📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Creative Director (Part-time, On-Call) - Energy
🔹 Company: ICF
🔹 Location: Reston, Virginia
🔹 Job Type: Part-time, On-Call
🔹 Category: Creative & Design
🔹 Date Posted: May 15, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Lead and design creative work for energy distributors in large markets
- Collaborate with project managers and clients to identify creative approaches
- Mentor and foster development of junior members of the creative team
- Work with web development teams and understand technology and front-end development
- Apply emerging technologies and AI to creative projects
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creative expertise and experience in the energy sector. The part-time, on-call nature of the role allows for flexibility but may also require availability during peak project periods.
📋 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 technology and front-end development
✅ Conceptualize large campaigns and apply emerging technologies and AI to creative projects
ASSUMPTION: The role requires strong leadership, communication, and project management skills to successfully lead creative projects and collaborate with various teams.
🎯 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 leadership and campaign conceptualization skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Highly organized with strong workload prioritization and management skills
- Proficient in using design software and tools
- Experience in the energy sector, specifically in power production/distribution
Preferred Skills:
- Skill working with web development teams and understanding front-end development
- Up-to-date with current trends in web design, web tools, and social media integration
- Ability to conceptualize large campaigns
- Proven creative success in collaborating with multifunctional teams
- AI capable – leveraging emerging applications in creative projects
ASSUMPTION: The required qualifications reflect the need for a highly experienced and skilled creative professional with a strong background in advertising and design, as well as a deep understanding of the energy sector.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $89,203 - $151,646 per year (based on full-time employment)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Flexible, with a maximum of 30 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on full-time employment and may be pro-rated for part-time, on-call positions. Benefits may vary based on employment status and length of service.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Business Consulting and Services
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 1969
Company Description:
- ICF is a global consulting and technology services provider
- Focuses on solving complex challenges in areas such as energy, health, and social impact
- Offers a wide range of services, including advisory services, technology solutions, and program management
Company Specialties:
- Energy and climate change
- Health and social impact
- Public sector modernization
Company Website: ICF
ASSUMPTION: ICF's large size and diverse range of services provide ample opportunities for career growth and development within the creative team.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level creative role with potential for mentorship and team leadership
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Creative Studio Director
Work Arrangement: Part-time, on-call with flexible hours and potential for full-time employment
Growth Opportunities:
- Mentoring and team leadership opportunities
- Potential for full-time employment
- Career progression within ICF's creative team or other departments
ASSUMPTION: The part-time, on-call nature of the role allows for flexibility and work-life balance, while also providing opportunities for career growth and development within ICF.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (remote and on-site work arrangement)
Office Location(s): Reston, Virginia
Geographic Context:
- Reston is a suburb of Washington, D.C., with a mix of urban and rural areas
- Close proximity to major highways and public transportation
- Access to various amenities, including shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation
Work Schedule: Flexible, with a maximum of 30 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in work location, while also providing opportunities for in-person collaboration and team building.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application review
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the creative team and other stakeholders
- Final interview with the Creative Studio Director
Key Assessment Areas:
- Creative portfolio and design skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Problem-solving and project management skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with ICF's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Prepare a strong cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and ICF's mission
- Be prepared to discuss your creative process and approach to problem-solving
- Research ICF's recent projects and be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with their needs
ATS Keywords: Creative Director, Energy, Advertising Campaigns, Branding, Web Design, Project Management, Mentoring, AI, Emerging Technologies
ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing your creative skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with ICF's values and mission.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Sketch or Figma
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, JIRA, Trello)
- AI and emerging technology tools (e.g., machine learning, AR/VR)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in industry-standard design software and tools is required, while experience with AI and emerging technology tools is a plus.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Act with integrity
- Deliver with excellence
- Embrace inclusive collaboration
- Foster an environment of continuous learning
- Think and act for the future
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Results-driven and focused on delivering impact
- Innovative and open to new ideas
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your creative skills and experience align with ICF's mission and values?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully led a creative project and mentored junior team members?
- How do you stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends in the creative industry?
ASSUMPTION: ICF values a strong cultural fit and looks for candidates who align with their mission, values, and work style.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a part-time, on-call role
- Adapting to a hybrid work environment and maintaining productivity
- Keeping up with industry trends and emerging technologies in a part-time role
- Potential for limited growth opportunities in a part-time, on-call position
ASSUMPTION: The part-time, on-call nature of the role may present unique challenges that require strong time management, adaptability, and a proactive approach to professional development.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional full-time creative director roles, this position offers flexibility and work-life balance
- However, the part-time, on-call nature may limit growth opportunities and benefits compared to full-time roles
- Career progression may be more dependent on individual initiative and proactive networking within ICF
ASSUMPTION: The unique aspects of this role require candidates to weigh the benefits of flexibility and work-life balance against potential limitations in growth opportunities and benefits.
📝 Sample Projects
- Leading a rebranding campaign for an energy distributor, including logo design, advertising materials, and website redesign
- Conceptualizing and executing an advertising campaign to promote energy efficiency programs for residential customers
- Collaborating with a web development team to design and launch a new website for a business-to-business energy customer portal
ASSUMPTION: The role will involve a variety of creative projects, requiring strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workload and project pipeline for this role?
- How does ICF support the professional development and growth of its creative team members?
- What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role, according to the hiring manager?
- How does ICF measure the success of its creative projects, and how can I contribute to improving these metrics?
- What is the team structure and dynamic within the creative studio, and how does this role fit into the broader organization?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into ICF's work environment and culture.
📌 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, with a focus on energy sector-specific projects
- Prepare a strong cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and ICF's mission
- Be ready to discuss your creative process, approach to problem-solving, and alignment with ICF's values
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
