POSITION SUMMARY
At The Variable, Art Directors do more than make things look good—they make ideas real. This is a role for a visual thinker and creative problem solver who believes design can do more than decorate, it can differentiate. You’ll sit at the heart of a collaborative creative team, turning insight-led ideas into bold, expressive work that connects with people and moves brands forward. From concept to execution, you’ll help shape the visual language of campaigns, content, and brand platforms—bringing both craft and courage to everything you create. You’ll bring concepts to life through smart, visually compelling execution, working closely with creative leads to shape campaigns from the inside out. If you’re driven by ideas, obsessed with the details, and excited to make work that’s as smart as it is striking, you’ll feel right at home here. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Partner with copywriters, designers, and creative leads to develop integrated campaign concepts, brand assets, and content across digital, social, video, and print. Bring strategic thinking to your design work—ensuring every visual element serves a clear purpose and advances the idea. Execute a wide range of deliverables with precision and craft, from high-level concepts to polished final assets. Contribute to internal and client presentations, articulating your thinking and receiving feedback with clarity and openness. Help maintain and evolve brand guidelines, applying them across different mediums while identifying new ways to bring brands to life. Leverage AI tools (e.g., Midjourney, ChatGPT, Firefly) to enhance ideation, streamline production, and explore new creative directions. Project Ownership & Team Contribution
Manage timelines, feedback, and versioning across multiple projects while upholding high creative standards. Stay curious and current—sharing relevant trends, tools, and inspiration with the broader team. Collaborate cross-functionally with strategy, production, and account teams to ensure creative excellence from start to finish. Help foster a positive and ambitious creative culture where good ideas can come from anywhere—and great work gets made together. KEY TRAITS
Visual Craft:
You bring a strong eye for composition, layout, and typography—and you know how to apply it across different channels. Strategic Mindset:
You connect the dots between business goals and creative execution. You care about why the work works. Collaborative Spirit:
You thrive in a team setting, contributing ideas and listening well. You know great work comes from shared ownership. Creative Agility:
You adapt quickly, move efficiently, and stay open to feedback and iteration. AI-Enhanced Workflow:
You embrace emerging tools to make your work sharper, faster, and more future-forward. QUALIFICATIONS
2–4 years of experience in an art direction or design role, ideally within an agency or fast-paced creative environment A strong portfolio that demonstrates conceptual thinking, design craft, and a range of media experience Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects) and familiarity with tools like Figma Working knowledge of AI tools such as Midjourney, ChatGPT, Firefly, Jasper, etc. Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain your work and thinking clearly Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail and deadlines Bachelor’s degree in Design, Visual Communication, or a related creative field preferred WE OFFER
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
for you and your family, with strong employer contributions 401(k) with a 4 percent employer match , immediately vested Monthly, non-taxable cell phone reimbursement Meaningful bonus opportunities , including client referrals, employee referrals, and a peer-to-peer bonus program that gives you $1,000 each year to recognize teammates doing great work Up to 14 weeks of paid parental and medical leave , plus a paid, part-time transition back to work, designed to support recovery, bonding, and balance for all parents Generous paid time off
that increases with tenure, plus
Me Time Off (MTO)
for the real-life moments that don’t require a full PTO day Paid holidays and agency-wide closures , with additional flexibility built into our time-off approach Bereavement leave
that recognizes loss in all its forms, including miscarriage Protected “Heads Down” time every Wednesday afternoon , reserved for deep focus and uninterrupted work Hybrid work model
with intentional in-office collaboration and flexibility where it works best Mental health, financial wellness, and well-being resources
to support you as a whole person EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are an EOE and proudly embrace diversity in all its forms. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin, veteran status, or disability. HOW TO APPLY
Please send your resume directly to Megan Streba,
mstreba@thevariable.com Please note:
We appreciate your interest in this opportunity. While we review every application with care, we will only be reaching out to candidates whose experience aligns with the needs of the role. This is an
on-site position
based in our Winston-Salem office. While we offer flexibility where it makes sense, in-person presence is an important part of our collaborative creative culture.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
At The Variable, Art Directors do more than make things look good—they make ideas real. This is a role for a visual thinker and creative problem solver who believes design can do more than decorate, it can differentiate. You’ll sit at the heart of a collaborative creative team, turning insight-led ideas into bold, expressive work that connects with people and moves brands forward. From concept to execution, you’ll help shape the visual language of campaigns, content, and brand platforms—bringing both craft and courage to everything you create. You’ll bring concepts to life through smart, visually compelling execution, working closely with creative leads to shape campaigns from the inside out. If you’re driven by ideas, obsessed with the details, and excited to make work that’s as smart as it is striking, you’ll feel right at home here. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Partner with copywriters, designers, and creative leads to develop integrated campaign concepts, brand assets, and content across digital, social, video, and print. Bring strategic thinking to your design work—ensuring every visual element serves a clear purpose and advances the idea. Execute a wide range of deliverables with precision and craft, from high-level concepts to polished final assets. Contribute to internal and client presentations, articulating your thinking and receiving feedback with clarity and openness. Help maintain and evolve brand guidelines, applying them across different mediums while identifying new ways to bring brands to life. Leverage AI tools (e.g., Midjourney, ChatGPT, Firefly) to enhance ideation, streamline production, and explore new creative directions. Project Ownership & Team Contribution
Manage timelines, feedback, and versioning across multiple projects while upholding high creative standards. Stay curious and current—sharing relevant trends, tools, and inspiration with the broader team. Collaborate cross-functionally with strategy, production, and account teams to ensure creative excellence from start to finish. Help foster a positive and ambitious creative culture where good ideas can come from anywhere—and great work gets made together. KEY TRAITS
Visual Craft:
You bring a strong eye for composition, layout, and typography—and you know how to apply it across different channels. Strategic Mindset:
You connect the dots between business goals and creative execution. You care about why the work works. Collaborative Spirit:
You thrive in a team setting, contributing ideas and listening well. You know great work comes from shared ownership. Creative Agility:
You adapt quickly, move efficiently, and stay open to feedback and iteration. AI-Enhanced Workflow:
You embrace emerging tools to make your work sharper, faster, and more future-forward. QUALIFICATIONS
2–4 years of experience in an art direction or design role, ideally within an agency or fast-paced creative environment A strong portfolio that demonstrates conceptual thinking, design craft, and a range of media experience Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects) and familiarity with tools like Figma Working knowledge of AI tools such as Midjourney, ChatGPT, Firefly, Jasper, etc. Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain your work and thinking clearly Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail and deadlines Bachelor’s degree in Design, Visual Communication, or a related creative field preferred WE OFFER
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
for you and your family, with strong employer contributions 401(k) with a 4 percent employer match , immediately vested Monthly, non-taxable cell phone reimbursement Meaningful bonus opportunities , including client referrals, employee referrals, and a peer-to-peer bonus program that gives you $1,000 each year to recognize teammates doing great work Up to 14 weeks of paid parental and medical leave , plus a paid, part-time transition back to work, designed to support recovery, bonding, and balance for all parents Generous paid time off
that increases with tenure, plus
Me Time Off (MTO)
for the real-life moments that don’t require a full PTO day Paid holidays and agency-wide closures , with additional flexibility built into our time-off approach Bereavement leave
that recognizes loss in all its forms, including miscarriage Protected “Heads Down” time every Wednesday afternoon , reserved for deep focus and uninterrupted work Hybrid work model
with intentional in-office collaboration and flexibility where it works best Mental health, financial wellness, and well-being resources
to support you as a whole person EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are an EOE and proudly embrace diversity in all its forms. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin, veteran status, or disability. HOW TO APPLY
Please send your resume directly to Megan Streba,
mstreba@thevariable.com Please note:
We appreciate your interest in this opportunity. While we review every application with care, we will only be reaching out to candidates whose experience aligns with the needs of the role. This is an
on-site position
based in our Winston-Salem office. While we offer flexibility where it makes sense, in-person presence is an important part of our collaborative creative culture.
#J-18808-Ljbffr