Art Director Job at McKinley Marketing Partners in McLean

We are seeking an experienced Art Director dedicated to crafting compelling campaigns for luxury brands. As a vital member of the Global Creative & Design Team, you will work closely with cross-functional teams to develop high-impact marketing initiatives that captivate discerning luxury audiences and build brand loyalty.

This role requires a balance of visionary leadership, strategic creative direction, people management, and hands-on design expertise. Collaborating with an Associate Creative Director, Copywriters, and Designers, you will ensure every project maintains creative excellence and on-brand messaging while inspiring and guiding the team. Using data-driven insights, you will shape creative strategies that deeply resonate with luxury consumers and deliver cohesive, premium experiences across all channels.

As Art Director, you will lead the development and execution of creative solutions across diverse platforms, including print, web, social media, email, TV, events, B2B and B2C materials, and internal communications. You will present concepts effectively to stakeholders, influencing decisions with clear rationale and persuasive storytelling. Additionally, you’ll oversee external agencies and freelance partners, ensuring all outputs align with brand standards and deliver an elevated luxury experience.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and elevate the creative team and overall work environment.
• Build a deep understanding of the brands, target audiences, and competitors to inform creative strategies.
• Partner with Copywriters and Designers to deliver luxury-focused, consumer-first solutions across multiple platforms.
• Shape creative workflows to drive efficiency and maintain high-quality outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate clear communication and decision-making.
• Lead creative brainstorming sessions and presentations, fostering a culture of collaboration and respect.
• Design alongside the team, offering feedback, guidance, and design tips to continually enhance output.
• Ensure creative work adheres to brand identity standards while advancing visual and messaging innovation.
• Use campaign performance data to evaluate effectiveness and refine future strategies.
• Stay informed on industry trends, particularly in digital and social media, to recommend innovative design solutions.

Qualifications

• A standout portfolio showcasing luxury design expertise and brand-building success.
• At least five (5) years of experience in luxury design, preferably within an agency, firm, or in-house team.
• Minimum of three (3) years managing creative teams.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite at an expert level.
• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to articulate creative vision to diverse audiences.
• Extensive experience with pre- and post-production for luxury photo and video shoots.
• Ability to balance creative innovation with adherence to brand guidelines.

McKinley Marketing Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All individuals are encouraged to apply, and all applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. Opportunity for all is central to our mission. We strive to reaffirm our commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We push ourselves to new heights to embrace ongoing change and creativity. With this as our goal, we are proud to have reached individuals with diverse backgrounds who possess the talent, energy, and focus to accelerate our mission forward.