Creative Director (Art Direction)

Overview: 

We are seeking a dynamic Creative Director (Art Director) to join our award-winning agency, where creativity, innovation, and an all-in company culture drives everything we do. This role will focus on expert stewardship of our clients and leading creative teams towards our best work. We service clients that are attuned to a high level of craft, conceptual thinking, and campaign work that’s driven by strategy.  As the Creative Director, you will be expected to run 1-2 mid-sized pieces of businesses as the creative lead, as well as partner with other CDs/ECDs on new business pitches. You will be at the helm of developing transformative creative solutions that span multiple channels, including traditional advertising, digital experiences, branded content, experiential marketing, and influencing culture through social media. You’ll collaborate with a talented cross-functional team to bring our client’s brand visions to life in ways that captivate and engages their consumers, grabs the attention of competitors in the industry, and inspires creatives within and outside of the Carmichael Lynch network. With a strong emphasis on creative, strategy, brand leadership, and innovation, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead integrated teams and clients to industry-shaping work. We like to have fun while we’re doing it, too.   

As noted above, you will also dedicate time and be a creative force on our new business team, and should have ample experience pitching new clients and brining wins to Carmichael Lynch.  

Key Responsibilities: 

Creative Leadership: Lead the creative development for all 360/holistic campaigns, overseeing brief development, concepting, client communication, and executions across multiple platforms (TV/TVC, OLV, digital, social, media, experiential, etc.). 

Client Partnership: Build strong, collaborative relationships with key clients, understanding their brand vision, business goals, and customer needs to create impactful brand moments that drive engagement and brand affinity. 

Strategy & Vision: Partner with ECD, CDs, strategists, account directors, and other disciplines to align creative direction with brand strategy, consumer insights, and market trends. 

Team Management: Lead, mentor, and inspire art directors, copywriters, and other creatives, fostering a culture that is “hard on the work, not the people.” 

Concept Development: Lead and in some cases execute the creation of innovative, breakthrough concepts that stand out in a competitive market. 

Quality Control: Ensure all creative work meet the highest standards of quality, craft, and consistency, while always keeping tabs on development opportunities for those you supervise. 

Client Presentations: Present and pitch creative concepts to clients, effectively communicating the rationale behind the ideas and securing client approval, both for current and prospective clients. 

Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with production, digital, social, media, and other teams to bring ideas to life, ensuring seamless execution of creative concepts. 

Trend Monitoring: Stay ahead of industry trends; emerging tech, social/digital platforms, and cultural moments, ensuring the agency’s creative output remains relevant and innovative. 

Cultural Leadership : Be an active participant in our company culture, attending events, mentoring creatives, and celebrating our people and our work avidly.  

Qualifications: 

8+ years of experience in creative roles, with at least 3+ years in a leadership capacity. 

Proven track record of leading and delivering award-winning campaigns. 

Strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of creative work. 

Proven pitch/new business experience with wins in your back pocket. 

Deep understanding of consumer behavior and trends, with the ability to translate these insights into compelling creative concepts. 

Expertise in broadcast, video, social, digital, and experiential creative, with your ear to the streets on emerging technologies, platforms, industry creative, and cultural trends. 

Exceptional leadership, communication, and presentation skills. 

Strong ability to manage, guide, and inspire a creative team while maintaining a collaborative approach. 

Proficiency in creative software (Adobe Creative Suite). 

Broadcast and digital production experience required. 

Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 

Who You Are: 

A strategic and visionary thinker who makes us a better agency day one. 

A natural leader, with the ability to inspire, mentor, and collaborate within cross-functional teams. 

Excellent communication skills, with ample experience pitching ideas confidently and building strong client relationships. 

A high level of professionalism, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and manage multiple projects and people effectively. 

A positive, proactive attitude with the desire to inspire and motivate teams. 

Investment in our company culture. 

Why Join Us: 

Be part of an award-winning and dynamic agency working with iconic brands in the industry. 

Collaborate with a world-class team of creatives, strategists, and producers in a supportive, fast-paced environment. 

Shape industry-leading campaigns and expand your skill set across diverse creative opportunities. 

Competitive salary and benefits, with ample opportunities for career growth and development. 

Apply today to join our team and make an impact on some of the most exciting campaigns in the industry. Minneapolis or Philadelphia location preferred but not required. 

Salary range: $180,000.00 - $215,000.00