Associate Creative Director (Art Direction)

Job Description

The Role:

We’re hiring an ACD team to make the work better. You’re an ACD Art Director who can run a project, keep things moving, and still find the extra 10% to make the work great. You’re ideas-first but meticulous about craft. You lead art directors, writers and designers with clarity, and you’ve already got the perfect colourist in mind. You’ll be in our Toronto office working across national and global brands. If this sounds like you, apply.

Job Description

In partnership with the ACD (Art), the Associate Creative Director works closely with the creative team to produce high-quality work for the agency’s clients. Alongside account service representatives, the Associate Creative Director maintains client contact and presents the team’s creative concepts to client stakeholders. On assigned accounts, they provide leadership to art directors and copywriters in collaboration with the Creative Director. They also work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver and exceed client expectations.

Unafraid to roll up their sleeves, they are a leader who inspires others through action. Someone hellbent on delivering big, famous, and powerful ideas for our brands across multiple platforms. We’re looking for a creative who is forward-thinking and excited about growing business while crafting beautifully integrated work.

What you will do…

• Develop ideas and concepts for integrated advertising campaigns
• Create and direct award-worthy work, ensuring quality of content and execution
• Serve as a creative leader others look to for direction and solutions
• Develop and present creative concepts with passion and clarity
• Play a key role in brand planning, creative development, and on-strategy initiatives
• Bring a fresh approach to day-to-day projects to inspire teams and clients
• Proactively recommend creative strategies to ensure high-quality, accurate work
• Collaborate with strategy, production, and account teams to deliver a compelling, single-minded idea
• Contribute to best practices for creative development
• Partner with clients and stakeholders to understand needs and communicate solutions effectively
• Confidently present and sell creative ideas to clients
• Manage the financial scope of assigned brands, including reviewing scopes, hours, and staffing
• Identify staffing needs and support recruitment efforts
• Mentor team members and foster award-winning creative excellence
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and design innovation
• Support creative leadership in the day-to-day operations of the team

You have…

• 8+ years of experience in a fast-paced ad agency
• A strong understanding of how strategy informs brand messaging and creative
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Confidence and clarity as a presenter
• The ability to negotiate effectively while maintaining creative integrity
• Strong client relationships built on trust
• Previous experience leading and managing teams

The salary range for this position is $130,000 - $150,000 per year. Compensation will be determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, and internal equity.

McCann Canada uses artificial intelligence in our recruitment process to enhance job postings and streamline the screening and selection of prospective candidates. Our team will then review top applicants, ensuring that human judgement guides our hiring decision.

This posting represents an active vacancy that we are currently hiring for.

The Company

McCann Canada is committed to a diverse workforce as an Employment Equity employer (Women, People with Disabilities, Aboriginal Peoples, and Visible Minorities) and aims to maintain an inclusive and equitable workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and supported. If you require an accommodation, we would be happy to work with you to meet your needs.

Notice: Online Hiring Scams

Please be aware that individuals not associated with McCann Canada have fraudulently used our name and branding to solicit applications for fake jobs, to conduct fake job interviews, and/or to make fake job offers.

McCann Canada will never contact you from a personal email account (@gmail.com, @hotmail.com, etc.) nor ask for money in exchange for recruitment services such as background screenings, equipment costs, etc. No financial information will be requested for recruitment purposes (bank account, credit card details, etc.). Interviewers will not ask for confidential or personal information (driver’s license or passport, a social security number, credit card, or banking information). Interviews are conducted in person or via web conferencing, not through text or messaging apps (Whatsapp, Messenger, SMS, etc.).

If you have provided personal information in connection with a fake job offer or interview and you are concerned, we suggest you take appropriate action and contact local law enforcement in your area.

#LI-MC2

#LI-Hybrid

Part of the MW Network

McCann helps brands build the most meaningful brand platforms that drive exponential growth and leave a lasting impact on culture. Founded 100+ years ago with their own platform, “Truth Well Told”, McCann is the world’s leading advertising agency network, creating some of the most creatively and commercially impactful advertising globally. McCann is the founding unit of McCann Worldgroup marketing services company, part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG).