Art Direction Associate (External Agency)

As an Art Direction Associate, you will serve as a key visual leader within the NFL’s in-house creative team, overseeing a diverse array of design and brand experiences that span across print, decor, digital, social, and experiential marketing. You will lead a team of designers and collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external agencies to ensure the NFL’s brand is consistently represented at the highest level.

Responsibilities: 

• Lead the visual direction and execution of integrated creative campaigns, from concept through execution, for league-wide initiatives including tentpole events (Super Bowl, Draft, Kickoff, etc.), Club branding and uniform designs, and International Games
• Manage and mentor a team of designers. Communicate clearly on the expectations you have for the team. Have a people-first mentality where you motivate, inspire, and help develop the growth of those around you. 
• Collaborate with other art directors, designers, creative directors, project managers, and outside agencies/vendors to ideate and execute 360° campaigns with strong visual and conceptual cohesion that push creative boundaries while maintaining timelines and budgets
• Review and provide clear feedback on a wide range of deliverables, including style guides, branding systems, environmental design, presentation materials, social assets, video graphics, and merchandise
• Present your work clearly and concisely to executives, clients, and partners  
• Balance hands-on design with high-level conceptual development and strategic thinking 
• Help maintain the NFL’s brand guidelines and contribute to the evolution of visual standards
• Stay current with trends in design, pop culture, technology, and sports media to inspire forward-thinking creativity

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in design or art direction
• A strong portfolio demonstrating original thinking, high-level design craft, and experience leading multifaceted campaigns
• Exceptional visual storytelling skills with a keen eye for typography, color, layout, and motion
• Experience managing teams and mentoring creative talent
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across creative and non-creative teams
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Keynote

Other Key Attributes / Characteristics

• Leadership Presence: Confident, composed, and credible with the ability to present work to executives, partners, and stakeholders with clarity and authority
• Accountability: Takes ownership of outcomes and works resourcefully to meet deadlines, solve problems, and move projects forward
• Inclusive Mindset & Global Awareness. Brings sensitivity to diverse audiences and cultural nuances, with a design perspective that supports the NFL’s mission to expand globally and connect authentically with fans of all backgrounds. Actively considers representation and accessibility in creative work.
• Experience working with major live events or high-profile brands
• Familiarity with motion design tools and an understanding of how design translates to animation and videos 

Terms / Expected Hours of Work

• Potential travel 25% of the time.
• This role requires 40 hours a week in the office. Overtime and weekend work required as needed, especially close to deadlines and events.

 

Salary / Pay Range

This job posting contains a pay range, which represents the range of salaries or hourly rates that the NFL believes, in good faith, at the time of this posting, that it might be willing to pay for the posted job in the location(s) specified. The NFL expects to hire for this position near the middle of the range. Only in truly rare and exceptional circumstances, where an external candidate has experience, credentials, or expertise that far exceed those required or expected for the position, would the NFL consider paying a salary or rate near the higher end of the range.