Art Director

Who We Are

Thread Collective, our in-house agency, is elevating creative excellence through sharp ideation, strategic rigor, operational craft, emerging technology, and empowered teams. We're seeking an agency-experienced Art Director to transform strategy and briefs into distinctive, inclusive, multi-channel campaigns that command attention and drive relevant engagement. In this role, you'll shape high-impact digital-first integrated campaigns by supporting concepting, presentations, and execution in close partnership with writers, designers, social, and cross-functional teams.

What We Are Looking For

• Creative Expert & Visual Storyteller — Innovative designer with a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in concepting and implementing high-impact work across digital and print channels, with deep knowledge of design principles, layout, typography, brand standards, and advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Collaborative Leader & Communicator — Confident, cross-functional partner who unifies teams, works downward and across TC staff to ensure cohesive storytelling, and can clearly articulate creative concepts and incorporate collaborator feedback.
• Quality-Driven Brand Steward — Meticulous professional who ensures consistency, quality, and brand alignment in every deliverable, with a commitment to inclusive and accessible practices across all formats.
• Hands-On Campaign Builder — Thrives on developing and delivering visual concepts and campaigns from concept through final production across multiple brands and channels.

What You'll Do

• Concept & Execute Across Channels — Develop and implement integrated campaign concepts across digital, social, video, print, and experiential platforms, translating strategic briefs into distinctive, brand-aligned creative for diverse audiences.
• Collaborate & Communicate — Partner with copywriters, designers, cross-functional teams and agency partners to build cohesive storytelling, present ideas confidently, and incorporate feedback effectively.
• Champion Brand & Accessibility Standards — Ensure deliverables adhere to brand guidelines, accessibility requirements, and regulatory standards while advocating for inclusive design across all formats.
• Advance Systems & Emerging Technology — Evolve design systems, creative platforms, technologies and tools to improve consistency, streamline workstreams, and create more space for high-value creative thinking.
• Mentor, Optimize & Elevate the Work — Stay current on trends and audience behaviors, mentor talent, and chip in to a culture of creative excellence and continuous improvement through thoughtful reviews and shared findings.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• 10+ years of experience as an Art Director for both digital and traditional channels.
• 6+ years in traditional agency setting leading concepting, pitches, and creative development from initial strategy through final execution.
• Link to portfolio required

Preferred Qualifications

• Robust portfolio supporting recognized global brands showing range, craft, and strategic thinking across digital and print channels, and campaign types.
• Deep technical expertise in Adobe Creative Suite with strong written and verbal communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Proven ability to manage capacity, diagnose process and technology challenges, and drive solutions through structured project planning.
• Experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare marketing is a plus but not required.
• Agency experience supporting global brands across multi-channel campaigns, with understanding of healthcare audiences and compliance-driven review processes.
• Command of creative development, social and digital marketing, brand strategy, and omnichannel strategy with a collaborative, ego-free leadership style.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Workfront, and Agile or Waterfall project workflows.
• Ability to support end-to-end video oversight from storyboard, direction, and production review.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development, industry standard methodologies, and any skills assessments required during selection.

Additional Information

Position is on-site in Indianapolis; local hybrid work options may be considered. Relocation package provided. Travel up to 15% expected. Lilly may provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role for internal applicants only.