Associate Creative Director, Design
Los Angeles · Portland · United States · USD 136,000-155,000 · 8+ years experience · Posted Oct 7, 2026
At a glance
- Experience
- 8+ years experience
- Location
- Los Angeles · Portland · United States
- Salary
- USD 136,000-155,000
About Monks
- Monks is the global, digital-first, data-driven, unitary operating brand of S4Capital plc, where our culture centers on how we show up for the work and for one another. That begins with the commitment to strive for mastery—taking deep pride in our craft and creating work that sets the bar. In everyday execution, we drive momentum by choosing bold action rather than waiting for certainty. Above all, our teams are stronger together, bringing diverse perspectives into a unified team that communicates with clarity, trust, and mutual respect.
- This commitment to craft and innovation translates directly into widespread industry acclaim: Monks was named a Contender in The Forrester Wave™: Global Marketing Services and a leader in the 2026 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Global Digital Marketing Agencies. It ranks among Cannes Lions' Top 10 Creative Companies (2022-25) and remains the only partner featured in AdExchanger’s Programmatic Power Players list every year (2020-24). Named Adweek’s first AI Agency of the Year (2023) and The One Show’s inaugural AI Pioneer Organization (2025), Monks was also awarded Business Intelligence Group’s 2026 Excellence in Artificial Intelligence Award in the Human-Machine Interaction Team category. Additionally, Monks.Flow earned AI-based Marketing Solution of the Year at the 2026 AI Breakthrough Awards and a 2026 Global Generative AI Award in the Agentic Marketing Innovation category. Finally, Monks achieved a record-breaking number of FWAs and continues to hold the most of any partner.
- We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a respectful and empowering work environment for all people to freely express themselves amongst colleagues who embrace diversity in all respects. Including fresh voices and unique points of view in all aspects of our business not only creates an environment where we can all grow and thrive but also increases our potential to produce work that better represents—and resonates with—the world around us.
About the role
- As an Associate Creative Director of Design, you’ll help shape and execute world-class digital experiences for a Portland-based global sports wear company.
- You’ll sit at the intersection of creative thinking and exceptional design craft, translating brand ideas and business objectives into compelling digital experiences across campaigns, platforms, products, content, and commerce.
- You’ll be a hands-on design leader—equally comfortable establishing a visual direction, building in Figma, directing designers, collaborating with multidisciplinary creative teams, and presenting work to clients.
Responsibilities
- Shape and execute creative and design direction across digital campaigns, platforms, content ecosystems, commerce, and interactive experiences.
- Design at a high level in Figma, creating and refining key screens, components, prototypes and user journeys.
- Translate brand strategy, creative concepts, and business objectives into compelling digital experiences that balance storytelling, functionality, and user needs.
- Develop design approaches that leverage brand standards and systems to deliver new digital experiences and consumer touchpoints.
- Partner with Creative Directors, Design Directors, copywriters, strategists, UX designers and account managers to develop creative.
- Lead design work from early concept and exploration through detailed execution, production, and launch, protecting the integrity of the idea throughout the process.
- Direct and mentor designers, providing clear feedback and hands-on guidance that strengthens both the work and individual craft.
- Use AI fluently throughout the creative process for ideation, visual exploration, prototyping, and rapid experimentation.
- Build prototypes and proof-of-concepts using Figma, AI tools, rapid-build environments, and other modern design technologies.
- Present creative and design thinking to client stakeholders, clearly articulating the rationale behind design decisions and building confidence in the work.
Requirements
- 8+ years of experience in digital design, visual design, or creative roles within an agency, studio, or sophisticated in-house creative environment.
- A portfolio of exceptional craft made both inside and out brand standards, complex design systems, and component libraries, across websites, mobile, and e-commerce.
- Expert proficiency in Figma, with the ability and desire to remain highly hands-on in the work.
- Mastery of core design fundamentals, including typography, grid, hierarchy, composition, layout, color, interaction, copy, narratives and digital-first visual storytelling.
- Strong conceptual thinking with the ability to take an idea from early exploration through polished digital execution.
- Experience translating established brand identities into distinctive digital experiences, visual systems, and consumer touchpoints.
- Hands-on experience with AI tools across the creative process, with strong judgment around when and how to use them.
- Strong understanding of UI and UX principles and the ability to balance visual craft with functionality and intuitive user experiences.
- Experience developing and working within digital design systems, including components, patterns, libraries, and scalable visual frameworks.
- Experience directing and mentoring designers while remaining actively involved in the craft and execution of the work.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience working with sports, apparel, footwear, fashion, lifestyle, retail, or other culturally relevant consumer brands.
- Experience designing for large-scale global brands and complex digital ecosystems.
- Experience across e-commerce, product launches, seasonal campaigns, and high-traffic consumer experiences.
- Experience with motion design, 3D, WebGL, or immersive and interactive experiences.
- Working knowledge of HTML/CSS or comfort collaborating closely with engineering teams.
- Experience rapidly prototyping ideas through code, AI-assisted development, or other emerging build tools.
Benefits
- Excellent, full coverage medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous PTO and 15 company-wide holidays
- 401k with company contribution
- Paid parental leave
- Work-life balance with an emphasis on personal well-being
- A globally diverse & inclusive culture with employee resource groups
- Authentic commitment to DEI efforts and sustainable growth
Workplace
- This role is subject to a Return to Office (RTO) policy.
- If you reside within a commutable distance of an office location, you will be expected to work from the office a set number of days per week.
Skills
- Figma
- Design Systems
- Prototyping
- AI Tools
- HTML
- CSS
- Motion Design
- 3D
- WebGL
