Head of Creative, Athleta

About the role

The Head of Creative for Athleta leads the brand’s visual identity and storytelling across all consumer touchpoints, driving creative excellence that connects purpose, performance, and community. This role is central to expressing Athleta’s mission of igniting the limitless potential of women and girls through powerful, purpose-driven creative work that inspires movement and belonging.

Reporting

Reports directly to the Chief Marketing Officer, the Head of Creative is a key member of the Athleta Leadership Team and oversees the internal creative organization—including art direction, copywriting, design, and styling—while partnering cross-functionally across Marketing, Product, Visual Merchandising, and external creative agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and evolve a creative strategy that authentically connects with women and girls, inspiring confidence, movement, and connection.
• Champion creative concepts that build belonging and purpose across retail, digital, social, packaging, and experiential channels.
• Ensure all creative expressions reflect Athleta’s unique brand voice, maintaining consistency and emotional resonance across every touchpoint.
• Leverage consumer and cultural insights to inform creative decisions that drive engagement and strengthen brand connection.
• Define and execute a holistic creative vision aligned with Athleta’s long-range brand plan and marketing strategy.
• Drive a high-performance creative culture that values inclusivity, innovation, and results.
• Partner with Brand Marketing, Product, and Visual Merchandising to ensure creative direction supports business goals and strengthens Athleta’s market distinction.
• Collaborate with external agencies to deliver integrated campaigns that uphold brand integrity and inspire meaningful consumer action.
• Cultivate a diverse and high-performing team that leads with imagination, collaboration, and accountability.
• Build and inspire a diverse, world-class creative organization through mentorship, empowerment, and ongoing development.
• Attract and retain exceptional creative talent with a focus on growth, curiosity, and collaboration.
• Encourage cross-functional partnership to align creative execution with marketing and brand storytelling.
• Champion creative consistency across all channels—retail, digital, social, packaging, and events—to deliver a cohesive and inspiring brand experience.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive creative direction experience within apparel, lifestyle, or agency environments.
• Proven success driving brand evolution through emotionally resonant, purpose-driven creative work.
• Experience developing and mentoring diverse, high-performing creative teams.
• Strong ability to build trust and alignment across internal partners and external agencies.
• Expertise in design, photography, and digital best practices with a strong understanding of omnichannel marketing.
• Ability to assess and optimize creative performance against business goals.
• Exceptional storytelling, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, G-Suite, Keynote, and related tools.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support creative initiatives and cross-functional collaboration.

Skills

• Strategic Storytelling
• Team Building
• Collaboration
• Execution Excellence
• Analytical Mindset
• Inspirational Communicator

Benefits

Merchandise discount for our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta, and 30% off at Outlet for all employees.

One of the most competitive Paid Time Off plans in the industry.

Employees can take up to five “on the clock” hours each month to volunteer at a charity of their choice.

Extensive 401(k) plan with company matching for contributions up to four percent of an employee’s base pay.

Employee stock purchase plan.

Medical, dental, vision and life insurance.