Art Director

About the company

Howatson+Company is a creative advertising agency driven by the belief that creativity should shape culture and create positive influence. The team places strong emphasis on looking after its people, the brands it partners with, and the wider community. That commitment shows up in substantial investment in learning and development, generosity, and recognising both exceptional outcomes and everyday effort. The business is also fully carbon neutral.

The role

Based in the Melbourne office, this Art Director position sits within the creative team and offers the chance to shape client brands in a meaningful way. You will develop visual ideas and unify different creative components to deliver standout campaigns across channels.

What you will do

• Develop original ideas and concepts that respond to briefs and, where possible, elevate them into more compelling creative directions.
• Help shape and deliver inventive, strategically grounded concepts across print, digital, social and other media.
• Own the visual direction of campaigns so the creative work stays aligned with client goals and brand strategy.
• Keep up with industry developments and new technologies, bringing relevant trends into the creative process.
• Pitch concepts to clients and clearly explain the thinking, strategy and expected impact behind the work.
• Balance several projects at once while maintaining excellent quality and meeting deadlines.
• Work closely with your creative partner and contribute to a collaborative, energetic studio culture.

What makes you a strong fit

• You bring a distinctive creative spark that helps separate strong work from exceptional work.
• You can win opportunities, interpret briefs effectively and confidently sell ideas.
• You have experience creating work that reaches the public, including pieces entered into international award competitions.
• You are comfortable handling multiple assignments at the same time without compromising quality.
• You care deeply about your colleagues, the work and the clients, and you aim to improve everything you touch.
• You can turn strategy into compelling concepts and build those concepts into full campaigns.
• You welcome feedback, learn from it and come back with stronger thinking.
• You stay calm under pressure and approach challenges with practical, solution-focused thinking.
• You are self-driven, well organised and highly collaborative, often anticipating what is needed next.
• You help ensure production stays true to the original creative idea, using budget limits as an opportunity for inventive thinking.
• Your portfolio should show standout career work across a range of client sectors and demonstrate work that sets a high industry standard.

Experience and additional requirements

• At least 3 years of experience as an Art Director, ideally in an agency setting.
• Interest in, or early experience with, AI tools to improve workflows and strengthen creative output.
• Australian working rights are required.

About the agency

Howatson+Company is a fully integrated creative agency built on the power of influence. The organisation believes its strength comes from the intersection of diverse people, culture and capabilities, creating work that drives business results and contributes positively to the world. Its approach is shaped by a set of core values: working without judgement, welcoming different perspectives, collaborating across disciplines, using creativity to solve problems, avoiding a one-size-fits-all style, bringing everyone along on the journey, and staying true to its values.

Recognition

• Contagious Pioneers - Best and Bravest 2024
• Cannes Global Independent AOTY - Good 2023, #1 Independent Agency Australia 2024
• Campaign Asia AU/NZ Best Culture, AU Creative AOTY (Silver), AU Media AOTY (Silver) 2025, AU/NZ Best Culture and Independent AOTY 2024
• Adnews Employer of the Year, Independent AOTY 2025, Employer of the Year 2024, Creative, Independent, and Employer of the Year 2023
• Mumbrella Full-Service AOTY 2025 & 2024, Creative, Independent and Emerging AOTY 2023
• B&T Victoria AOTY 2025, Advertising AOTY 2024, Independent AOTY 2023
• TopFice AU Independent AOTY 2024
• LBB AU Independent AOTY 2023
• Andy's Global Independent AOTY 2023
• Spikes Grand Prix, Independent AOTY 2023
• AWARD Emerging AOTY 2023

Equal opportunity and adjustments

The company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable adjustments can be arranged during the recruitment process or for the role if needed.