The RoleWe're seeking a forward-thinking Creative Director to lead the next evolution of creative at IW Group. This role is for a hybrid thinker-someone who moves fluidly across storytelling, design, and technology-and is excited to bring ideas to life using both traditional craft and emerging AI tools.
You will lead integrated creative across social, film, and brand experiences, transforming insights into culturally relevant, high-impact work. This is a hands-on leadership role that blends concept development, team direction, client partnership, and rapid prototyping.
We're looking for someone who doesn't see AI as a shortcut, but as a multiplier of creativity-someone who builds, experiments, and pushes ideas beyond the expected.
What You'll Do- Lead the creative process from concept to execution across:
- Social-first campaigns
- Video (short- and long-form)
- Brand activations and experiential work
- Translate marketing objectives into clear, innovative creative strategies
- Develop and uphold brand standards across all touchpoints
- Guide multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, culturally relevant work
- Partner with strategy, production, and clients to bring ideas to life
- Use AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Midjourney, Runway, Sora) to:
- Rapidly prototype and visualize ideas
- Create compelling proofs of concept
- Enhance creative workflows and outputs
- Think beyond campaigns to build:
- Scalable content systems
- Participatory and community-driven ideas
- Lead client presentations, pitches, and creative reviews
- Oversee project scope, timelines, budgets, and overall creative quality
- Stay hands-on when needed-concepting, writing, directing, or making
- Mentor and develop creative talent, fostering both craft and AI fluency
- Contribute to hiring, training, and team growth
What You'll BringEducation and Experience- Bachelor's degree in Advertising, Marketing, Design, Communications, or related field
- 7+ years of experience in a creative agency or similar environment
- Very experienced Associate Creative Director ready to step up or Creative Director level
- Proven portfolio demonstrating ideas brought to life across channels (not just presentations)
Skills and Abilities- Strong conceptual thinking with the ability to execute and guide execution
- Deep understanding of brand development and integrated marketing
- Experience leading social-first and culturally driven campaigns
- Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills
- Confidence working directly with clients and internal stakeholders
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
- Hands-on experience with AI tools in the creative process
- Ability to iterate quickly, prototype ideas, and stay close to the work
- Strong understanding of design, copy, and digital best practices
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with experiential marketing and brand activations
- Background in content creation, film, or design
- Experience working with multicultural or cross-generational audiences
- Industry experience in QSR, automotive, or culturally driven brands
- Passion for emerging technologies and innovation in creative production
Benefits & Perks- Salary: $140,000 - $160,000, commensurate with experience
- Hybrid work model (three in-office days per week)
- 20 PTO days annually
- 20 paid holidays (including Thanksgiving & Christmas week)
- Birthday off
- Year-round Flex Fridays (half-day Fridays)
- Competitive health, dental, and vision coverage
- Employer-sponsored Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Long-Term Disability (LTD) coverage
- 401(k) with company match
- Cell phone reimbursement
- Parking and commuter benefits
- Employee referral program
- Collaborative, growth-oriented team environment
The Hybrid Work Model- Work Model: IW Group supports a hybrid work schedule. Teams are required to work in-office at least three days per week, Tuesday through Thursday.
- Work Environment: This role is based primarily in the IW Group office and may also involve working at client sites or other designated locations.
- Work Hours: Project timelines may occasionally require extended hours, including evenings or weekends.
- Travel and Events: This role may involve working outside the office for client events and may include occasional travel beyond the local area, including national or international locations.
Physical Requirements- Engage in a variety of activities, from sitting and using your hands to talking, hearing, standing, walking, and occasionally stooping or kneeling.
- Vision abilities required include close vision.
