Art Director
About Rational 360
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.
Position Overview
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
Core Responsibilities
- Creative Leadership
- 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
- Project Management
- 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
- Collaboration and Team Development
- 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
- Success Looks Like
- Clear end-to-end ownership of complex projects and skill expansion
- Complex projects are handled confidently and efficiently
- Higher craft level across the team
- Reduced dependency on external vendors for core capabilities
- Designers learn how to work, not just what to make
Qualifications
- 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
Benefits
Why Join Rational 360?
- 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.
Salary range for this role is 85,000 to 110, 000 USD annually
Rational 360 is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to building an inclusive workplace.