Art Director - H/L Agency

H/L is looking for a talented and collaborative Art Director to join our creative team. In this role, you’ll be responsible for the visual direction and design of engaging video content that resonates with audiences across social media, digital platforms, and other media. You’ll work closely with teams that include H/L’s in-house production team to create high-quality, organic, and quick-turnaround videos. Your expertise in brand identity, visual storytelling, and the art of commercial content will ensure our videos are not only visually compelling but also strategically aligned with client goals.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, is passionate about creating great content, and understands how to bring brand stories to life in innovative ways.

This is a hybrid role, with both office-based work at the H/L Oakland office and remote work.

What You'll Do:

• Creative Leadership

  Take the lead in the visual direction of video content, ensuring consistency with the brand’s identity, message, and tone.

  
  

• Video Concept Development

  Collaborate with the creative team to generate fresh, impactful concepts for video content that’s tailored for social media and other platforms.

  
  

• Design Execution

  Create compelling storyboards, mood boards, and visual treatments that guide the video production process.

  
  

• Trend Awareness

  Stay on top of trends in video content, social media, and commercial production to keep our work fresh, innovative, and relevant.

  
  

• Collaboration

  Work closely with internal teams (production, account service, strategy) and external production partners (directors, videographers, editors) to ensure seamless execution of video concepts.

  
  

• Brand Alignment

  Ensure all video content aligns with the client’s brand identity, voice, and marketing objectives while pushing creative boundaries.

  
  

• Quick Turnaround

  Oversee the creation of organic, quick-turnaround videos that are highly engaging and effective on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and more.

  
  

• Quality Control

  Review and provide feedback on drafts, ensuring the final product is of the highest creative and technical standards.

  
  

• Client Communication

  Support the account service team in client presentations, sharing creative concepts and ensuring client feedback is incorporated effectively.

  
  

About You:

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES:

• Experience

  Two to three years of experience as an Art Director or Visual Designer with a focus on video content, ideally in a creative agency or production environment.

  
  

• Portfolio

  A strong portfolio showcasing your work in video content creation, with a focus on social media campaigns, commercials, and digital media.

  
  

• Creativity

  A strong visual sense, with the ability to develop innovative and attention-grabbing video concepts that align with brand strategies.

  
  

• Technical Skills

  Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Experience with After Effects and Premiere Pro is a plus. Familiarity with video production tools and techniques, as well as knowledge of motion graphics, typography, and visual effects, is also expected.

  
  

• Brand Understanding

  A deep understanding of brand development and how to create content that communicates a brand’s identity and values in a compelling, authentic way.

  
  

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES:

• Collaboration Skills

  A natural team player who excels in working with a diverse group of creatives, production teams, and clients. Comfortable leading creative brainstorming sessions and collaborating with external partners.

  
  

• Adaptability

  Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and quickly pivot as needed for urgent video projects.

  
  

• Passion for Video

  A genuine passion for creating exceptional, high-quality video content that stands out on social media and other digital platforms.

  
  

For SF Bay Area / CA based: H/L offers a projected salary range for a position as an estimate of what the company believes is a reasonable pay scale. The salary range for this position is expected to be between $80,000 and $95,000 per year. The actual salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on various factors, including the job’s scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s qualifications, budget availability, internal pay equity, geographic location, and external market pay rates for similar positions. These factors will determine the final compensation, which may vary within the stated range.

About H/L:

Since 1985, H/L has been fiercely independent and Making Momentum. Our strengths include local and national media activations, creative development, insights and analytics, full-scale digital and video production, multicultural marketing, and PR.

We’re headquartered in Oakland, California, with people in 21 states and offices in Atlanta, Miami, Phoenix, and St. Louis. What unites H/Lers across the country is a common drive: to pioneer new ways to push clients’ businesses forward and serve the communities we call home.

Learn more at www.hl.agency.