About Active TheoryActive Theory is a creative studio focused on design, technology, and storytelling. We work with global brands to build digital experiences that push craft and innovation. Our team is highly collaborative, deeply creative, and distributed.The RoleWe’re looking for an Associate Technical Director to own the technical delivery of cutting-edge interactive web experiences for high-profile clients. This role blends deep technical craft with strategic leadership—you’ll architect and ship complex web experiences while serving as a trusted client partner, growing a team of developers, and contributing to how we build across the studio. You’ll lead projects from discovery to launch, maintain technical standards across client accounts, and ensure every build meets our bar for performance, quality, and craft.Core ResponsibilitiesProject Leadership & DeliveryLead end-to-end project delivery in close collaboration with producers and creative leadsOwn technical discovery: define approach, risks, estimates, resourcing, and integration requirementsManage and coordinate developer teams through production—planning, delegating, and unblockingFacilitate regular dev reviews and WIP sessions; keep delivery on trackProvide technical oversight across multiple concurrent projects, ensuring quality and consistencyClient PartnershipServe as the primary day-to-day technical partner for clientsProactively communicate with client teams; support producers on technical and build questionsMaintain technical standards aligned to specific client accounts and infrastructure requirementsPresent builds, technical direction, and progress to clients and stakeholdersEvaluate incoming projects with New Business on feasibility, scoping, and required skillsEngineering & Technical StandardsDevelop and maintain web platforms using JavaScript, Vue, Node.js, and studio-standard technologiesGain deep expertise in Hydra (Active Theory’s internal framework) to extend and maintain projectsWork with GCP, AWS, APIs, and third-party integrations as neededEnsure quality across performance, analytics, SEO, security, and accessibility (WCAG)Produce clear technical documentation, architecture diagrams, and information architectureExplore and apply AI tools and workflows to improve craft and efficiency without sacrificing qualityTeam Development & CultureManage 2–3 direct reports through regular 1:1s, performance feedback, and development plansMentor developers through examples of smooth delivery, client partnership, and technical presentationCultivate a positive, productive culture; introduce and steward developer initiativesWhat We’re Looking For3–8 years of full-stack engineering experience2+ years in a technical management or team lead roleStrong systems design and architecture skills for large, multi-stakeholder programsProven client-facing communication: requirements facilitation, workshops, roadmap and risk framingAccurate scoping, estimation, and capacity planningClear communicator who can translate complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholdersAccountable, proactive, and calm under pressure especially on high-priority issueNice to HaveExperience in a digital agency or creative studio environmentFamiliarity with Vue.js, Node.js, GCP, or AWSExperience building or scaling developer tooling, internal frameworks, or platform infrastructureComfort presenting to senior client stakeholders and executive audiencesWhy Active Theory?Work alongside a highly talented, thoughtful, and creative teamHigh trust, autonomy, and ownership over how you work and how projects get builtOpportunity to shape technical direction and developer culture at a growing studioBuild experiences for some of the world’s most recognized brandsA role with real impact on client outcomes, team health, and studio-wide craft
