Associate Creative Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

At RP3, we believe wildly original ideas are the most powerful force in marketing.

The Associate Creative Director, Copy is responsible for inspiring, shaping, and championing those ideas through storytelling, conceptual development, and creative leadership. This role transforms business challenges into breakthrough creative solutions that drive results, earn attention, and build brands.

This role sits at the intersection of strategic thinking, creative leadership, and exceptional storytelling. The ideal candidate is an accomplished writer and conceptual thinker who can develop campaign-defining ideas, inspire teams to push beyond expected solutions, and help clients embrace bold, effective creative work.

The Associate Creative Director, Copy serves as a creative catalyst across the agency—helping define campaign narratives, elevate creative thinking, mentor emerging talent, and ensure every idea reflects RP3’s commitment to wildly original work and measurable impact.

What Success Looks Like

• Consistently leads teams toward breakthrough creative solutions rooted in strategy and insight.
• Develops ideas and storytelling platforms that drive business results while strengthening RP3’s creative reputation.
• Elevates the quality of creative thinking across multiple accounts and teams.
• Creates an environment where strong ideas become exceptional ideas.
• Earns the trust of clients as a strategic and creative partner.
• Mentors and develops the next generation of writers, thinkers, and creative leaders.
• Successfully balances creative ambition with business objectives.
• Leverages AI and emerging creative technologies to improve efficiency, inspire innovation, and accelerate creative development.
• Contributes to work that has the potential to earn recognition from clients, consumers, and the creative industry.

Lead Wildly Original Thinking

• Lead integrated creative development across multiple clients, industries, and business challenges.
• Partner closely with strategists, account leaders, media teams, and fellow creatives to develop breakthrough campaign ideas.
• Guide teams through concept development, refinement, and execution.
• Push creative teams beyond expected solutions to uncover more original, impactful ideas.
• Contribute to agency thought leadership, innovation initiatives, and new business opportunities.

Shape Stories and Brands

• Develop and oversee campaign messaging, brand platforms, scripts, content strategies, and integrated storytelling approaches.
• Ensure messaging remains strategically focused while emotionally resonant and culturally relevant.
• Establish clear narrative direction and voice across campaigns and communications.
• Review and refine creative output, providing clear, actionable feedback that elevates the work.

Inspire and Develop Talent

• Mentor art directors, copywriters, designers, and emerging creative leaders.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, curiosity, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
• Help identify strengths, growth opportunities, and career development paths for team members.
• Lead by example through creative excellence, professionalism, and generosity.

Build Client Confidence

• Present creative ideas confidently and persuasively to clients and senior stakeholders.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on creative strategy and execution.
• Help clients embrace bold ideas while maintaining alignment with business objectives.
• Strengthen relationships through thoughtful collaboration and problem-solving.
• Champion the use of AI and emerging creative technologies across the creative process.
• Explore new tools, platforms, and creative approaches that enhance effectiveness and efficiency.
• Encourage experimentation and help shape the future of how RP3 develops and delivers creative work.

Mentor and Elevate

• Provide guidance, coaching, and constructive feedback to developing creatives.
• Help strengthen concept development and execution across the creative department.
• Foster a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
• Lead by example through collaboration, professionalism, and creative excellence.

The best Associate Creative Directors at RP3 are creative leaders who challenge assumptions, elevate teams, and create an environment where wildly original ideas can thrive. They understand that great work is never the result of a single person. Great work comes from bringing together talented people, pushing beyond the expected, and relentlessly pursuing better ideas.

They combine strategic thinking with creative ambition, leadership with humility, and innovation with craftsmanship. Most importantly, they create work that drives business results, earns attention, and helps shape what’s next.

What We're Looking For

• A portfolio demonstrating breakthrough conceptual thinking, exceptional storytelling, and leadership across integrated campaigns.
• 8–12 years of agency or integrated marketing experience.
• Proven ability to lead creative teams and guide campaigns from concept through execution.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, messaging, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Experience developing campaign platforms, brand narratives, scripts, and integrated content strategies.
• Experience presenting and selling creative work to senior clients and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success mentoring and developing creative talent.
• Strong understanding of how creativity drives business growth and brand performance.
• Curiosity about culture, technology, and evolving consumer behavior.
• Experience utilizing AI and emerging creative technologies as part of the creative process.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• All applicants must live in and be legally eligible to work in the US. Must live in Central or Eastern time zone to be considered.

Here\'s what we offer:

• Hybrid flexibility - RP3 is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, so if you are DMV-based, that is definitely a bonus — but not a barrier. If you can get here by train, plane, or automobile, you are in the running. We want the right person, wherever they are.
• A culture built on curiosity, kindness, accountability, and wildly original thinking
• Company-paid health, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
• Employee-paid dental and vision plans
• 401(k) with immediate employer match
• Inclusive, world-class family leave policy
• Generous PTO - including Annual Leave, Sick Leave, Paid Holidays, Personal Time, and Karma Days
• Summer Fridays - we shut down at 2 PM every Friday from Memorial Day to Labor Day
• Voluntary benefits including commuter benefits and pet insurance

Compensation

Salary Range: 120,000-140,000 Annual DOE

We believe in paying people fairly and transparently. Final compensation will reflect individual experience, qualifications, and internal equity considerations

RP3 is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the clients and communities we serve. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Different perspectives make better work.