The Studio Director sits at the intersection of strategy and creative execution, leading digital production for performance marketing and content programs. You connect strategy, creative, paid media, and analytics at every critical touchpoint, using platform and audience insights to sharpen concepts through strategic, creative context. As the connective tissue across disciplines, you ensure strategy, media, analytics, and creative work together to deliver stronger business outcomes.
This role leads with curiosity and aims high, taking calculated risks and bringing clarity and plans to ambiguity along the way.
The Director leads JPL's Studio team within our Creative organization and collaborates closely with leads across JPL and with client creative and technical teams.
This role offers flexibility with in-office and remote work opportunities. However, due to the nature of the role, much of the work is done onsite in Harrisburg, PA or at a client location.Responsibilities:- Direct content production, blending strategy, creative, and analytics insights with emerging digital trends to power content programs, social media, and campaigns.
- Own the full Content Design process from ideation to execution across multiple projects - setting creative vision, pitching concepts, and championing innovative, audience-centric work that aligns with business goals.
- Manage and oversee the Studio team focused on Content Design: content producers, designers, animators, editors, and contractors. Guide performance coaching and career discussions to build skillsets and strong creative thinking.
- Lead the team day-to-day with hands-on digital expertise across social media, video, animation, and ad production.
- Create practical solutions that solve large-scale creative challenges by partnering with cross-functional teams: Content Writing, Paid Media, Creative, Video, Analytics, and Strategy.
- Produce quick-turn assets at a senior level (photography, animation, design), leading the team to stay ahead of emerging audiovisual techniques and digital platforms.
- Serve as a hands-on player-coach: mentor, inspire excellence, sharpen creative work, and grow the broader creative team, ensuring every idea pushes boundaries while staying grounded in strategy.
- Work regularly with AI tools and proprietary data, aligned with JPL's AI POV and responsible-use policy, and uphold privacy and transparency standards.
- Partner with clients and strategy teams to define goals for marketing campaigns and content programs.
- Research platforms, markets, and target audiences; partner with Analytics to turn data and user research into content that performs better across platforms and leverage each channel's unique behaviors, formats, and storytelling opportunities to connect with audiences where they are.
- Safeguard brand identity, tone, and aesthetic consistency across all content.
- Stay ahead of digital trends, technologies, and the evolving role of AI in content design.
- Commit to continuous learning on emerging AI tools and data, whether as an AI Pioneer or in partnership with direct reports who are.
- Take on other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:- 10+ years in an agency, marketing firm, or corporate marketing department with a digital content design focus.
- Deep knowledge of digital platforms and their requirements (Meta, X, TikTok, YouTube, etc.), backed by a strong content creation portfolio with demonstrated success developing platform-first creative work that balances brand storytelling with performance objectives.
- Strategic brand, marketing, and communications/campaign experience in higher education, healthcare, CPG, and/or niche B2B is required.
- Expertise in current digital marketing, analytics, and lead-nurturing strategies, with strength in omni-channel performance marketing and creative optimization.
- A track record of translating consumer insights into impactful creative that drives business growth through critical thinking and strategic execution.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with experience guiding teams through ambiguity; proven ability to bridge internal and external perspectives and inspire teams with clear, actionable plans and the rationale behind them.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Excellent client-facing and presentation skills, with a collaborative style that engages senior-level clients and creates a positive client experience. Deep experience in new business pitches.
- Experience with, or openness to, using AI to support personnel performance, goal setting, and team development.
- Proficiency in Meta Business Manager, social media ad platforms, Adobe programs, and Microsoft Office.
- Strong leadership and budgeting acumen to keep the department productive and profitable.
- Ability to multitask and collaborate effectively across teams.
