Art Director

Rational 360 • Washington, DC

11h • Hybrid

About The Position

Rational 360 is a full-service strategic communications and digital company that helps organizations win in high-stakes public affairs, corporate communications, and reputation management. We combine data-driven insights, creative storytelling, and cutting-edge technology to deliver results for clients across industries. Our team is collaborative, entrepreneurial, and driven by impact.
With a staff of approximately 120 and growing, Rational 360 is partially employee-owned and deeply invested in professional development, mentorship, and career advancement. Our teams work at the forefront of strategic communications, public policy, and media engagement across a wide variety of sectors.
Rational 360 is seeking an Art Director who brings strong conceptual thinking, disciplined execution, and the ability to manage medium- to large-scale creative projects from strategy through delivery. This role requires a balance of creative leadership and operational efficiency — someone who can elevate design quality while maintaining organization, timelines, and consistency within established design systems.
The Art Director will work with junior designers, collaborate cross-functionally, and ensure that all creative output aligns with the brand standards and strategic objectives of our clients.

Requirements

• 5–7 years of professional design experience, ideally within an agency, design studio, or in-house creative team
• Demonstrated experience leading projects of moderate to high complexity
• Strong portfolio showcasing conceptual thinking and executional craft
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), Figma, and relevant digital tools
• Experience working within structured brand systems and style guides
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Clear, professional communication skills

Responsibilities

• Develop compelling visual concepts across print, digital, environmental, and campaign applications
• Translate strategic briefs into cohesive, high-impact creative solutions
• Uphold and evolve brand standards within established design systems
• Ensure conceptual integrity and craft excellence across all deliverables
• Lead medium to large projects from concept through final delivery
• Bring deeper or specialized expertise (e.g., web, motion, interactive, or systems thinking)
• Translate creative direction into strong, scalable execution
• Mentor designers on craft, process, and quality standards
• Help define and document best practices for specific disciplines
• Partner with Creative Director on execution strategy and problem-solving
• Provide guidance, constructive critique, and mentorship to junior design staff
• Support skill development and growth within the creative team
• Foster a collaborative and accountable studio culture
• Lead by example in both creative rigor and professional conduct

Benefits

• Collaborative, mission-driven team environment
• Exposure to high-impact work across public affairs, communications, and digital
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Hybrid work model with flexibility- this role will be required to adhere to our hybrid work policy which requires employees to work in-person from our HQ located in downtown DC on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed