Creative Director

About the role

Reporting directly to the assigned Executive Creative Director, the Creative Director works closely with clients to create an original idea during the ideation process. Applying expert knowledge of design processes, trends, and materials—combined with research—this role contributes by problem-solving and presenting the right solution for each unique client. The Creative Director is an essential leader and role model within the Creative Studio.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and contribute to the project team’s executed design solution and deliverables for assigned projects
• Define and hold project teams accountable for executing and delivering quality solutions efficiently within project deadlines, ensuring direction and feedback from project leadership is incorporated
• Lead client presentations and communications, ensuring presentations meet DI standards before client meetings
• Conduct QA/QC on solutions across all design phases: Conceptual, Schematic, Design Development, and Construction Documentation
• Provide leadership to project teams, set project-based expectations and requirements around design fidelity as it pertains to the design phases
• Ensure deadlines are met and work aligns with client expectations
• Interface directly with outside team counterparts and internal departments to identify issues, track them, and collectively develop solutions
• Maintain a “go where needed” attitude and outlook on the role
• Develop project plans while considering available resources and project budgets
• Maintain a flexible travel schedule and be available to travel on short notice based on project and client needs
• Steward and manage process improvements and best practices within the department
• Articulate and share information and knowledge as a DI subject matter expert
• Champion, mentor, and support the success of Creative Studio team members
• Provide leadership, guidance, and development to direct reports; document performance expectations and challenges as needed
• Conduct weekly one-on-one touch bases with direct reports to review project assignments, status, and any areas of concern

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong proficiency with design programs (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and SketchUp), research skills (for storytelling), and digital or hand sketching abilities to convey design concepts
• Consistently shares skills and knowledge to support direct reports and the Creative Studio team
• Ability to give direction and constructive critique and document situations as needed
• Exemplary team player and role model
• Provides leadership in the midst of adversity
• Maintains quality control of design documents by all Creative Studio team members
• Demonstrates strong personal time management and multi-tasking skills; provides direction and assistance to team members to do the same
• Exercises independent thinking, solutions, and autonomy with day-to-day tasks and project assignments
• Knowledge of materials and fabrication methods relevant to design
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship management, including managing and mentoring multiple project teams
• Experience with business development, estimating, writing proposals, and creative briefs
• Actively contributes to recruiting and team development for the Creative Studio in collaboration with designated People Team members
• Champions and contributes to Creative Studio vision plans

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.F.A.) in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture, or related field
• At least 10 years’ experience in an environmental or branded environments design role required, with proven leadership skills
• Excellent time management skills and critical attention to detail at all times
• Proven written and verbal communication skills with clients and team members, including delivery of constructive feedback as needed
• Sound judgment, business sensibility, and discretion required

Physical Demands

• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, climb, crouch, or crawl
• Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• Must be able to talk and hear

Work Environment

Due to onsite fabrication processes, employees may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and outside weather conditions.