Creative Director

Job Summary

Shake Shack is looking for a Creative Director to lead the evolution of its internal creative studio into an industry-leading creative powerhouse. The Creative Director will be responsible for the ideas that define how the brand shows up across campaigns and experiences and will have the opportunity to shape the brand’s next chapter as a cultural institution. We’re looking for someone as driven to build teams and internal capabilities as they are to land groundbreaking creative work — this person will embody Enlightened Hospitality by bringing their humility, talent, care and craft to a leadership team that readily embraces the power of bold, meaningful creativity in growing the business.

This newly defined role calls for a leader who can carry a concept from brief through production without losing what made it special and get the very most from their team and the wider cross-functional marketing group in landing successful solutions.

Organizationally, this person will partner with the Director of Creative Studio as complementary leaders: The Creative Director owning the creative vision and the Director of Creative Studio owning the production strategy, operational approach, resourcing and delivery required to bring that vision to life.

Key Responsibilities

Crack the creative idea

Translate business and brand briefs into concepts with a defined point of view. Own the articulation of each idea and the case for it with senior stakeholders.

Lead integrated campaign development

Bring a strong understanding of contemporary culture, social behavior and platform-native storytelling with the ability to develop ideas that translate naturally across channels, ensuring a consistent brand experience at every touchpoint.

Advance the brand’s identity in market

Lead the creative expression of Shake Shack's evolving identity, including tone, craft standards, and the distinctive assets the brand builds equity in over time.

Own the visual standard

Art direct photography and video from casting through post, maintaining creative excellence and consistency across every visual touchpoint.

Manage internal and external creative resources

Partner across internal and external creative resources. Guide the creative output of designers, copywriters, agencies and production partners. Collaborate with the Director of Creative Studio on resource planning, partner selection, scopes, budgets and production models, bringing in external expertise where scale or specialty warrants.

Lead, inspire and develop the creative team.

Set a compelling creative vision that energizes the team and inspires ambitious thinking. Direct, mentor and grow designers and copywriters, creating an environment where people feel supported in taking thoughtful creative risks. Establish clear feedback standards and foster a collaborative creative culture that attracts, develops and retains exceptional talent.

Required Qualifications

• 8 to 10 years of professional creative experience, including 3 to 5 years leading creative teams
• Demonstrated ability to create integrated campaigns with measurable cultural and business impact. Portfolio should include at least one campaign led from concept through execution
• Combination of agency and in-house experience preferred, ideally within food, beverage, hospitality, or another high-frequency consumer category
• Excellent conceptual development, copywriting, and art direction skills with production know-how
• Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and organizational skills
• Proven ability to balance creative ambition with business objectives and operational constraints.
• Ability to maintain creative standards in a high-volume, fast-paced environment

Reporting and Location

Reports to the VP of Marketing. The position sits within Shake Shack's internal Creative Studio, with cross-functional partnership across Brand Marketing, Culinary, Operations, and Digital.

Based in New York, 3 days per week onsite.

Benefits at Shake Shack:

A work environment where you can come as you are, share your ideas, have fun, and work collaboratively:

• Weekly Pay and Performance bonuses

• Shake Shack Meal Discounts

• Exclusive corporate discounts for travel, electronics, wellness, leisure activities and more

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance*

• Employer Paid Life and Disability Insurance*

• 401k Plan with Company Match*

• Paid Time Off*

• Paid Parental Leave*

• Access to Employee Assistance Program on Day 1

• Pre-Tax Commuter and Parking Benefits

• Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts*

• Development and Growth Opportunities

*Eligibility criteria applies

Pay Range - $170,487.50 - $228,362.50

Click the "Apply" button above to apply for this opening.