Creative Director

Northern is North America’s leading digital experience agency. We unite creativity, technology and performance marketing to create immersive digital experiences for leading brands in their pursuit of digital transformation. We have strategically assembled a group of innovators, who have a passion for technology, design and improving online experiences.

Our team is made up of individuals who are dedicated to making a difference in the digital landscape. Our experts have specialized knowledge and expertise in building websites that stand out from the rest, both in look and in functionality. Our full-service solutions means we are committed to a project from the beginning stages of planning and development to the stages of strategic promotion and marketing..

Our employees are challenged to uphold the highest standards and together we strive to exceed all expectations. We are currently seeking a Creative Director who will complement our passion for advertising, technology and performance-based results.

What We’re Looking For

We are currently seeking a highly motivated Creative Director to join our team. The Creative Director will be responsible for defining process, planning, creating, and delivering a strategic, centric vision for clients.

The Creative Director uses an understanding of clients and their business goals to direct the team in their design tactics. This individual will own the department’s strategic and creative approach, overseeing the quality of all design work while presenting and defending the creative.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Define the strategic and creative approach for creative engagements, ensuring that creative strategies are grounded in key consumer and industry insights
• Successfully lead and facilitate creative meetings and workshops with external and internal stakeholders
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of client creative and business objectives
• Lead in maintaining client relationships by directing creative solutions and providing support to internal stakeholders
• Present and defend creative concepts to achieve internal and external alignment
• Define best practices for training tools, design processes and quality standards
• Ensure creative quality across accounts and make recommendations to meet and surpass account expectations
• Provide support for design team efficiency and budget usage
• Determine which tools are utilized and defines a standard process
• Provide support formulating policies, procedures and strategic plans for future department growth and project delivery
• Facilitate the completion of creative strategies and proposal generation
• Define success KPIs and benchmarks to ensure the successful completion of campaign goals
• Build new relationships at the leadership/executive level of client business development meetings
• Attend short-list presentations to pitch proposed solutions
• Research existing “pin” clients to identify business opportunities internally and within their industry vertical
• Provide time and value estimates for work with existing clients
• Ensure creative solution mix matches with client budget and objectives
• Explore and champion design trends and tactics to enhance Northern’s creative offering, client value and competitive positioning in the market
• Identify and develop service offering narratives that enable Northern to expand both new and existing client services
• Source and manage relationships with vendors that contribute to Northern's service offerings, capabilities and overall project success
• Develop and implement professional development strategies for the team
• Manage Team Lead(s), taking responsibility for their job satisfaction, engagement, and success
• Provide regular performance feedback to direct reports, completing performance reviews annually
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new team members

Knowledge, Education, & Experience Required

• 8-10 years’ experience, preferably as an Art Director or Creative Director in an agency environment.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience managing a team.
• A College diploma, University degree in a related field
• A portfolio with conceptual examples of websites, eCommerce, packaging, brand development, and digital marketing, including paid advertising.
• Proficient in the fundamentals of graphic design and the functionality and utilization of the extended Adobe Suite and Sketch.
• Experience directing projects that meet accessibility and UI standards combined with UX research.
• Ability to be creative and clearly communicate ideas, leading a department and taking ownership of the work the department creates.
• Experience using strong communication and leadership skills to coach/mentor, share best practices, and identify growth opportunities.
• Ability to understand the clients’ business, industry, and their needs.
• Ability to think critically to analyze issues by planning, prioritizing and organizing work while anticipating and adjusting to change.

At Northern we recognize that experience comes in many different forms. If your experience is similar to what we’re looking for, please consider applying. We know that the best problem-solving and creative thinkers are those with thought diversity; that’s why we’re dedicated to adding new perspectives to our team.

Benefits

In exchange for your talent and expertise, Northern is committed to providing competitive compensation, health benefits, flexible work schedules, delicious meals, company retreats, opportunities for growth and professional development, and a fun, supportive environment that will allow you to be your best!

Equity and Diversity

Northern invites applications from all qualified individuals. Northern is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from all individuals, including but not limited to members of visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodations please let us know when you apply.