing multiple accounts and deadlines in a fast-moving agencyPreferred QualificationsConversational or professional SpanishExperience with public health, government, education, nonprofit, or social impact clientsExperience directing video, motion, or experiential workFamiliarity with AI-assisted creative tools (Midjourney, Runway, Firefly, ChatGPT, Claude)Who Will Thrive in This RoleYou are a strong creative who also loves managing people. You can defend an idea in a client meeting and still get hands-on with the file to sharpen a headline or refine a layout. You get satisfaction from making other creatives better and shipping work that actually launches. You care about the audiences we serve and want your craft to matter.What Success Looks LikeCreative work on your accounts ships on time and at a standard clients and peers admireYour team grows in craft, confidence, and range under your leadershipClient relationships stay strong on the creative side of the houseThe creative practice keeps building its reputation for smart, culturally resonant, mission-aligned workCompensation & BenefitsSalary range: $75,000-$105,000 per year (DOE)Benefits include generous health plans for medical and mental health services, dental, and vision; paid time off; life and short-term disability insurance18 observed company holidays and civic engagement days including an annual winter breakLocation: Sacramento, CAStatus: Full-timeTravel: 10-20% for client meetings, shoots, and team conveningsReports to: Creative DirectorPost Date: July 2026 | Target Hiring Timeframe: 3-5 weeksTo ApplyPlease answer the following:Share a link to your portfolio and highlight two projects where you led the creative from concept through production. Describe a time you managed a designer or copywriter through a difficult client feedback cycle. What AI tools are part of your current creative process, and how do you keep the work original? Why does mission-driven creative work interest you?The Fine PrintChange Craft LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or on the basis of disability.Applications must be submitted through Change Craft's job posting system. Questions: careers@changecraft.com.- #J-18808-Ljbffr