Social Media Art Director

We're looking for a Social Media Art Director who lives and breathes social media, understands internet culture, and knows how to translate creative ideas into visually compelling, platform-native content.

This role goes beyond traditional art direction. We need someone who understands what makes people stop scrolling, engage, share, and connect with brands.

You'll be responsible for developing creative concepts, shaping visual storytelling, and overseeing the execution of social-first campaigns across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and emerging digital channels.

Working closely with copywriters, motion designers, social media strategists, and international creative teams, you'll bring fresh ideas to the table and turn them into impactful creative work.

We're looking for someone who combines strong conceptual thinking, exceptional design skills, and a genuine understanding of social media culture.

Key Responsibilities

Creative Concept Development & Art Direction

• Develop original, engaging, and culturally relevant creative concepts for social media campaigns and always-on content.
• Translate strategic briefs into compelling visual ideas and creative executions.
• Lead the visual direction of social-first campaigns, ensuring creativity, consistency, and quality.
• Develop creative concepts for static content, carousels, Reels, TikToks, Stories, and other emerging social formats.
• Collaborate with copywriters and strategists to develop integrated ideas that connect with audiences.
• Present and communicate creative concepts clearly to internal stakeholders and international teams.
• Contribute proactively to brainstorming sessions, campaign development, and creative pitches.

Social-First Content Creation

• Create visually engaging content specifically designed for social media platforms.
• Understand the differences between Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms, and adapt creative approaches accordingly.
• Develop content that feels native to the platform rather than simply adapting traditional advertising assets.
• Identify relevant social trends, cultural conversations, memes, and emerging creative formats.
• Translate trends into brand-relevant creative opportunities without losing authenticity.
• Create strong visual hooks and storytelling approaches that capture attention within seconds.
• Balance brand consistency with fresh, innovative, and experimental creative thinking.

Design & Visual Execution

• Design and art-direct high-quality social media assets, including static posts, carousels, digital campaigns, and motion-led content.
• Work hands-on with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Collaborate with motion designers and video editors to bring animated and video-based concepts to life.
• Develop mood boards, storyboards, visual references, and creative presentations.
• Ensure high standards of typography, composition, visual hierarchy, and overall design quality.
• Oversee creative adaptations and localisation across different markets and formats.
• Review and quality-check creative assets before final delivery.

Collaboration & Creative Ownership

• Work closely with copywriters, motion designers, social media strategists, project managers, and content creators.
• Take ownership of creative projects from initial briefing through final delivery.
• Collaborate with international creative teams across the Serviceplan Group.
• Provide clear creative direction and constructive feedback to designers and production teams.
• Proactively communicate creative progress, challenges, and solutions.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced agency environment.
• Ensure that creative work meets both strategic objectives and production requirements.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as an Art Director, Digital Art Director, or Social Media Art Director, ideally within a creative, advertising, or social media agency.
• A strong portfolio showcasing conceptual thinking, art direction, and social-first creative work.
• Excellent understanding of social media platforms, content formats, trends, and audience behaviour.
• Strong conceptual skills and the ability to develop original creative ideas independently.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Strong design fundamentals, including typography, layout, composition, and visual storytelling.
• Experience developing creative concepts for both always-on social media content and larger integrated campaigns.
• Understanding of motion design, video production, and short-form storytelling.
• Ability to translate creative ideas into practical, executable content.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to creative excellence.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills.
• A proactive mindset, creative curiosity, and the ability to thrive in a fast-moving environment.
• Strong English communication skills.

Nice to Have

• Experience working on international brands and global advertising campaigns.
• Experience with entertainment, lifestyle, consumer, or culturally driven brands.
• Proficiency in Figma.
• Hands-on knowledge of After Effects, Premiere Pro, or other motion design tools.
• Experience with AI-powered creative tools and emerging design technologies.
• Experience developing creator-led content, UGC-style formats, and reactive social campaigns.
• Understanding of social media performance metrics and how creative choices influence engagement.
• Experience working with international creative teams and multilingual campaigns.
• German language skills.

What Makes You Stand Out

You're not just a great designer. You're a creative thinker who understands how brands can become part of culture and conversations.

You know the difference between a beautifully designed post and a genuinely engaging social media idea.

You follow trends, but you're equally excited about creating something original. You understand the power of strong visual storytelling, know how to collaborate with copywriters and motion designers, and can turn even a simple brief into something memorable.

You're comfortable switching between big campaign thinking and fast, reactive content creation.

Most importantly, you don't just create content for social media. You create ideas that belong on social media.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to develop creative work for leading international brands.
• Collaboration with talented creative teams across the global Serviceplan network.
• A dynamic, multicultural working environment in Cape Town.
• Exposure to exciting social media campaigns, entertainment projects, and global creative initiatives.
• Opportunities to experiment with new technologies, creative formats, and emerging platforms.
• Professional development and the opportunity to grow within an expanding international creative team.
• The chance to actively shape the creative output and culture of Plan.Net CreativeNest.

Interested?

If you're passionate about great ideas, love social media culture, and know how to turn creative thinking into work that genuinely connects with audiences, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and become part of Plan.Net CreativeNest!

Please include your CV and a portfolio showcasing your strongest art direction, conceptual thinking, and social media work.