Art Director

Role Summary:

The Art Director is a key creative force within the agency, responsible for developing and executing visually compelling concepts that align with brand strategies and effectively communicate brand messages. This role involves overseeing all visual aspects of creative projects, from initial concept development to final production, across various media including print, digital, and broadcast. The Art Director will collaborate closely with copywriters, designers, and other team members to deliver high-quality, innovative work that meets client objectives and pushes creative boundaries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Visual Concept Development: Develop and execute original visual concepts and style guides that adhere to brand standards and effectively communicate brand messages.
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor teams of designers, photographers, illustrators, and other creative professionals to deliver outstanding visual products.
• Brand Stewardship: Ensure the usability, consistency, brand relevance, and functionality of all visual elements across different platforms and media.
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, motion development software, and other relevant design tools.
• Client Collaboration: Present creative ideas and concepts to clients and account managers, providing clear rationale and demonstrating how the work addresses business and user needs.
• Project Management: Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and adherence to budgets while maintaining a keen attention to detail.
• Innovation: Stay up to date with the latest marketing and creative trends, identifying opportunities to implement new initiatives and technologies.
• Business Development Support: Contribute design expertise to pitches, proposals, and client presentations, helping to secure new business.
• Digital Strategy: Extend global communication strategies to digital platforms, refining the digital creative production process.

Role Requirements:

• Experience: 5+ years of experience in a similar role within the creative/advertising industry.
• Portfolio: A strong online portfolio showcasing a range of visual design skills and experience creating rich media. (Please include your online portfolio link at the top of your resume when applying.)
• Skills:
  • Strong visual design skills and a keen eye for detail.
  • Excellent project management and teamwork abilities.
  • Knowledge of print, broadcast, and digital communications.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant design software.
  • Understanding of coding for digital projects (a plus).
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to multitask and meet tight deadlines.
  • Ability to execute concepts to a high visual standard for client presentations.

Company Overview:

The Ogilvy Africa Network is the largest agency network on the continent, serving over 40 countries with a team of 900 people across Central, East, and West Africa. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Ogilvy Africa works with a prestigious portfolio of clients, including AB InBev, Airtel, Bajaj, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Coca-Cola, Diageo, Equity Bank, European Union, KFC, Mastercard, NCBA, Nestle, Philips, PwC, Total Energies, UNICEF, Unilever, and WWF, among others.

Ogilvy Africa's unique operating model, One Ogilvy, allows for seamless omnichannel experiences for clients' consumers. The agency leverages data, content, and technology to create impactful campaigns and strives to be the best-practice agency model for developing and emerging markets. With a history of winning top regional and global awards, including Cannes Lions, Clio Awards, Dubai Lynx Festival, SABRE Awards, Loeries, and WARC, Ogilvy Africa is a leading force in the industry. Ogilvy is a global network of WPP and was recently named the #1 creative network in the world by WARC (2023). Ogilvy believes in diversity as a competitive advantage and is committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process.

Ogilvy Beliefs:

• People need regular OS upgrades: Even the best OS will be obsolete tomorrow unless it's constantly upgraded. The same is true for people.
• We need more cows than milkmen: We are a culture of practitioners, not managers. We contribute before we comment.
• Creative about creativity: Creativity is, and will always be, our differentiator. Creativity now includes the holy trinity of Data-Content-Tech.
• Diversity is a competitive advantage: new profiles, new skills, and new styles of leadership make us a stronger company.
• Collaborative advantage > Competitive advantage: Find partners who are on top of their game at the skill set we need. It's the only way to scale at speed without pretending to have all the answers.
• Team > Individual: You get a lot more done when everyone stops worrying about who gets credit at the end. Teams succeed; individuals fail.
• Fail often, fail fast: We see the intrapreneur in all our people and encourage a culture of pilots. Test, succeed, and scale; or fail fast, learn from the failure, and start something new.