Mediabistro logo
job logo

Sircle Media Solutions is hiring: Art Director in New York

Sircle Media Solutions, New York, NY, USA

Pay: $75,000-$85,000/yr

Job type: Freelance


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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr