📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Creative Director (Part-time, On-Call) - Energy
🔹 Company: ICF
🔹 Location: Nationwide Remote Office (US99)
🔹 Job Type: Part-time
🔹 Category: Marketing & Creative
🔹 Date Posted: May 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading and designing creative work for energy distributors in large markets
- Collaborating with project managers and clients to identify creative approaches
- Ensuring content aligns with behavior change goals
- Mentoring junior members of the creative team
- Working with web development teams and understanding front-end development
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently while keeping senior team leaders updated.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead and design a variety of creative work, including branding and advertising campaigns
✅ Collaborate with project managers and clients to identify creative approaches and ensure content aligns with behavior change goals
✅ Mentor and foster development of junior members of the creative team
✅ Work with web development teams and direct the design process while understanding the technology and front-end development
✅ Stay up-to-date with current trends in web design, web tools, and social media integration
✅ Conceptualize large campaigns and collaborate with multifunctional teams
ASSUMPTION: The role may require working on multiple projects simultaneously, so strong organizational skills and workload prioritization are essential.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field
Experience: 10+ years of advertising and design experience
Required Skills:
- Proven creative success in leading and designing creative work
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Highly organized with strong workload prioritization and management
- Ability to present creative work to clients effectively
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant design software
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the energy sector, specifically in power production/distribution
- AI capable – leveraging emerging applications in creative work
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in industry-standard design software and a strong portfolio showcasing a variety of projects are expected.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $89,203 - $151,646 (based on full-time employment)
Benefits:
- ICF offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off
Working Hours: Flexible, up to 30 hours per week (On-Call status)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is for full-time employment. As this is a part-time, On-Call position, the salary may be adjusted accordingly.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Marketing Services, with a focus on creative engagement and transformation
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 1969 (ICF, the parent company)
Company Description:
- ICF Next is a mission-driven creative agency focused on helping clients make the change they need to succeed
- Part of global consultancy ICF, they work to improve the world in areas from energy to health to transportation and beyond
- They create the kind of change that brings clients closer to the people they serve: citizens, colleagues, and entire communities
Company Specialties:
- Strategy and transformation
- Creative engagement
- Insights and analytics
- Technology
- Digital
- User experience
- Customer experience
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Customer marketing
Company Website: ICF Next
ASSUMPTION: ICF Next is part of the larger ICF organization, which provides additional resources and support for the agency's work.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Experienced professional with a focus on creative leadership and direction
Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Creative Director and works closely with project managers and clients
Work Arrangement: Part-time, On-Call status with flexible hours up to 30 hours per week
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to transition into full-time employment
- Opportunities to work on a variety of projects and expand creative skills
- Possibility to mentor and develop junior team members
ASSUMPTION: As an On-Call position, the hours and workload may vary depending on project needs and the candidate's availability.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote, with the option to work from home or a co-working space
Office Location(s): Nationwide Remote Office (US99)
Geographic Context:
- This role allows for remote work, providing flexibility to live and work from various locations within the United States
- The company is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with additional offices in Bangalore, India, and Brussels, Belgium
- The energy sector focus means working with clients in the power production and distribution industry
Work Schedule: Flexible, with the ability to work up to 30 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: While this role is remote, there may be occasional in-person meetings or events, depending on the client and project requirements.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the creative team and/or project managers
- Final interview with the Creative Director
Key Assessment Areas:
- Creative portfolio and presentation
- Communication and presentation skills
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Cultural fit and alignment with ICF Next's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a strong cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the energy sector and ICF Next's mission
- Be ready to discuss your creative process, inspiration, and how you approach behavior change strategies
ATS Keywords: Creative Director, Associate Creative Director, Energy, Branding, Advertising, Web Design, Project Management, Client Consultation, Team Collaboration, Mentoring, Behavior Change
ASSUMPTION: As an AI-assisted job description, some details may be subject to change based on the employer's final requirements.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Web development tools (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- Project management software (Asana, JIRA, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies may vary depending on the specific projects and clients the candidate works with.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Mission-driven: ICF Next is focused on creating positive change and improving the world
- Collaborative: They work closely with clients and team members to achieve shared goals
- Innovative: The agency encourages creativity and continuous learning
Work Style:
- Remote-friendly: ICF Next offers flexible work arrangements, including remote and hybrid options
- Creative and dynamic: The agency values innovative thinking and encourages team members to bring their unique perspectives to the table
- Mission-focused: ICF Next prioritizes work that makes a positive impact on society and the environment
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you align with ICF Next's mission to create positive change and improve the world?
- Are you comfortable working remotely and collaborating with team members in various locations?
- Do you thrive in a creative and dynamic work environment that encourages innovation and continuous learning?
ASSUMPTION: ICF Next values candidates who are passionate about their work, committed to continuous learning, and eager to make a positive impact on the world.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Working with clients in the energy sector, which may have specific industry-specific requirements and regulations
- Adapting to a flexible, On-Call work arrangement, which may have varying hours and workload
- Keeping up with emerging technologies and trends in the creative industry
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional full-time creative director roles, this position offers flexible hours and the potential to transition into full-time employment
- Working with energy distributors in large markets presents unique challenges and opportunities compared to other industries
- This role offers the chance to work on a variety of projects and expand creative skills, similar to an in-house creative director position
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other creative director positions, its On-Call status and focus on the energy sector make it unique.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive branding campaign for an energy distributor, including logo design, color scheme, and brand guidelines
- Creating an advertising campaign to promote energy efficiency and conservation among residential customers
- Designing a user-friendly website for a business-to-business energy client, showcasing their services and industry expertise
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the variety of creative work the associate creative director may be responsible for in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workload and hours for an On-Call associate creative director?
- How does ICF Next support the professional development and growth of its creative team members?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working with energy distributors in large markets, and how can this role help address them?
- How does ICF Next foster a creative and innovative work environment, and what opportunities are there for collaboration and idea-sharing?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance, especially for remote team members?
ASSUMPTION: These questions can help candidates better understand the role, the company culture, and the opportunities for growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link: ICF External Career Site
- Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a strong cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the energy sector and ICF Next's mission
- Be ready to discuss your creative process, inspiration, and how you approach behavior change strategies
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
