Please note: This role is contingent upon contract award. While not an immediate opening, we are actively interviewing and may extend offers in anticipation of the award, with start dates dependent upon contract finalization.

You start with the idea. You can look at a brief and quickly see the best angle, the way in to tell the story and have it hold up across channels. 

You partner closely with writers and strategists from the start, building and refining the work together. You push the thinking and help turn strategy and audience insights into compelling concepts worth making. 

You’re an art director, and you’re in the thick of the work. You love the craft, but you know it’s in service of the idea. You design, build, and refine, bringing ideas to life across campaigns, digital experiences, and content. 

We work on complex challenges where the stakes are real. The expectations are high. The opportunity to create meaningful work is real. 

About ICF Next 

ICF Next brings together strategy, creativity, data, and technology to solve real problems. 

We work with organizations facing complex challenges across energy, public health, climate, and more. The work is not just about communication. It is about helping people understand, engage, and take action. 

Our teams build integrated campaigns and experiences that connect with people and hold together across channels. The work needs to be clear, useful, and built to perform. If it does not resonate, it does not work. 

 
As an Art Director, you’ll: 

• Lead concept development in partnership with writers and strategists 

• Create compelling visual systems, campaigns, and brand worlds 

• Lead projects from planning to execution 

• Present with clarity and confidence 

• Manage multiple projects without sacrificing craft 

• Stay tapped into trends, new tools, and technologies 

• Work closely with production partners throughout execution 

• Collaborate across internal and external teams 

You’ll need: 

• 5+ years of art direction experience 

• A portfolio that shows strong ideas and polished execution across platforms 

• Photo and video direction fundamentals (light, composition, pacing) 

• Ability to turn strategy into compelling visual stories 

• Strong collaboration and communication skills 

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite + curiosity around AI tools 

• A bachelor’s degree in art, design, or equivalent experience in a related field. 
   

Additional Professional Attributes: 
 

• Strong eye for typography, layout, color, and composition 

• Experience working across integrated campaigns 

• Ability to contribute to concept development and push the work forward 

• Confidence presenting work and engaging in creative discussions 

• Attention to detail and consistency 

• Ability to give and receive feedback in a collaborative environment 

What we offer: 

• Flexible working arrangements, including remote and hybrid options   

• Competitive benefits, including healthcare and retirement plans   

• Ongoing training and development opportunities   

• A collaborative environment with opportunities to connect across teams   

• Opportunities to contribute to social impact and community initiatives 

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.  

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [email protected]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.