MLW LogoMost Loved Workplace® Certified Job

ACD Art Director - Freelance

MLW LogoMost Loved Workplace® Certified Job
92% of candidates apply because they are a Most Loved Workplace®
San Francisco
Creative - Freelance

About the Role

At AKQA, a Most Loved Workplace® certified employer in the Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations space, Design and innovation transforming ideas into world-changing impact.

<p>At AKQA (part of WPP) we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients.</p>

<p>Art Directors at AKQA apply artistry and craftsmanship to strategic insight to create and bring to life beautiful ideas that move the world. Skilled conceptors and makers, they work in a multidisciplinary environment to develop labors of love that delight customers and deliver results for clients. The most exciting of them pair a clear creative point of view with a masterful command of aesthetic, equally at home concepting a big idea and shepherding it through production.</p>

<p>We are seeking a conceptual Associate Creative Director (ACD) Art Director to join an existing team on a fast-moving campaign stream for one of the most recognized consumer tax software brands in the world. This project is currently in production with a large volume of stills and video deliverables, and you will help support the team by pulling selects, providing retouching notes and creative POV, and working closely with designers to organize shares and post-production. You will also jump into production on a conceptual video campaign, contributing across pre-production, production, and post, and helping oversee multiple edits at once. We are looking for someone with a strong eye, a clear creative point of view, and the organization to keep a high volume of deliverables moving. This is a freelance role from ASAP through September 25, 2026, with the possibility of extending beyond October.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>ROLE REQUIREMENTS</p>

<ul>

<li>Support a project currently in production, helping pull selects, develop retouching notes, and provide creative POV across a large volume of stills and video deliverables</li>

<li>Work closely with designers to organize shares and manage post-production</li>

<li>Jump into production on a conceptual video campaign, contributing across pre-production, production, and post</li>

<li>Help oversee multiple video edits at once, keeping quality high and deliverables on track</li>

<li>Bring a clear creative point of view and a masterful command of aesthetic to every stage of the work</li>

<li>Collaborate closely with the existing creative team to move a high volume of deliverables through the pipeline</li>

</ul>

<p> </p>

<p>QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS</p>

<ul>

<li>A compelling portfolio demonstrating strong experience on big-idea campaigns and shoots, with a masterful command of aesthetic</li>

<li>Strong photography and design sensibilities, with a sharp, discerning eye</li>

<li>Video production experience is a must, with fluency across pre-production, production, and post</li>

<li>Proven ability to manage and oversee multiple edits and deliverables at once</li>

<li>Organized, resourceful, and able to keep a fast-moving production on track</li>

<li>A clear creative point of view and the confidence to shape and defend the work</li>

<li>Collaborative, receptive to feedback, and motivated by delivering work that is as smart as it is beautiful</li>

</ul>

<p> </p>

<p>Location & Commitment</p>

<ul>

<li>Remote; can be done from anywhere in the United States within approved states</li>

<li>August 31, 2026 through September 25, 2026</li>

<li>40 hours/week</li>

<li>Expected weekly compensation: $4,800 to $5,000 </li>

</ul><div class="content-conclusion"><p><span style="font-weight: 300;">We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">AKQA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.</span></p>

<hr>

<p><span style="font-weight: 300;"></span></p>

<p class="x_MsoNormal"><strong><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">About WPP</span></strong></p>

<p class="x_MsoNormal">WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit <a href="http://wpp.com/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">WPP.com</a>.</p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 300;"></span></p></div>

Want to learn more about what it's like to work at AKQA? View our full profile.

MLW Logo

Why This Is a Most Loved Workplace® Certified Job

What It's Like to Work Here

Lightbulb Pioneering Innovation
Users Collaborative Trust
Compass Purpose-Driven Work
Zap Flexible Empowerment
Heart Inclusive Community
Target Growth Ownership
Certified for: Most Loved Workplace Most Loved Workplaces® 2026, Most Loved Workplace Most Loved Workplaces® 2022

Frequently Asked Questions About Working at AKQA

Common questions candidates ask about this role and AKQA's workplace

AKQA is a design and innovation company that employs over 6,500 professionals across 20 countries. Awarded the Cannes Lions Grand Prix for Digital Craft in 2023 and named by Gartner as one of the world’s leading marketing agencies in 2021. Winner of Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas in 2022, and recognised as a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators in 2020.

Please review the specific job listing or contact AKQA's recruiting team for details on remote or hybrid work options for this role.

Salary information may vary by role and location. Please check the specific job listing or discuss compensation during the interview process.

AKQA is an established organization in its industry. The company is a certified Most Loved Workplace®, highlighting a strong, positive culture and committed workforce.

Key benefit categories include: Health & Wellbeing, Work-Life Balance, Financial & Discounts, Professional Development, Inclusion & Community. You can view more details on their CertCheck profile.

The day-to-day environment is guided by core values such as Pioneering Innovation and Collaborative Trust and Purpose-Driven Work.

The company has committed to inclusive practices including: Empower Through Trust and Accountability and Champion Inclusive Growth and Diversity.

They have earned Most Loved Workplace® certifications including: Most Loved Workplace Most Loved Workplaces® 2026 and Most Loved Workplace Most Loved Workplaces® 2022.

AKQA currently has 51 open positions. They are hiring across departments like Client Services, Marketing & Business Development, Creative - Freelance. You can view all current openings at certcheck.mostlovedworkplace.com/companies/akqa/jobs.

The interview process typically involves an initial recruiter screen followed by team interviews. Please contact AKQA's recruiting team for specific details on this role's process.

Apply for ACD Art Director - Freelance

Submit your application directly to the AKQA team. Let them know why you'd be a great addition to their loved place to work.

AKQA

AKQA

Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations
5th floor, 360 Third St San Francisco, CA 94107, United States
Most Loved Workplace® Certified Job
View Company Profile
Most Loved Workplace® Logo
Powered by Most Loved Workplace®

The global standard for company culture certification and employer of choice visibility.

Learn more about Most Loved Workplace®