D

Freelance Associate Creative Director

DNA
Full-time
On-site
New York, United States
🎨 Brand & Creative Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Freelance Associate Creative Director

πŸ”Ή Company: DNA Communications

πŸ”Ή Location: New York, United States

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Freelance, On-site

πŸ”Ή Category: Creative, Advertising

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: July 8, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 5-10 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Managing and executing large-scale health accounts
  • Conceptualizing and designing award-winning work across various platforms
  • Leading and mentoring junior creatives
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth project execution
  • Pushing creative boundaries and staying updated with industry trends

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong balance of conceptual thinking and design skills, with a focus on healthcare industry knowledge.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Generate fresh ideas across various experiential platforms, including congresses, social media, PR activations, online videos, brochures, and more

βœ… Help create a look and feel for brands when needed

βœ… Make use of various conceptual and executional disciplines

βœ… Join in concepting brainstorms with other creatives to come up with a range of ideas

βœ… Manage the overall quality of the creative concept and its execution

βœ… Innovate processes, ideas, and strategy to better support and grow accounts

βœ… Drive the collaborative efforts of the project's creative team

βœ… Handle large and dangerous wild animals (not a literal responsibility, but a humorous note from the original description)

βœ… Read to the very end of a document and recognize when something doesn’t seem right

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic thinking, creative execution, and team management, with a strong emphasis on healthcare industry knowledge.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Not specified, but education in advertising and conceptual thinking is preferred

Experience: 7 to 10 years in the media industry, with prior healthcare experience being a must

Required Skills:

  • Strong portfolio of work with solid concepts and strong design
  • Proven leadership skills managing multiple projects/tasks/teams
  • Video production experience, including animating and storyboarding scripts
  • Resilience, positive attitude, and respect for others
  • Good communication skills and ability to present and defend work
  • Experience with social media platforms and knowledge of their best practices
  • Interest in staying on top of emerging platforms, mobile design, and development trends

Preferred Skills:

  • Figma, illustration, photography, retouching, filmmaking, editorial, HTML

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in creative direction, graphic design, and video production, with a focus on the healthcare industry.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $125.00 per hour (as per the job listing)

Benefits: Not specified in the job listing

Working Hours: Full-time, with the specific hours to be determined

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is for the NYC location and may vary based on experience and market conditions. Benefits information was not provided in the job listing.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Public Relations and Communications Services, with a focus on healthcare and medical education

Company Size: 51-200 employees, which means applicants can expect a mid-sized company structure with opportunities for collaboration and growth

Founded: Not specified, but DNA Communications is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the healthcare communications industry

Company Description:

  • Exists at the cross-section of modern health marketing and scientific communications
  • Supports companies and brands at all stages of their development and lifecycle
  • Focuses on meaningful science, insights, and programs to create value for clients and their audiences

Company Specialties:

  • Medical Education
  • Public Relations
  • Digital Communications
  • Market Access
  • Issues Management
  • Corporate Health
  • Public Health Education

Company Website: dnacommunications.com

ASSUMPTION: DNA Communications is a well-established company with a strong focus on the healthcare industry, offering applicants the opportunity to work on high-profile accounts and contribute to meaningful campaigns.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with the opportunity to grow and take on more responsibilities

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Group Creative Director and works closely with project management, production, and client experience teams

Work Arrangement: On-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific projects

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential to take on more responsibilities and advance within the creative department
  • Opportunity to work on diverse projects and expand skillset
  • Chance to collaborate with and learn from experienced professionals in the industry

ASSUMPTION: This role offers applicants the chance to grow both personally and professionally, with the opportunity to work on high-profile accounts and contribute to meaningful campaigns.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a collaborative and creative work environment

Office Location(s): New York, United States

Geographic Context:

  • New York City offers a vibrant and dynamic cultural scene
  • Close proximity to major healthcare and pharmaceutical companies
  • Access to various transportation options and amenities

Work Schedule: Full-time, with the specific hours to be determined

ASSUMPTION: The New York office provides a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with easy access to major healthcare and pharmaceutical companies.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screen with the HR department
  • Creative portfolio and case study presentation to the creative team
  • Final interview with the Group Creative Director

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Creative portfolio and case studies
  • Conceptual and strategic thinking
  • Communication and presentation skills
  • Cultural fit and team dynamics

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant healthcare industry experience and creative achievements
  • Prepare a strong creative brief or case study showcasing your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Research DNA Communications and the healthcare industry to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the role

ATS Keywords: Creative Direction, Graphic Design, Video Production, Storytelling, Team Management, Client Relationship Building, Concept Development, Social Media, Communication Skills, Brainstorming, Project Management, Emerging Platforms, Organizational Skills, Resilience, Positive Attitude, Attention to Detail

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, with a strong focus on creative portfolio and case studies. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Figma (preferred)
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects)
  • Video editing software (Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be proficient in industry-standard design and video editing software, with a preference for Figma.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Meaningful science
  • Meaningful insights
  • Meaningful programs

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and creative
  • Focused on strategic thinking and problem-solving
  • Adaptable and responsive to client needs

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • How do you incorporate meaningful insights into your creative process?
  • Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your creative approach to meet a client's needs?
  • How do you balance pushing creative boundaries with staying true to a client's brand?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be able to demonstrate their alignment with DNA Communications' values and work style, with a strong focus on strategic thinking, collaboration, and adaptability.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
  • Working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
  • Adapting to the unique needs and requirements of healthcare clients
  • Keeping up with industry trends and emerging platforms

ASSUMPTION: This role presents both creative and strategic challenges, with a focus on managing multiple projects, working in a dynamic environment, and staying up-to-date with industry trends.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is similar to an Associate Creative Director position, but with a stronger focus on healthcare industry knowledge and experience
  • Compared to other creative roles, this position offers a unique blend of strategic thinking, creative execution, and team management
  • Career progression may involve taking on more responsibilities, such as becoming a Group Creative Director or moving into a leadership role within the agency

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be aware of the unique requirements and opportunities presented by this role, with a focus on healthcare industry knowledge and experience.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing a creative campaign for a pharmaceutical product launch, including social media assets, print materials, and event activations
  • Creating a brand identity for a new biotech company, including logo design, color scheme, and overall visual style guide
  • Designing and producing a series of educational videos for healthcare professionals, including scriptwriting, storyboarding, and post-production

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to provide examples of their work that demonstrate their ability to manage projects, collaborate with teams, and create high-quality creative assets.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the creative process for a recent project and how you collaborated with the team to bring it to life?
  • How do you approach working with clients to understand their needs and translate them into creative solutions?
  • What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the creative department?
  • How does DNA Communications support its employees in staying up-to-date with industry trends and emerging platforms?
  • What is the company culture like, and how does it support the creative process?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful and insightful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and their understanding of the creative process.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through the DNA Communications job board
  • Prepare a strong creative portfolio and case study showcasing your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant healthcare industry experience and creative achievements
  • Research DNA Communications and the healthcare industry to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the role
  • Follow up with the HR department one week after your application submission to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.