Contract Art Director responsible for defining visual and tonal brand guidelines, shaping PR and editorial storytelling, creating paid and organic still and motion assets, and supporting executive communications. The role combines creative strategy with hands-on design and production, requiring strong typography, layout, branding, communication, and agency or freelancer coordination skills. Work is approximately 16 hours per week for 3–6 months.
Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage.
We’re looking for a versatile Art Director to support our creative team on a contract basis, working approximately two days per week. You will be responsible for defining visual and tonal guidelines, shaping storytelling strategies, and conceptualizing engaging brand content across PR and editorial channels, while also helping the executive leadership team with key assets.
This person will take projects through final delivery, operating as both a high-level strategist and a hands-on creator to ensure all output beautifully delivers against both performance and brand objectives while maintaining a consistent visual standard.
Contract Details
- Schedule: 16 hours/week, Monday–Friday
- Contract Duration: 3-6 months
Responsibilities:
- Define and evolve visual and tonal guidelines to ensure consistency across all brand touchpoints.
- Shape storytelling strategies and conceptualize engaging brand content specifically tailored for PR and editorial channels.
- Partner directly with executive leadership to design, produce, and refine high-impact executive assets.
- Conceptualize, design, and lead the end-to-end development of high-quality still and moving creative assets for both paid and organic marketing channels.
- Help manage relationships with external agencies, creative partners, and freelancers for larger projects.
Requirements:
- Proven professional experience as an Art Director, Designer, or in a similar creative role, with a strong balance of strategy and hands-on execution.
- A robust portfolio showcasing strong conceptual thinking, typography, layout design, and brand identity work.
- Mastery of industry-standard design tools.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate creative rationale and take feedback constructively.
- Reliable availability to work approximately two days per week on a contract basis.
The range listed for this role is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope and responsibilities, relevant experience, education and training, key skills, market data, and business needs.
At Hermeus, compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. We offer competitive pay, and a range of benefits designed to support our team.
- Time Off: Eligible for unpaid time off and up to 5 days of sick leave.
- Office Perks: Weekly paid office lunches and fully stocked breakrooms.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
Hermeus Los Angeles, California, USA Office
Los Angeles, CA, United States
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