Associate Design Director

At GSD&M, we’re on a mission to build First & Only brands, meaning the first to do it and the only ones who can. We’re able to do this because we set a high bar for ourselves and our work. We care about what we put out in the world. We’re humans who like other humans. Our ideas make a difference. Shift culture. Create a smile. Inspire change. Initiate belly laughs. Deepen our understanding of the world and ourselves. We grow. We learn. We get better. We do it all over again. Because that’s what it takes to build and be First & Only.

Position OverviewAssociate Design Directors at GSD&M combine creativity with technical expertise to construct compelling visual systems that solve client problems and visually communicate strategy. They are fluent in visual storytelling, transforming concepts into impactful work. Collaborating with client and creative teams, they deliver innovative designs while adhering to deadlines and brand standards.

What You Do:

• Design brand systems and tool kits for application across print, digital, and interactive media

• Thrive in logo design, color palettes, patterns, illustration and typography 

• Lead projects with minimal supervision

• Guide designers and help them make their work better every step of the way 

• Work well alone, with a partner and with different client teams

• Find opportunities to make great work on projects large and small

• Turn feedback into even better work and help your teams do the same

• Juggle multiple projects, clients and deadlines without you or your teams dropping the ball

• Nurture, lead, and motivate junior creative talent 

• Stay current with design trends and tools to enhance creative output

What You Have:

• 5+ years of design experience and the skills to match 

• Portfolio showcasing diverse design systems across mediums 

• Maintain brand consistency across all projects while adapting to client needs

• Present design concepts and clearly articulate design choices to stakeholders

• Ability to manage and complete projects with minimal supervision

• Some supervisory experience within a design department

• Responsible, humble leadership skills

• A proactive, self motivated, and dependable work ethic

• Strong attention to detail and problem solving skills 

At GSD&M, inclusion is our superpower.  An inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged and empowered makes the work better, makes our agency better and ultimately makes the industry better. That’s why we’re proud to be recognized by the Advertising Federation’s Mosaic Awards year after year for our efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion.

We consider ourselves lucky. Every day we wake up and get to build First & Only brands in an inclusive environment where everyone matters, all while enjoying generous benefits, plenty of time off, and opportunities for growth whether you’re just starting out or have been in the biz for a while.

GSD&M is an equal opportunities employer and will never favor or discriminate against anyone based on their age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, gender identity, expression, or realignment.  If you require a medical or religious accommodation during the job application process, please reach out to keisha.townsend@gsdm.com for support. This role requires regular in-office presence with a minimum of three days per week, to engage and collaborate in in-person team interactions and meetings as required.