The Creative Strategy Manager will champion innovation, foster a culture of collaboration and creativity, and leverage emerging technologies, including AI-powered creative and productivity tools, to improve workflows, accelerate execution, and elevate creative outcomes. They will partner closely with the other Marketing managers and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure projects, campaigns, and product launches are delivered on time, on budget, and with exceptional quality.

Job Summary:
The Creative Strategy Manager will lead the creative strategy, execution, and brand expression across all customer touchpoints. This role is responsible for overseeing a multidisciplinary team of designers, copywriters, and photographers while ensuring the consistent delivery of compelling, on-brand creative that supports business objectives and enhances the member and customer experience.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and execute the creative vision and brand strategy across retail, eCommerce, marketing, product, and member-focused initiatives.
• Ensure consistent application of brand standards, messaging, and visual identity across all customer and member touchpoints.
• Lead the creation of integrated marketing campaigns and creative solutions across print, digital, social media, photography, video, email, merchandising, and packaging channels.
• Direct, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of creative professionals, including copywriters, senior graphic designers, and photographers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
• Partner with the Campaign Operations Manager to align creative development with project timelines and delivery workflows.
• Establish team priorities, manage workloads, and align creative resources with organizational goals and business needs.
• Oversee creative operations, project workflows, budgets, timelines, and resource allocation to ensure efficient and high-quality execution.
• Drive continuous improvement of creative processes, tools, and workflows to enhance productivity, scalability, and business impact.
• Champion the adoption of AI-powered tools and emerging technologies to improve creative development, content creation, and operational efficiency.
• Lead creative production activities, including photography, video, art direction, content development, and collaboration with internal and external production partners.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders, agencies, freelancers, and vendors to translate business objectives into effective creative strategies and successful campaign execution.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Job Competencies:
Knowledge of: Print production, retail signage, packaging, catalogs, direct mail, and digital marketing channels including web, email, social media, and eCommerce; AI-powered creative and productivity tools and their application to creative development, content creation, and workflow optimization; creative production processes, agency management, vendor relations, and budget administration. Advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom, and related creative tools.
Skill in: Proven leadership skills in managing multidisciplinary teams, including designers, copywriters, photographers, and external creative resources; strong visual storytelling, concept development, and presentation skills; strong project management, prioritization, and organizational skills; exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to: Balance strategic thinking with hands-on creative execution; maintain high levels of quality, creativity, and attention to detail while working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments; collaborate effectively across multiple business functions and organizational levels; develop and execute successful brand strategies, integrated marketing campaigns, and creative solutions as demonstrated through a strong portfolio of work.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education Level: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Graphic Design, Business Administration, or related field.
Experience: 8+ years of progressive creative, graphic design, or brand marketing experience in a fast-paced environment. 3+ years of experience leading and developing creative teams.
Certification/License: None.
Preferences: Previous experience supervising employees.
Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above-specified education and experience requirements.

Conditions of Employment: Must pass a criminal history background check.

Physical Requirements:

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms, and other printed materials and information.
• Finger dexterity for extended keyboard use and data entry.
• Hearing acuity for verbal communication, conversations, face-to-face interactions, and/or responses via telephone and telephone systems.
• Speaking ability for general communication and ability to clearly enunciate in conversations with others.

This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Salary Range: $95,000 - $125,000