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Associate Design Director Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

SALT XC

Design Director

Toronto, ON · Hybrid

Collaborate with Associate Design Directors and Creative Directors to evolve visual approaches, design processes, and creative methodologies. Presentation & Stakeholder Communication * Present design ...

VML South Africa

This hybrid role emphasizes leading impactful campaigns through innovative design solutions. At VML, part of WPP, we are in search of a talented Associate Creative Director with a strong background ...

New

VML

Associate Creative Director (Art)

Toronto, ON

Associate Creative Director, Art Who We Are Looking For VML is seeking an Associate Creative ... Direct campaign asset creation from a visual perspective, overseeing art direction, design ...

Reach3 Insights

Associate Research Director

Toronto, ON · Hybrid

CA$95K - CA$120K/yr

The salary range for this position is $95,000 to $120,000 CAD , with the upper portion typically ... As an experienced Associate Research Director at Reach3, you will: * Be deeply engaged in all ...

Jessica Kelly Design

Associate Designer

Toronto, ON · On-site +1

We're Jessica Kelly Design ( , a full-service interior design firm that specializes in creating ... Your day-to-day work will be largely self-directed. You're well-equipped in dealing with clients ...

Avalere Health

Associate Creative Director, Copy

Toronto, ON · On-site +1

CA$150K - CA$165K/yr

The Associate Creative Director is responsible for ensuring that design, copy and UX are greater than the sum of their parts and ladder up to strategic insights on all projects that they lead. What ...

SGS & Co

Associate Art Director, 3D / CGI

Toronto, ON

Marks is a global brand design and experience agency, uniquely constructed to enable brands to win ... As an Associate 3D / CGI Art Director you contribute to big ideas and, above all, help execute them ...

sgsco

Associate Art Director, 3D / CGI

Toronto, ON

Marks is a global brand design and experience agency, uniquely constructed to enable brands to win ... As an Associate 3D / CGI Art Director you contribute to big ideas and, above all, help execute them ...

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Associate Design Director information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Design Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Design Director, you need a strong background in visual design, creative direction, and team leadership, usually supported by a degree in design or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and experience with project management systems are typically required. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills help you inspire teams and manage client relationships effectively. These skills ensure the successful delivery of innovative design solutions that meet client objectives and drive business results.

What does an Associate Design Director do?

An Associate Design Director helps lead the creative direction and execution of design projects, often working under the guidance of a Design Director. They manage design teams, oversee project timelines, and ensure that creative work aligns with client goals and brand standards. Their responsibilities may include mentoring junior designers, collaborating with other departments, and presenting concepts to clients. The role requires strong leadership, creative vision, and the ability to balance multiple projects efficiently.

How does an Associate Design Director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

An Associate Design Director often serves as a bridge between the design team and other departments such as product management, engineering, and marketing. They facilitate clear communication to ensure that design concepts align with business goals and technical constraints. Regularly attending cross-functional meetings, providing feedback, and aligning design strategies with overall project objectives are key aspects of the role. This collaborative approach helps deliver cohesive and user-centered products while fostering a supportive and innovative team environment.

Is VP of design higher than Design Director?

In most organizations, the Vice President (VP) of Design is a higher-level executive than a Design Director. The VP typically oversees multiple design teams and sets strategic direction, while the Design Director manages day-to-day design operations and team leadership. The hierarchy can vary depending on company size and structure, but generally, VP is a senior leadership role above Design Director.

Is an associate director a high position?

An Associate Design Director is a senior-level role responsible for overseeing design projects and guiding creative teams. While it is a high-ranking position within a design or creative department, it typically reports to a Director or Vice President, with opportunities for advancement to executive roles. The level of seniority can vary depending on the company's size and structure.

What is an associate Design Director?

An Associate Design Director is a senior-level role responsible for overseeing design projects, guiding creative teams, and ensuring design quality aligns with company goals. They often collaborate with other departments, use design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, and may have several years of experience in design or art direction.

What is the highest paid design job?

The highest paid design jobs are often executive roles such as Chief Design Officer or Creative Director, with salaries reaching into the high six or seven figures depending on the company and industry. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and a strong portfolio, often supplemented by advanced degrees or certifications in design or related fields.
Associate Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Design Director job openings in Ontario as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Design Director

SALT XC

Toronto, ON • Hybrid

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

ROLE: DESIGN DIRECTOR
LOCATION: TORONTO (HYBRID)TEAM: CREATIVE, SALT XC 
LOCATION: TORONTO (HYBRID) 

COMPANY OVERVIEW 

Salt is a North American marketing agency that creates connected experiences through creative, digital & media innovation. 

Our mission is to "Earn the World's Attention," and Salt is built to find, develop, execute, and amplify the ideas that matter to our clients' audiences. We are structured to do what's right for our clients - connecting perspectives, operating across mediums, and ensuring meaningful, effective creative solutions. 

We live the values in our name. "Salt of the Earth" reflects how we work: collaborative, humble, and hard-working. We believe talent and culture create great work - so we're looking for people who are as smart as they are kind. 

ROLE OVERVIEW 

As a Design Director at SALT XC, you are an expert craftsperson and emerging creative leader who drives design excellence across digital, social, experiential, and brand-led projects. You combine hands-on design mastery with the ability to guide others, owning key workstreams and ensuring the quality, clarity, and consistency of every creative output. 

You translate strategy into thoughtful visual solutions, elevate concepts through refined execution, and collaborate closely with Creative Directors, Strategists, and cross-functional partners. You are a trusted partner in bringing creative ideas to life - ensuring design systems, brand standards, and visual storytelling are executed at the highest level. 

This role is ideal for someone who is ready to step into larger leadership responsibilities while still deeply connected to craft and creation. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES 

Brand-Aware Design Systems & Execution 

  • Develop and refine brand-aligned design systems that support consistency and creative impact across channels. 
  • Translate brand guidelines into scalable frameworks, toolkits, and templates for use by the broader creative team. 
  • Lead day-to-day design execution for key projects, ensuring outputs meet creative expectations, brand standards, and production-ready requirements. 
  • Provide guidance and feedback to Designers and Senior Designers; support quality control across visual deliverables. 
  • Collaborate with Associate Design Directors and Creative Directors to evolve visual approaches, design processes, and creative methodologies. 

Presentation & Stakeholder Communication 

  • Present design work and visual rationale with confidence to internal teams and client stakeholders. 
  • Lead internal reviews for assigned workstreams, offering clear, actionable feedback rooted in design principles and strategic objectives. 
  • Work collaboratively across Account, Strategy, Production, and Creative to ensure alignment on objectives, timelines, and deliverables. 
  • Support strong communication channels between creative and client teams, reinforcing clarity of vision and consistent expectations. 

Strategic Design Thinking 

  • Transform insights, briefs, and brand positioning into breakthrough design concepts that drive connection and engagement. 
  • Contribute to ideation sessions, bringing fresh visual thinking while staying connected to audience, brand, and business goals. 
  • Partner with Strategy and Creative leadership to ensure design thinking is integrated early in concept development. 
  • Encourage a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and problem-solving within the design team. 

Visual Craft & Attention to Detail 

  • Set a high bar for design craft, acting as a go-to expert in typography, layout, composition, motion, and visual storytelling. 
  • Maintain hands-on involvement in high-impact deliverables that require elevated design precision. 
  • Ensure files and deliverables are production-ready, accurate, and optimized for digital, print, and experiential outputs. 
  • Stay immersed in design innovation, AI tools, production techniques, and industry trends to introduce new thinking to the team. 

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS 

  • 10+ years of professional design experience in digital, social, brand, and/or experiential design. 
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking, design excellence, and multi-channel versatility. 
  • Proven ability to take ownership of design execution with precision, creativity, and strategic alignment. 
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign); familiarity with motion or AI-driven tools is an asset. 
  • Strong communicator with experience presenting creative to clients and internal stakeholders. 
  • Experience mentoring or guiding junior designers, with an interest in growing leadership skills. 
  • Post-secondary degree or diploma in Graphic, Communication, Packaging, or related design field preferred. 

PERKS & BENEFITS THAT SET US APART  

We don't just talk about balance, growth, and culture, we build for it:  

  • Work-Life Flexibility: Hybrid setup, up to 28 paid days off, winter holiday shutdowns, and dog-friendly office vibes.  
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Health, dental, and vision plans, plus Salt Bucks to spend on what matters to you-wellness, RRSPs, or extra time off.  
  • Growth-Driven Culture: Dedicated Salt Days, top-tier learning access, and formal leadership development.  
  • Celebration-First Mentality: Legendary team trips, seasonal socials, and Salt Swag that reps your squad.  
  • Real Rewards: Referral and new business bonuses, exclusive lifestyle perks, and personalized wellness options.  
  • Culture of Belonging: DEI programs, active ERGs, and a workplace where every voice counts.  

WHAT WE STAND FOR  

  • Salt of the Earth: We lead with humility, honesty, and heart-always.  
  • Do What's Right: No shortcuts. We choose integrity over ease, every time.  
  • Earn Your Salt: We roll up our sleeves, chase results, and celebrate the journey.  
  • Make Things Better: We're solution-seekers, always pushing for smarter ways forward.  
  • Seek Different Perspectives: Diversity fuels our thinking. Inclusion drives our impact.  

The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is $100,000-$125,000. Individual compensation within this range is determined based on job-related factors such as experience, skills, level of responsibility, internal equity, and business needs. This range represents the expected base salary for this role and does not include other elements of SALT's total rewards program. 
Salt XC is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting and retaining the most qualified employees regardless of race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age or disability.

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