Creative Director (Experiential)

About the role

This is a 3-6 month, hybrid role with a strong potential to extend and/or convert to full time. Some travel required (20 - 40%). CST or EST work hours preferred. Candidates must be in one of these locations and agree to a hybrid work arrangement (Onsite on Day 1 and as required by business needs) - Atlanta, Cleveland, Boston, New York, Austin, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Nashville, Orlando or St. Louis.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop creative ideas for experiential events, branded activations, and select sponsorships.
• Set and implement the creative strategy, direction, and vision for high-level projects and events, ensuring the maintenance of creative quality and consistency in our approach.
• Lead creative strategy sessions to develop the story and multifaceted concepts that align with core business objectives.
• Translate client objectives into clear strategies by crafting compelling messages, stories, and concepts for each event.
• Proactively pitch work with creative thinking, research and visual storytelling.
• Guide the team in creating forward-thinking creative strategies, briefs, and storyboards that align with current event trends.
• Facilitate creative brainstorming sessions, introducing innovative perspectives to continually elevate our brand and event experiences.
• Mentor and coach team members in their creative development.
• Collaborate with management team to identify, develop, and promote team skills and services.
• Drive creative quality and consistency across experiential event support.
• Look for new opportunities to drive innovation and bring new ways of thinking.

Requirements

• Strong creative, digital and event portfolio demonstrating strategic ideas and visual storytelling across varying experiential touchpoints in a B2B environment.
• Agility in a fast-paced environment while producing quality work in high-pressure situations.
• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, digital design or related creative discipline or equivalent experience.
• At least 8 years of event experience as a Creative Director or as a CD in a full-service event agency.
• Advanced knowledge with graphics software tools including Adobe Creative Suite.
• Proficiency in Workfront and Microsoft Office (including PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams) working in both a PC and Mac environment.
• Familiarity with 3D software and AI creative workflows.
• Comprehensive knowledge in event and creative industry practices, digital trends, innovation and technology.
• Advanced creative conceptual design skills with ability to critique colleagues concepts.
• Ability to concept and develop outstanding creative with the teams, sell it to clients, and adapt at every step along the way.
• Strong experience pitching concepts/ big ideas clearly and strategic intent with the ability to simplify business complexities.
• Strong influencer, collaborator and consensus builder with excellent client relationship-building and teaming skills.
• Experience mentoring and developing designers, in a virtual environment, in conceptual and presentation skills and providing critiques and constructive written feedback for growth and development.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a creative team, delegate and team effectively.
• Passion for continuous learning, keeping current with design trends and effectively sharing knowledge.
• Superb communication and presentation skills, active listening and diplomacy when working with team members and business partners.
• Able to travel onsite to support events.

Qualifications

• Passport and valid visa required for international travel.

Skills

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Workfront
• Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
• 3D software
• AI creative workflows
• Event and creative industry practices
• Digital trends
• Innovation
• Design trends
• Client relationship-building
• Team management
• Communication and presentation skills
• Travel

Benefits

• Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) medical plan
• Dental/vision/term life package
• Discount prescription program
• Critical illness, accident, tele-behavioral health
• 401(k) plan