Senior Art Director (Future Opportunity)
Reston
Saturday, 02 May 2026
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. Senior Art Director You lead with ideas. You know how to take a strategy and turn it into a concept that holds together across channels. You can see the idea clearly, shape it, and carry it through into execution without losing strength. You partner closely with writers. You build ideas together, not in a silo. You know how to push thinking, challenge it, and refine it until it is simple, clear, and worth making. You care about how the work looks and feels, but you know that craft is in service of the idea. Typography, image, motion, composition. You use them deliberately to bring the concept to life. You lead through the work. You make decisions, guide teams, and ensure what goes out connects and performs in the real world. We build campaigns and systems that need to hold together across audiences, formats, and constraints. 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 a Senior Art Director, you’ll: Lead the development of ideas in partnership with writers and strategists Translate strategy into clear, compelling concepts that hold together across campaigns and systems Define how ideas take shape across channels, setting a strong visual and experiential direction Ensure the work stays true to the core idea as it moves from concept through execution Present and defend ideas with clarity, confidence, and a clear point of view Make decisions that balance concept, craft, and real-world constraints Elevate the work at every stage, pushing for stronger ideas and better execution Ensure the work connects with audiences and performs in the real world You’ll need: 8 years of art direction or design experience A portfolio that shows strong conceptual thinking and visual execution Experience leading campaigns and partnering across disciplines Additional professional attributes: Ability to generate and evolve ideas, not just execute them Strong eye for typography, layout, color, and composition Strong attention to detail and consistency Ability to use tools, including AI, while applying your own judgment What success looks like: Ideas that are clear, strong, and hold together from concept through execution Work that connects with audiences and performs in the real world A visible impact on both the thinking and the quality of the work Teams that deliver strong creative under real constraints What we offer: Flexible working arrangements, including remote and hybrid options Competitive benefits, including healthcare and retirement plans Ongoing training and development opportunities A diverse and inclusive workplace A collaborative environment with opportunities to connect across teams Opportunities to contribute to social impact and community initiatives