Creative Director, Brand & Content

About the role

The Creative Director will lead the Brand & Content team in shaping Smartly's brand across various platforms and initiatives. Reporting to the SVP of Brand & Content, this role requires a blend of creative leadership, people management, and conceptual thinking.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of designers, fostering an environment where creativity thrives and team members can grow professionally.
• Develop creative concepts and campaigns that reinforce Smartly's brand identity and resonate with target audiences.
• Provide clear creative direction and feedback throughout the creative process, ensuring alignment with business objectives and brand standards.
• Partner with cross-functional teams such as Brand, Content, Product Marketing, Communications, and others to translate business strategies into compelling creative solutions.
• Elevate the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of Smartly's visual identity across all channels and touchpoints.
• Review and approve creative work, ensuring it aligns with strategic objectives, brand guidelines, and quality expectations.
• Establish and refine creative processes, workflows, and ways of working that support the team's scalability and impact.
• Stay updated on design, advertising, and cultural trends, applying fresh thinking and innovative approaches to the team's work.

Requirements

• Experience leading and developing creative teams, including direct people management responsibilities.
• Strong background in graphic design, brand design, visual communication, or a related creative discipline.
• Experience as a conceptual Art Director, with a portfolio showcasing strong campaign thinking and creative problem-solving.
• Ability to translate strategy, messaging, and business goals into engaging creative concepts and visual storytelling.
• Deep understanding of typography, layout, visual systems, and brand identity.
• Experience partnering with cross-functional stakeholders and providing feedback from multiple audiences.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills.
• Able to balance creative excellence with practical business outcomes.
• Experience working with consumer-facing brands or B2C marketing is preferred, but not required.
• Experience working in technology, SaaS, or high-growth environments is a plus.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in creative leadership and design.
• Proven track record of successful campaign development and execution.
• Portfolio demonstrating strong conceptual and creative problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing and mentoring a team of designers.
• Knowledge of branding, visual communication, and design principles.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Skills

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Exceptional creative vision and ability to inspire and guide a team.
• Effective communication and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Understanding of brand identity and visual systems.
• Experience with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite.

Benefits

• Five weeks paid time off (PTO)
• 11 company paid holidays
• Unlimited sick days
• Generous healthcare packages & mental health benefits
• 401K plus matching & equity grants for all new Smartlies
• Wellness benefit & learning reimbursement opportunities
• Volunteer time off days & company donation matching opportunities

Pay

The base pay range for this position is $120,000 - $150,000 per year, with an annual performance bonus. Final salary is determined based on experience, background, and qualifications.

Schedule

Full-time position.