About us: Highwire is a modern strategic communications and digital marketing agency designed for disruptive companies. We work with high-growth technology companies and established brands looking to reinvent themselves. At Highwire, we believe that storytelling fuels transformation. And the most impactful stories represent all voices and perspectives. As a values-driven agency, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone-regardless of age, race/ethnicity, size, shape, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and different abilities-can feel safe, celebrated and worthy. We ensure every Highwire Walker has unique support to climb to success. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging is permanent and foundational to our business and culture. We aspire to change our industry and build a better future for all. Our people-first culture is driven by four core values: Inclusion Always Growth Mindset Team Empowerment Fierce Distinction We're looking for individuals with big ideas, strong opinions, and the energy to bring them to life. If you thrive in an environment that values personal accountability, high standards, and boundless motivation, this is the opportunity for you. Be part of our award-winning culture and contribute to an exciting and growing business where you can make a real impact. We are based in San Francisco, with offices in New York and Chicago. We are open to hiring in the following states: California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C. As Art Director, you will join our dynamic digital creative team, bringing your visual expertise to elevate Highwire's design work across diverse creative deliverables. Collaborating directly with our VP, Creative Director, and talented designers, strategists, content specialists, and account managers, you'll be at the forefront of creating impactful visuals for websites, social campaigns, videos, presentations, eBooks, and other digital content. Your eye for design will also play a pivotal role in guiding and inspiring our creative team, helping shape the evolution of Highwire's visual brand. In this role, you'll be hands-on in ideating and executing visually stunning concepts that align with strategic goals and captivate audiences. With a keen sense for detail and a passion for storytelling through design, you'll contribute to developing and refining creative processes while mentoring and fostering growth within the team. As part of our team, you can use your creativity, courage, curiosity, and expertly articulated creative thinking to push boundaries. Responsibilities
- Drive creative concepts across multiple touchpoints, crafting visually compelling designs aligned with strategic objectives.
- Collaborate with creative, account, content, and client leads to deliver design solutions that resonate with client goals and audience needs.
- Lead and mentor junior designers, fostering an environment of growth, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
- Communicate design rationales effectively, adapting your approach for both creative and non-creative audiences.
- Oversee and contribute to the creation of diverse design assets, including digital and print collateral, social media assets, motion design, and interactive web elements.
- Stay ahead of design trends and push boundaries in visual storytelling across digital platforms and customer touchpoints.
- Establish and maintain brand kits and design libraries, ensuring consistency and high quality across all deliverables.
- Balance hands-on involvement with strategic oversight, ready to step in as needed to support design production and execution.
Qualifications
- A portfolio showcasing exceptional visual design and art direction skills, reflecting a strong understanding of design principles and a variety of work across creative deliverables such as brand development, web and social media campaigns.
- Commitment to project management and design operations that can shape, grow and scale the teams
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in an agency environment in an art direction or creative leadership role.
- Proven ability to conceptualize and execute impactful visual storytelling that aligns with strategic goals.
- Proficiency in fundamental design software including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Figma; knowledge of Adobe Premiere or After Effects is a plus.
- Strong grasp of UX/UI principles, with experience creating user-centered designs for web and digital platforms.
- Deep interest in ever-changing social trends and desire to leverage social media platforms to optimize content.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, prioritize effectively, and manage time across multiple projects.
- Up-to-date with current design trends and digital innovation, with an innate curiosity to explore and adopt new ideas.
Highwire Perks
- Competitive salary
- Merit-based bonuses and promotions
- Hybrid work model to suit your schedule and lifestyle
- Excellent vacation policy including extended break for summer and winter holiday
- Participate in Empower Hours on Fridays; Team has the ability to log off by 3pm
- 401K Match
- Medical and dental benefits/ FSA
- Paid Parental Leave
- Commuter Benefit
- Home office equipment stipend
- Growth Mindset Stipend of $100 annually for books, exhibitions, etc.
- Technology reimbursement
- Wellness benefit
- Donation Match
- Mentorship
- Monthly recognition programs
- Employee referral bonus
- New business referral bonus
- Quarterly Highwire fun events - Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday
- Dog friendly work environment
- Extremely supportive, nurturing environment with many opportunities for learning and growth
The duties delineated above will vary depending on the needs of each specific account, and in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. This individual will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisors. We are actively seeking candidates who possess a genuine passion for tech PR and are excited to expand our team. As we continue to grow our agency, we are proactively building a pipeline of exceptional individuals to connect with and consider for future opportunities. If you are enthusiastic about the world of tech PR and are eager to embark on a rewarding career in this field, we encourage you to start the conversation by applying today. We value your interest in our agency and look forward to hearing from you. Apply now and let's explore the possibilities together!
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