DMUS - Principal, Art Director - US

WHY DEPT®? We are a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, we create what is next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further because standing still just is not in our DNA. We are drawn to people who stay curious, move with intent, and never stop inventing. Our culture runs on three values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh*t done. It is how we work, how we grow, and how we make things that matter. At DEPT®, you will find the freedom to explore, the space to collaborate, and the trust to make a real impact for our clients, for each other, and for the world we are helping to build. THE ROLE: We’re looking for a talented and strategic Art Director to join a fast-paced, high-performing team dedicated to one of our most visible and dynamic clients. This is a hands-on role for someone who brings conceptual thinking, sharp design instincts, and video-first experience to the table—someone who can translate strategy into smart, engaging creative that performs. You’ll partner closely with Copywriters and report into the Creative Director, collaborating to bring creative briefs to life across digital, social, and video channels. You’ll help shape campaign direction, lead visual execution, and ensure design excellence from kickoff through delivery. While you're not the final decision-maker, you’ll play a crucial role in owning your workstream and consistently raising the creative bar. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in creative collaboration, enjoys rolling up their sleeves to execute, and has a strong point of view on what makes effective content in today’s digital world. WHAT YOU’LL DO: Deliver High-Impact Creative: Concept and design best-in-class creative across digital, social, and video touchpoints, with a strong focus on visual storytelling and performance. Support Video + Content Production: Contribute to pre-production planning, support on-set shoots, and collaborate with editors and motion designers in post to ensure work comes to life as intended. Partner Across Disciplines: Work closely with copywriters, strategists, producers, project managers, and client teams to ensure creative aligns with brief goals, brand voice, and business objectives. Manage Creative Execution: Own your work from end to end—delivering polished, on-brand, and performance-minded assets on time and on brief. Be a Problem Solver: Navigate ambiguity with ACD support, adapt to shifting priorities, and bring proactive solutions to creative and production challenges. Embody Team Culture: Approach every situation with curiosity, kindness, and accountability to help foster an inclusive and collaborative team environment. WHAT YOU BRING: +5 years of experience in Art Direction with a strong portfolio showcasing video-driven campaigns, social-first content, and strong visual design work Previous agency experience and a track record of working on high-volume, high-visibility accounts On-set and content production experience (domestic or global), including working with video directors, editors, and producers Strong client presentation and communication skills—you can confidently present ideas, take feedback in stride, and advocate for great creative Excellent design sensibility and a strategic eye for layout, typography, motion, and branding Generative AI Mastery: Proven hands-on experience utilizing advanced generative AI platforms (including Midjourney, Runway, Vizcom, Weavy, or equivalent visual AI tools) to conceptualize, iterate, and scale creative production workflows. Performance-Driven Creative Execution: Deep understanding of paid media ecosystems, conversion design, and data-backed creative strategies. Responsible for translating high-level marketing briefs into high-volume, scroll-stopping digital assets. Multi-Channel Social Optimization: Strong track record in developing native short-form video content and paid ads, optimizing assets for user engagement and platform algorithm performance. A proactive, collaborative mindset—you bring energy to brainstorms, jump in where needed, and support your teammates with generosity and respect A creative portfolio that shows your eye for design, your range in digital and video, and your ability to turn strategy into scroll-stopping creative YOU’LL THRIVE IN THIS ROLE IF YOU: Enjoy balancing creative concepting with tactical execution Have a passion for video and a solid understanding of content production workflows Are comfortable working directly with clients and stakeholders, while also taking creative direction from an ACD or CD Can juggle multiple projects while staying detail-oriented and deadline-driven Value feedback, mentorship, and continuous improvement—for yourself and others This is your opportunity to help shape creative for a bold, fast-moving client while growing your influence as a creative leader. If you’re ready to make an impact and elevate your craft, we’d love to hear from you. Additional things that will impress us: Basic to intermediate motion design skills to demonstrate proof of concept Experience at a performance marketing agency  Proficiency in the following programs/tools: Figma Adobe Photoshop Adobe After Effects Adobe Illustrator Google Suite (Slides, Sheets, Docs) macOS WHAT DO WE OFFER? We are a collaborative, open-door, best-idea-wins environment that fosters personal and company growth and has fun doing it. Here is a snapshot of our  benefits package: Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage 401k plan, plus matching PTO Paid Company Holidays Parental Leave The anticipated salary range for this position is $65,300 - $90,000. Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, expertise, and organizational impact. This is based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling. Keep in m