Art Director

Art Director (Client-Facing, Social & Campaigns)

Sircle Media

Sircle Media is a social-first creative agency based in New York City, partnering with leading brands across CPG & Beverage. We specialize in strategy, content creation, and paid media, helping brands win both online and in-store. Since 2012, we’ve built a reputation as a best-in-class partner for brands looking to scale with smart, high-performing creative.

Brands we’ve worked with include: Kodiak Cakes, Perfect Snacks, Chomps, Bobo’s, Rudi’s Bakery, Ripple, Suja, Wild Planet Foods, Deep Indian Kitchen, and more.

The Role

We’re looking for an Art Director who can lead from day one; someone who is not only creatively strong, but confident stepping into client conversations, owning strategy, and driving ideas forward with clarity and conviction.

This is not a “sit back and concept” role. You will be expected to:

• Lead accounts early
• Navigate real-time client feedback
• Translate business needs into creative direction quickly
• Think strategically while executing efficiently across high-volume social content
• You understand that great creative isn’t just about big ideas, it’s about building systems that allow those ideas to scale across formats, timelines, and teams.

What You’ll Do

• Client Leadership & Strategy
• Step into client-facing conversations within the first few weeks and lead with confidence
• Listen deeply to client needs, quickly analyze gaps, and respond with clear, strategic creative direction
• Pivot ideas in real time to align with feedback while still protecting the integrity of the work
• Present ideas, defend thinking, and guide clients toward stronger outcomes
• Campaign & Content Development
• Develop campaigns, themes, and content systems rooted in brand insights and performance goals
• Translate big ideas into modular content from high-production (video, 3D, photography) to scrappy, high-performing UGC
• Build monthly content directions aligned to platform trends and KPIs

Creative Operations & Production Awareness

• Understand production timelines and team bandwidth, and build ideas that work within them
• Identify gaps early and adjust creative direction to keep workflows efficient and realistic
• Create clear storyboards, references, and briefs that allow teams to execute quickly and effectively

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead brainstorms and unblock teams when needed
• Work closely with Creative Leads, designers, motion team, and producers to bring ideas to life
• Help elevate the team by pushing for stronger thinking while staying grounded in execution

Brand & System Building

• Develop or refine brand guidelines, moodboards, and creative systems
• Ensure consistency across all outputs while allowing room for innovation

What We’re Looking For

This role is best suited for someone who has already been in the room with clients and knows how to lead, not just contribute.

Must-Haves

• 2–5+ years experience as an Art Director or similar role with direct client ownership
• Proven ability to manage client relationships and lead conversations independently
• Strong strategic thinking—you don’t just make things look good, you understand why they work
• Experience working within fast-paced content environments (social-first is a big plus)
• Ability to think big AND execute small—from campaign ideas to micro-content
• Strong understanding of production workflows and creative feasibility

Highly Preferred

• Background in CPG, food & beverage, or lifestyle brands
• Experience in social media, marketing campaigns, or content strategy
• Ability to move fluidly between formats: video, static, UGC, motion, 3D, etc.
• Copywriting and/or design skills

How You Work

• You are a self-starter who doesn’t wait to be told what to do
• You are decisive and solutions-oriented, especially under pressure
• You know how to push back constructively and guide clients toward better outcomes
• You are both creative and operationally aware—you understand how ideas impact teams and timelines
• You are an excellent communicator who keeps stakeholders aligned and informed

Working Model

We’re currently offering this role as a full-time freelance engagement to start, with the strong intention of converting to full-time for the right fit.

This is designed to be a two-way evaluation, giving you the opportunity to experience how we work, while we ensure it’s the right long-term fit on both sides.

Compensation

$36 - $38 per hour to start, $75,000 - $85,000 full time salary

Perks (offered upon starting full-time employment)

• Flexible PTO
• Mandatory birthday day off
• 85%+ of health insurance covered
• Remote-first (NYC office optional)
• 401K with company match
• Team events (remote & in-person)

Inclusion in Hiring

Sircle Media is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates to apply even if they don’t meet every requirement—especially if you bring strong perspective, experience, or potential.

Final Note

If you’re someone who can walk into a client conversation, understand the problem quickly, and lead with smart, actionable creative thinking—this role is for you.