Executive Creative Director - Visual Content (In-Office or Remote Based on Location)
About the role
Zions Bancorporation is a leading financial institution with a strong commitment to being the premier employer of choice. The company is expanding its marketing team to build a Creative Studio that will transform how they connect with customers. This role is part of a broader initiative to reimagine marketing within a bank known for its experienced bankers, exceptional service, and local leadership.
Responsibilities
Partner with marketing leadership, business segment leads, and affiliate marketing teams to translate business objectives into compelling visual strategies, concepts, and execution.
Lead the creative development and visual content direction of integrated campaigns across digital, print, experiential, and emerging channels.
Establish and maintain visual identity systems that work across diverse audiences—from mass market clients to high-net-worth segments.
Source and hire freelance photo/video teams, illustrators. Source existing visual assets from creators. Curate stock photography.
Direct the creative development process from initial brief through final execution, ensuring work meets both design excellence and regulatory compliance standards.
Mentor and develop creative talent, fostering a culture of curiosity, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.
Collaborate with legal, compliance, and risk teams to push creative boundaries while maintaining appropriate guardrails.
Manage freelancer contracting, budgets, production schedules, and an image library of photography, video, and illustration.
Compellingly present creative work to senior leadership and stakeholders.
Stay attuned to design trends, visual storytelling innovation, and evolving client expectations in financial services.
Roll up your sleeves and contribute to both day-to-day creative needs and large-scale campaigns in this hands-on role.
Requirements
Ten or more years of progressive creative leadership experience, with significant time spent developing visual identity systems and brand design frameworks.
Proven ability to balance creativity with the constraints of regulated industries.
Exceptional visual sensibility across formats and channels, from digital experiences to large-scale campaigns.
Strategic thinking that connects business goals to visual expression and customer experience.
Experience leading and developing creative teams, with a track record of attracting and retaining top talent.
Expertise and experience with contracting processes and intellectual property law.
Acumen in managing image libraries.
Comfort presenting to and influencing C-suite executives and board members.
Understanding of how visual identity intersects with customer experience, product design, and business strategy.
Proactive problem solving and collaboration skills that succeed in matrixed organizations and cross-functional partnerships.
Qualifications
Deep portfolio demonstrating excellence in visual storytelling, ideally within financial services, fintech, pharma, journalism or other trust-driven industries.
Experience in production methods, supervising retouching and color correction.
Comfort presenting to and influencing C-suite executives and board members.
Understanding of how visual identity intersects with customer experience, product design, and business strategy.
Proactive problem solving and collaboration skills that succeed in matrixed organizations and cross-functional partnerships.
Skills
Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills.
Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Knowledge of financial services and branding best practices.
Experience working with a diverse team and understanding of different client needs.
Benefits
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance - START DAY ONE!
Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
Health Savings (HSA), Flexible Spending (FSA) and dependent care accounts
Paid Training, Paid Time Off (PTO) and 11 Paid Federal Holidays, and any applicable state holidays
401(k) plan with company match, Profit Sharing
Competitive compensation in line with work experience
Mental health benefits including coaching and therapy sessions
Tuition Reimbursement for qualifying employees enrolled in an accredited degree program related to the needs of the business, maximum of $5,250 per calendar year, employees are eligible for the program upon hire
Employee Ambassador preferred banking products—a complete set of checking, savings, loan and payment benefits exclusively available to you as an employee of Zions Bancorporation.
Deep portfolio demonstrating excellence in visual storytelling, ideally within financial services, fintech, pharma, journalism or other trust-driven industries.
Experience in production methods, supervising retouching and color correction.
Comfort presenting to and influencing C-suite executives and board members.
Understanding of how visual identity intersects with customer experience, product design, and business strategy.
Proactive problem solving and collaboration skills that succeed in matrixed organizations and cross-functional partnerships.
Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills.
Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Knowledge of financial services and branding best practices.
Experience working with a diverse team and understanding of different client needs.
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance - START DAY ONE!
Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
Health Savings (HSA), Flexible Spending (FSA) and dependent care accounts
Paid Training, Paid Time Off (PTO) and 11 Paid Federal Holidays, and any applicable state holidays
401(k) plan with company match, Profit Sharing
Competitive compensation in line with work experience
Mental health benefits including coaching and therapy sessions
Tuition Reimbursement for qualifying employees enrolled in an accredited degree program related to the needs of the business, maximum of $5,250 per calendar year, employees are eligible for the program upon hire
Employee Ambassador preferred banking products—a complete set of checking, savings, loan and payment benefits exclusively available to you as an employee of Zions Bancorporation.