📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Creative Director (Part-time, On-Call) - Energy
🔹 Company: ICF
🔹 Location: Nationwide Remote Office (US99)
🔹 Job Type: Part-time, On-Call
🔹 Category: Marketing & Creative
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-15
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Lead and design creative work, including branding and advertising campaigns
- Collaborate with project managers and clients to develop effective communication strategies around energy efficiency
- Mentor and foster development of junior members of the creative team
- Work with web development teams and direct the design process while understanding front-end development
- Conceptualize large campaigns and apply emerging technologies to creative projects
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creative leadership and experience in the energy sector to effectively lead and design creative work around energy efficiency.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead and design a variety of creative work, including branding and advertising campaigns
✅ Collaborate with project managers and clients to develop effective communication strategies around energy efficiency
✅ Mentor and foster development of junior members of the creative team
✅ Work with web development teams and direct the design process while understanding front-end development
✅ Conceptualize large campaigns and apply emerging technologies to creative projects
ASSUMPTION: The role may require occasional on-site work for client meetings or team collaboration, despite being primarily remote.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree (preferably in graphic design or a related field)
Experience: 10+ years of advertising and design experience
Required Skills:
- Proven creative leadership and team management skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Highly organized, with strong workload prioritization and management
- Strong understanding of the energy sector, specifically power production/distribution
- Ability to work independently and keep senior creative team leaders updated
Preferred Skills:
- Skill working with web development teams and directing the design process
- Up-to-date with current trends in web design, web tools, and social media integration
- Proven creative success in collaborating with multifunctional teams
- Ai capable – you lean into emerging applications and apply them to your creative toolbox
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, or Figma is likely required for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $89,203.00 - $151,646.00 (based on full-time employment)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package (details not specified)
- Flexible work arrangement (On-Call status, potentially transitioning to full-time)
Working Hours: Up to 30 hours per week, depending on project needs and personal schedule
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on full-time employment. Since this is a part-time, On-Call position, the actual compensation may be prorated or adjusted accordingly.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, focusing on energy, among other sectors. They partner with energy distributors to communicate effectively with customers, stakeholders, and legislators around energy efficiency and service.
Company Size: ICF has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment.
Founded: ICF was founded in 1969 and has since grown into a global company with offices worldwide.
Company Description:
- ICF Next is an award-winning agency that partners with energy distributors in large key markets
- They focus on authentic and robust communication with customers, stakeholders, legislators, activists, and media around energy efficiency and service
- ICF is committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge
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's focus on energy efficiency and service makes this role an excellent fit for candidates interested in driving change in the energy sector.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring extensive experience and creative leadership.
Reporting Structure: The Associate Creative Director reports directly to the Creative Studio leadership team and works closely with project managers and clients.
Work Arrangement: This is a part-time, On-Call position with flexible hours, depending on project needs and the candidate's schedule.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential transition to full-time employment
- Mentoring and fostering development of junior team members
- Expanding creative leadership skills and industry knowledge
ASSUMPTION: The On-Call status of this role provides flexibility for both ICF and the candidate, allowing for a better work-life balance and potential growth opportunities.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote, with the potential for occasional on-site work
Office Location(s): Nationwide Remote Office (US99)
Geographic Context:
- ICF has offices worldwide, with a strong presence in the United States
- The remote nature of this role allows for flexibility in location, with a focus on energy markets
- ICF's global presence offers opportunities for collaboration with international teams
Work Schedule: Up to 30 hours per week, depending on project needs and personal schedule
ASSUMPTION: The remote nature of this role may require occasional travel for client meetings or team collaboration.
💼 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 other stakeholders
- Final interview with the Creative Studio leadership team
Key Assessment Areas:
- Creative portfolio and design skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Understanding of the energy sector and relevant industry trends
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Adaptability to remote work and collaboration tools
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a strong cover letter explaining your interest in the energy sector and ICF's mission
- Be ready to discuss your creative process, design choices, and industry insights during the interview
ATS Keywords: Creative Director, Energy, Branding, Advertising, Web Design, Project Management, Client Consultation, Team Collaboration, Mentoring, Communication Skills, Workload Management, Creative Conceptualization, Emerging Technologies, Energy Sector Knowledge, Ai Applications, Behavior Change Strategies
ASSUMPTION: ICF's commitment to a fair interview process ensures that all candidates are evaluated based on their own skills and knowledge, without the use of AI tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Sketch or Figma
- Web development tools (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- Project management tools (Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Collaboration tools (Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in design software and relevant industry tools is essential for this role, as well as familiarity with project management and collaboration platforms.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Mission-driven: ICF is committed to making a positive impact on the world through its work
- Creative: ICF values innovative thinking and encourages employees to bring their unique perspectives to the table
- Collaborative: ICF fosters a culture of teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
Work Style:
- Remote-friendly: ICF offers flexible work arrangements and supports remote work
- Fast-paced: ICF works on high-visibility projects with tight deadlines
- Creative-driven: ICF values creativity and encourages employees to think outside the box
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do I have a strong portfolio that showcases my creative leadership and versatility in the energy sector?
- Am I comfortable working remotely and collaborating with teams using various digital tools?
- Do I thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment and enjoy working on high-visibility projects?
ASSUMPTION: ICF's mission-driven and creative culture makes it an excellent fit for candidates passionate about driving change in the energy sector through innovative communication strategies.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Occasional travel may be required for client meetings or team collaboration
- Managing workload and prioritization in a fast-paced, remote work environment
- Balancing part-time work with other commitments, such as family or personal projects
- Adapting to ICF's unique culture and work style
ASSUMPTION: The On-Call status of this role may present unique challenges in managing workload and balancing personal commitments, but also offers flexibility and potential growth opportunities.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on the energy sector and part-time, On-Call work arrangement
- Compared to full-time creative director roles, this position offers more flexibility but may have fewer opportunities for career advancement within ICF
- Compared to other part-time or freelance creative roles, this position offers more stability and potential growth opportunities
ASSUMPTION: The unique nature of this role makes it an excellent fit for candidates seeking flexibility and a focus on the energy sector, but may not be suitable for those looking for full-time employment or rapid career advancement within ICF.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive branding campaign for an energy distributor, including logo design, brand guidelines, and marketing materials
- Creating an advertising campaign to promote energy efficiency programs and services, targeting both residential and business customers
- Designing and directing the user experience and visual design for an energy company's website, ensuring it is accessible, user-friendly, and on-brand
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the variety of creative work and industry-specific challenges the Associate Creative Director may face in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workload and project timelines for this role?
- How does ICF support the professional development and growth of its creative team members?
- What is the typical team structure for creative projects, and how does the Associate Creative Director fit into this structure?
- How does ICF measure the success of its creative campaigns and projects in the energy sector?
- What are the most rewarding aspects of working on energy-related projects at ICF?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and allows you to better understand the work environment and expectations.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a strong cover letter explaining your interest in the energy sector and ICF's mission
- Be ready to discuss your creative process, design choices, and industry insights during the interview
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
