Creative Director IV, Experiential Events [AQ-11294]

About the Role

Aquent is partnering with a leading global professional services organization to find a visionary leader who will craft compelling narratives and bring them to life through groundbreaking experiential events. In this role, you will set and implement creative strategy and vision, delivering high-level design solutions for client-facing teams. You’ll pitch innovative concepts to senior executives, inspire your team, and ensure every aspect of the attendee experience is meticulously designed to create cohesive, impactful events.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop groundbreaking 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 consistent creative quality.
• Lead strategic creative sessions to develop compelling stories and multifaceted concepts aligned with core business objectives.
• Translate client objectives into clear strategies by crafting powerful messages, stories, and concepts for each event.
• Proactively pitch innovative work with creative thinking, thorough research, and compelling visual storytelling.
• Guide the team in creating forward-thinking creative strategies, briefs, and storyboards that align with current event trends.
• Facilitate dynamic creative brainstorming sessions, introducing innovative perspectives to elevate brand and event experiences.
• Mentor and coach team members, fostering their creative development and growth.
• Collaborate with management to identify, develop, and promote team skills and services.
• Drive creative quality and consistency across all experiential event support.
• Continuously seek new opportunities to drive innovation and introduce fresh ways of thinking.
• Travel onsite to support events as needed.

Requirements

• A strong creative, digital, and event portfolio demonstrating strategic ideas and visual storytelling across varying experiential touchpoints in a B2B environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, digital design, or a related creative discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Eight years of event experience as a Creative Director or in a full-service event agency.
• Comprehensive knowledge of event and creative industry practices, digital trends, innovation, and technology.
• Advanced creative conceptual design skills with the ability to critically evaluate colleagues’ concepts.
• Proven ability to concept and develop outstanding creative with teams, effectively sell ideas to clients, and adapt at every step of the process.
• Strong experience pitching concepts and big ideas with clear strategic intent, simplifying business complexities for diverse audiences.
• Excellent client relationship-building and teaming skills; a strong influencer, collaborator, and consensus builder.
• Experience mentoring and developing designers in a virtual environment, focusing on conceptual and presentation skills, and providing constructive written feedback for growth.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a creative team, delegate effectively, and foster strong teamwork.
• Passion for continuous learning, staying 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.
• Agility in a fast-paced environment while producing quality work in high-pressure situations.
• Advanced knowledge of graphics software tools including Adobe Creative Suite, proficiency in Microsoft Office including PowerPoint, working in both a PC and Mac environment.

Benefits

Eligible talent through Aquent Talent get access to:

• Subsidized health, vision, and dental plans.
• Paid sick leave.
• Retirement plans with a match.
• Free online training through Aquent Gymnasium.