Associate Art Director (Future Opportunity)

Please note: This role is contingent upon contract award. While not an immediate opening, we are actively interviewing and may extend offers in anticipation of the award, with start dates dependent upon contract finalization.

Associate Art Director 

You have a point of view. 

You care about how things look, how they feel, and how they come together. You have an eye for design and a strong sense of style, and you’re starting to apply that consistently across the work. 

You are moving from execution into direction. You’re shaping how things should look and feel, not just making them. You can spot a strong concept, build on it, and help sharpen it.  

You understand how ideas translate into visual form across channels. You know how to carry a concept through into execution without losing clarity. Type, image, motion, composition—you bring those elements together into something cohesive and intentional. 

We build campaigns that need to hold together across channels. The work is complex. The expectations are high. 

About ICF Next 

ICF Next brings together strategy, creativity, data, and technology to solve real problems. 

We work with organizations facing complex challenges across energy, public health, climate, and more. The work is not just about communication. It is about helping people understand, engage, and take action. 

Our teams build integrated campaigns and experiences that connect with people and hold together across channels. The work needs to be clear, useful, and built to perform. If it does not resonate, it does not work. 

 
As an Associate Art Director, you’ll: 

• Contribute to and help shape campaign ideas from the start  

• Translate ideas into clear visual directions and systems  

• Develop layouts, compositions, and visual approaches  

• Help define how ideas show up across channels  

• Guide and refine design execution for quality and consistency  

• Work across disciplines to bring ideas to life  

• Present work with clear visual rationale  

• Manage multiple deliverables  

You will need: 

• 5+ years of art direction experience 

• A portfolio that shows strong ideas and polished execution across platforms 

• Photo and video direction fundamentals (light, composition, pacing) 

• Ability to turn strategy into compelling visual stories 

• Strong collaboration and communication skills 

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite + curiosity around AI tools 

• A bachelor’s degree in art, design, or equivalent experience in a related field. 

Additional attributes: 

• Strong eye for typography, layout, color, and composition  

• Ability to extend and maintain visual systems  

• Experience working across campaigns and formats  

• Attention to detail and consistency  

• Confidence contributing to creative discussions  

What we offer: 

• Flexible working arrangements, including remote and hybrid options  

• Competitive benefits, including healthcare and retirement plans  

• Ongoing training and development opportunities  

• A collaborative environment with opportunities to connect across teams  

• Opportunities to contribute to social impact and community initiatives  

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.  

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.