Art Director jobs in District of Columbia

Job Summary

Are your artistic aspirations too big for artboards to handle?

Are you just as confident in your font choices as you are leading people?

Are you a visionary who thinks big—but pays attention to details smaller than kerning?

Most importantly, do you believe your ideas can help propel the future of Veterans’ health care?

As a full-time Art Director at Aptive Resources, you will have the rewarding opportunity to take your ideas from your sketchbook to the national stage, where they’ll inspire millions. What you create here creates change.

The Art Director will mainly be responsible for the concepting and design of The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA’s) Office of IT Communications Office. The Art Director will contribute to other federal clients as needed and is responsible for elevating design and oversight of senior and mid-level designers and their contracts. They will cultivate and maintain a collaborative, welcoming, inspiring, and respectful environment that encourages strategic and unexpected ideas.

This role is hybrid, with some days each week onsite at the VA office in downtown Washington, DC.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design innovative and polished deliverables including print, digital, and motion graphics
• Lead internal review sessions to ensure and strengthen the quality of creative products
• Assist in the implementation and streamlining of creative team workflow processes 
• Collaborate with in-house and freelance strategists, analytics experts, technologists, and marketing specialists to create compelling campaigns and stories that help protect, promote, and evolve clients’ brands
• Work across Aptive’s client portfolio, adding significant value, even in short, occasional client interactions
• Work independently to prioritize multiple projects and meet client timelines
• Receive and incorporate constructive feedback, finding creative solutions that align with clients’ vision
• Ensure campaigns and products seamlessly integrate accessibility requirements
• Foster and maintain a culture of collaboration, kindness, respect, innovation, and fun 
• Introduce innovative approaches and ideas while following client brand guidelines

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, or a related Visual Arts field
• 10 years of experience in graphic design for diverse clients
• Portfolio required
• Strong understanding of paid digital and traditional advertising, content marketing, experiential marketing and other innovative means to engage the audiences of Aptive’s clients.
• Good people skills and high EQ, with the ability to collaborate across teams, clients, personalities, and styles.
• A willingness to grow and learn—and a desire to help others do the same
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain the rationale behind creative ideas to both clients and internal teams
• Experience embedding accessibility considerations into creative campaigns
• Experience, comfort, and confidence in pitching new ideas to clients
• Expert knowledge of Adobe CC: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects
• Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in federal contracting and 508 compliance
• Knowledge of Veterans’/military life and issues helpful, though not required
• Deep knowledge of industry best practices, strong digital & traditional background and the ability to quickly identify, address and incorporate emerging trends into campaign development.
• Experience in federal contracting and 508 compliance.
• Skills in video editing, or UX and web design.
• Problem solving mentality, with ability to proactively overcome adversity and obstacles.
• Ability to resolve complex issues quickly and work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.
• Strong time management, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
• Drive to take artistic risks and create the unexpected 

About Aptive

Aptive is a modern federal consulting firm focused on human experience, digital services, and business transformation. We harness creativity, technology, and culture to connect people and systems to impact the world. We’re advisors, strategists, and engineers focused on people, above all else.

We believe in generating success collaboratively, leaving client organizations stronger after every engagement and building trust for the next big challenge. Our work inspires people, fuels change and makes an impact. Join our team to be part of positive change in your community and our nation.

EEO Statement

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class.

Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.