Associate Creative Director

Instrument is a remote-first digital product and brand experience agency with a team of over 200 talented individuals, organized across four specialized teams. Each team brings its expertise to life through best-in-class work, crafting transformative experiences for our clients. Our shift to a fully remote model has opened new doors for creativity, flexibility, and stronger client relationships. This approach not only strengthens our culture but also allows us to embrace diverse voices, perspectives, and ideas.

We’re passionate about career growth, personal support, and work-life balance—values that are central to everything we do. At Instrument, we foster a culture of safety and belonging that empowers people, celebrates their unique talents, and fuels innovation. We believe our differences make us stronger, and we’re dedicated to cultivating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. Instrument is an equal opportunity workplace - we are dedicated to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity/expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

We will work to ensure individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation throughout the hiring process and in the workplace. These adjustments ensure that individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity not only to get a job, but successfully perform their job tasks to the same extent as people without disabilities.

Here, we strive to provide the support, connections, and encouragement to do your best work. Come join us and help create the future!

We’re seeking an inspiring, hands-on creative leader who thrives on bringing bold ideas to life with exceptional design sensibilities and marketing expertise. You know how to ignite excitement around original concepts, guiding teams to craft work that’s as smart as it is beautiful—always rooted in a deep understanding of audience, brand, and market dynamics.

Curious and growth-minded, you push creative boundaries while fostering an environment where fresh thinking and thoughtful craft go hand in hand. You’re not precious about any single solution because you understand that exploration and iteration drive the best outcomes. With a progressive creative instinct and a low-ego approach, you collaborate effectively across teams and disciplines to bring big ideas to life.

You build strong relationships with clients and internal partners, balancing ambition with strategic clarity. You know when to dive into the details and when to guide from a broader perspective, ensuring the work stays sharp, impactful, and on track. Above all, you’re a mentor and motivator, inspiring teams to deliver meaningful, boundary-pushing creative that moves brands forward and makes an impact.

• Collaborate with clients and cross-disciplinary teams to unlock creative potential, identifying what’s needed at each stage to move the work forward.
• Set the bar for design thinking and execution, delivering impactful creative work, establishing guidelines, and codifying best practices.
• Fearlessly generate, develop, and refine original concepts that push boundaries, resonate with audiences, and elevate brand storytelling.
• Simplify complex challenges into clear, compelling ideas through exploration, experimentation, and strategic insight.
• Ground creative work in a deep understanding of the brand, market, and audience, pushing on insights to uncover fresh opportunities.
• Inspire and guide the design team with bold thinking and expert craft, helping them elevate their creative approach and grow their skills.
• Create dynamic, visually engaging presentations that captivate clients and support internal initiatives and business development efforts.
• Communicate thoughtfully and proactively with teams and clients, ensuring alignment and momentum.
• Think strategically about project timelines, business challenges, and communication to guide the project lifecycle with precision.
• Manage multiple assignments with clarity and composure, balancing creative ambition with operational excellence.
• Champion diverse perspectives and foster an environment of inclusive collaboration that strengthens the creative process.

• Proven expertise in leading teams to develop high-impact, creatively ambitious marketing experiences that move brands forward.
• A track record of mentoring and guiding design teams, providing clear direction while encouraging creative exploration.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary partners and clients, driving alignment while navigating complex challenges.
• An inclusive, open mindset with the ability to reconcile and synthesize diverse perspectives.
• Problem-solving prowess with the creativity and determination to overcome roadblocks and find inventive solutions.
• Strong foundation in design craft—across brand identity, visual storytelling, and marketing design.
• Compelling verbal and visual storytelling skills that effectively communicate creative processes, insights, and results.
• A thoughtful balance of best practices and a willingness to embrace unconventional approaches when they unlock new opportunities.
• Fluency in industry tools and adaptability to emerging technologies.
• Emotional intelligence, clear communication, and the ability to adapt leadership style to different situations.
• Curiosity, humility, and a passion for delivering creative work that makes an impact.

• The expected pay range for this position is $135,000-$160,000 for our base US Region 3*. We have three regional pay ranges that are adjusted for cost of living (US1 +15%, US2 +7.5%, US3 Base), learn more about our pay philosophy and cost of living adjustments

What We Offer

Flexible, Hybrid Work Environment

Great Compensation with Annual Reviews (Learn more about our Pay Philosophy)

Annual Profit Sharing

401(k) Matching with Immediate Vesting

Robust Medical, Vision, and Accident Insurance

Generous Paid Holidays and unlimited PTO

Sabbaticals

Monthly Wellbeing Stipend

Career Management and Leadership Training