We’re looking for a Freelance Associate Creative Director, Art to help shape high-impact campaign work across digital, print, and out-of-home channels. This is a fast-moving opportunity for a hands-on visual leader who can bring strong creative thinking, polished design craft, and pharmaceutical advertising experience to an important launch assignment.

Responsibilities

• Lead concept development and visual direction for integrated campaigns across print, digital, social, experiential, and video
• Translate strategic insights and scientific content into compelling, audience-focused creative solutions
• Develop visual systems, campaign identities, and design approaches that support brand goals
• Direct design execution across layouts, typography, color, imagery, illustration, and overall art direction
• Partner closely with copy, strategy, account, project management, UX, development, and production teams
• Present creative concepts clearly and confidently to internal stakeholders and clients
• Provide hands-on guidance to designers and art directors throughout the creative process
• Ensure work meets creative standards, brand expectations, and pharmaceutical review requirements
• Contribute to pitch work and new business development when needed

Skills

• 8+ years of pharmaceutical agency experience, including work in launch and AOR environments
• Strong visual design and art direction skills across print, digital, and out-of-home media
• Ability to create original, sophisticated campaign systems rather than adapting existing layouts across formats
• Proven experience translating complex science into clear, persuasive creative work
• Excellent client-facing communication and presentation skills
• Ability to lead creatively while staying hands-on with design execution
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Experience mentoring junior and mid-level creative talent

Preferred Skills

• Rare disease experience
• Experience working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment
• Familiarity with scientific storytelling and pharmaceutical regulatory expectations
• Strong awareness of current visual trends, production methods, and creative technologies
• Background supporting omnichannel brand launches
• Ability to contribute thoughtful creative direction in pitch and new business settings

Horizontal is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences are valued. We believe equitable collaboration and respectful teamwork lead to stronger creative outcomes and better experiences for everyone.