Remote (Country)

Earnest is hiring an Associate Creative Director

About the Role

Earnest is hiring an Associate Creative Director to lead and execute standout design work, mentor a team, drive brand evolution, and partner with cross-functional teams to deliver creative solutions aligned with business objectives. This role combines strategic thinking with creative excellence to develop visual systems and campaigns.

What You'll Do

  • Lead and execute standout design work on high-priority projects, rolling up your sleeves when needed.
  • Provide mentorship and constructive feedback to a growing team of designers and copywriters.
  • Drive the evolution of Earnest’s visual identity and design systems, ensuring consistency across every touchpoint.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams—including Product, Growth, and Marketing—to deliver creative solutions.
  • Oversee and direct agency and contractor work, ensuring creative excellence across all external partnerships.
  • Lead the conception and execution of innovative design and copy solutions that drive measurable consumer engagement.

What We're Looking For

  • 10+ years of design experience.
  • At least 3 years leading creative teams.
  • A portfolio showcasing integrated brand campaigns and technical design execution with measurable business impact.
  • Exceptional leadership, mentorship, and people management skills.
  • Advanced proficiency in design tools (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite).
  • Strong storytelling and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
  • Deep understanding of marketing channels and measurement.
  • Proven ability to translate business objectives into compelling visual narratives.

Nice to Have

  • Experience with photography, motion animation, or video.
  • Familiarity with emerging tools (AI, automation) to scale creative output.
  • Proven ability to stay ahead of design trends and push brand innovation.
  • Experience working in a regulated industry and creating compliant yet impactful creative work.

Technical Stack

  • Figma
  • Adobe Creative Suite

Team & Environment

You'll be part of a growing team of designers and copywriters and will report to the Head of Brand.

Benefits & Compensation

  • Compensation: $142,900—$178,700 USD + equity: Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
  • Health, Dental, & Vision benefits plus savings plans.
  • Mac computers + work-from-home stipend to set up your home office.
  • Monthly internet and phone reimbursement.
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
  • Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).
  • 401(k) plan with company match.
  • Robust tuition reimbursement program.
  • $1,000 travel perk on each Earnie-versary to anywhere in the world.
  • Competitive days of annual PTO.
  • Competitive parental leave.

Work Mode

This is a local-country position open to candidates in the US.

Earnest provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or genetics.

Required Skills
FigmaAdobe Creative SuiteCreative DirectionTeam LeadershipBrand DevelopmentMarketing CampaignsVisual DesignConcept DevelopmentClient PresentationProject Management
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About company
Earnest

Earnest makes higher education accessible and affordable for everyone. The company builds tools that help people feel in control of their financial future, including private student loans, student loan refinancing, and scholarships.

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Job Details
Category management
Posted 7 months ago