Description
JOB TITLE: Associate Design Director
DEPARTMENT: Creative
REPORTS TO: Design Director
LOCATION: Hybrid or Remote *see eligible states below
About The Role
Problems Are Our Playground. And that is how we play here. You'll look for ways to solve problems for our clients with our group of weird, wonderful, dedicated, and talented peeps—our one-of-a-kind minds. You'll set the example for junior and senior designers, ask the tough questions, develop smart design systems, and help shepherd accounts. We are looking for a design leader that thinks systematically and isn’t scared to mentor, collaborate, and push boundaries. We are looking for someone who is curious about everything, has impeccable taste, and yearns for fonts.
And yes, you need to know the blah blah blah's of advertising, marketing, and communications, so we're hoping you have some years in the business and a book to show us you can create and design effective work. You don't have to work in our office or any office. In fact, our CCO works out of his van. But it would be nice if you were on the West Coast or the Pacific Time Zone for obvious reasons.
One last thing... we look for the best people from anywhere and everywhere but also the perfect addition to our culture. And with a culture like ours that isn't easy. We're tenacious, innovative, relentless, and fiercely independent... which is why we always encourage our people to think bigger than their title. We believe ideas can come from anywhere here. And they often do. More than that, we think anything is possible and we like people who feel the same way.
What You’ll Do

• Proactively leads and owns all design aspects of a project
• Directs Senior and Junior Designers across multiple clients and projects to craft strategic and award-winning work.
• Owns clients, setting and implementing overall design strategy and direction.
• Delivers multiple strong design solutions per project
• Collaborate across the agency—production, government affairs, client partnership, and more—to ensure system-level design thinking to achieved
• Mentor, coach, and develop junior designers—helping them sharpen their thinking, craft, and confidence.
• Be a trusted creative lead in client relationships, helping solve bigger business problems (not just making decks pretty).
• Stay deeply plugged into culture, emerging trends, and new tools—including AI—and bring that energy into the work.
• Champion creative excellence, collaboration, and accountability at every stage of the process.
  

What We’re Looking For

• 7+ years of agency experience with a standout portfolio that shows both craft and leadership.
• Must be an expert in the discipline and have a great design vocabulary and ability to present design thinking.
• Proven ability to lead, think systematically, and elevate the work of others.
• Excellent skills in typography, layout, color, and branding.
• Illustration skills are not a must-have, but highly regarded.
• Sweats the details in everything from pathfinding logos to kerning, yet doesn’t lose sight of the big, system-wide picture.
• Experience mentoring junior designers and building a collaborative, high-performing creative culture.
• Strategic thinker and designer who understands the “why” behind the work, not just the “what.”
• Comfortable owning projects, managing multiple workstreams, and guiding teams under pressure.
• Comfort in the Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.
• Fluent or fast-learning in AI tools and how they enhance creative thinking and production.
• A proactive problem-solver who pushes beyond briefs to uncover bigger opportunities.
• A leader whose mindset and actions align with our values: fearless, integrity, advocacy, impact, ingenuity, and foresight.
  

What We Offer

• Comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being.
• Recharge and unwind with a generous time-off policy.
• Stay connected with a mobile stipend.
• Secure your financial future with a 401k and company match.
• Make a difference through community involvement with time and financial matching.
• Set goals and track progress through annual performance reviews.
• Learning and development.
  

About R&r Partners
At R&R Partners, we don’t just solve problems—we redefine them. As a fiercely independent, full-service agency with over five decades of experience, we partner with the boldest minds and most innovative creators to tackle challenges others won’t dare touch. Our hybrid workforce spans 20+ states and Mexico City, blending diverse disciplines like government affairs, creative, media and crisis consulting to deliver groundbreaking solutions for some of the world’s most iconic brands.
Please note that we are currently able to hire in the following states: AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, KS, KY, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NJ, NV, NM, NC, OK, OR, SC, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, DC.