Creative Director

We are partnering with a leading creative agency renowned for its innovative approach to branding and marketing, particularly within the higher education sector. This dynamic agency is dedicated to crafting compelling narratives and impactful strategies that resonate deeply with audiences, driving significant results for its diverse portfolio of clients. With a collaborative spirit and a commitment to excellence, they empower organizations to achieve their full potential through strategic creative vision and execution.

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for shaping compelling brand experiences and inspiring creative teams? This is an exceptional opportunity to make a profound impact, driving the creative direction for a diverse portfolio of clients and influencing the strategic vision of an entire agency. You will be at the forefront of developing groundbreaking campaigns, mentoring top talent, and forging deep, trusting relationships that elevate both our clients and our agency to new heights. Join us and unleash your full creative and leadership potential!

As a pivotal member of the leadership team, you will establish the creative vision for engagements of all scales, inspiring interdisciplinary teams of writers, art directors, and designers to produce their best work. Your expertise will be crucial in fostering collaborative relationships across strategy, digital, accounts, media, and research, ensuring the delivery of innovative and high-quality creative solutions.

**Key Responsibilities:**

* **Creative Leadership & Strategy:**

* Collaborate with account and brand planning teams to provide clients with creative strategy for brand platforms, concepts, and marketing campaigns.

* Lead teams of designers, writers, and producers in developing resonant and inspiring concepts rooted in strategic insights.

* Direct the creation of both digital and traditional deliverables, including advertising, style guides, print collateral, and websites.

* Oversee, review, and manage all creative deliverables, coordinating presentations with client-facing teams.

* Lead client meetings and presentations, providing input for client reports and project deliverables.

* Provide thoughtful and timely responses to client inquiries and requests.

* Participate in discovery sessions and meetings related to brand and creative development.

* Offer strategic expertise throughout projects, including input on scope, budgets, and deliverables.

* Manage resource allocation, determining creative team composition based on project needs.

* Develop or approve creative project timelines, ensuring high-quality, on-time, and on-budget delivery.

* **Integrated Creative Direction:**

* Collaborate with User Experience and Development teams to create diverse website experiences, directing art and editorial for storytelling and content.

* Partner with Video teams and external partners to bring concepts to life, including script development, storyboarding, art/photography direction, and post-production reviews.

* Work with Media Strategy to design and deliver impactful, high-performing campaigns, applying best practices for chosen mediums.

* Collaborate with the Research team by providing input on qualitative and quantitative creative testing survey instruments.

* **Business Development & Thought Leadership:**

* Contribute content related to brand development and creative strategy for proposals and sales presentations.

* Participate in sales presentations to prospective clients.

* Write newsletter and blog articles to position the company as an industry thought leader.

* Develop and maintain relationships with clients and industry professionals to identify potential leads and uphold the company's reputation.

* Assist in developing case studies of project work for the company website and proposals.

* **Management & Mentorship:**

* Cultivate an equitable, inclusive, and psychologically safe work environment where all employees can thrive.

* Attend leadership-level meetings to ensure alignment with agency policy and strategic vision.

* Draft job descriptions in consultation with People & Culture to ensure role clarity.

* Partner with People & Culture in the recruitment process, including resume review, interviewing, and onboarding support.

* Oversee daily operational workflow, granting appropriate autonomy and providing feedback to team members.

* Collaborate with leadership peers to ensure relevant cross-functional processes.

* Coach, mentor, and provide constructive feedback to support professional development, creating growth opportunities.

* Conduct performance evaluations in adherence to agency timelines, ensuring fairness and accuracy.

* Escalate disciplinary activities, performance concerns, or accommodation requests in consultation with People & Culture.

* Participate in workshops and training to enhance management and leadership capabilities.

**Must-Have Qualifications:**

* Eight or more years of experience developing and leading both people and creative engagements for an advertising, design, digital, and/or in-house agency.

* Deep experience working with higher education clients.

* Extensive creative and management experience in an agency setting.

* Excellent verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills.

* Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.

* Proven ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines consistently.

* Strong analytical and independent problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and delegate appropriately.

* Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Miro, InDesign, Microsoft Office Suite, or related software.

* Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

**Physical Requirements:**

* Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

**About Skill**

Skill connects the best professional, IT, engineering, financial and administrative talent with the world's biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to benefits such as health benefit contributions, retirement plans with match and flexible spending accounts.

Skill is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.