Executive Creative Director

We are seeking an innovative Executive Creative Director to lead our creative team and shape our agency’s brand narrative. This role drives creative excellence that differentiates brands and delivers measurable results for Fortune 1000 clients. You will collaborate across the agency to craft breakthrough branding, foster strong client partnerships, and build an inspiring culture. Beyond guiding the creative team, you’ll work with leadership on strategic decisions and support new business growth.

Accountabilities:
Core attributes for this role include leadership, mentorship, strategic thinking, and creative vision.

Leadership

• Lead the creative process and make key decisions for client’s brands and the agency
• Build senior-level client relationships and represent the agency in new business meetings and RFPs
• Serve on the Business and Process Leadership Teams to align creative process with agency goals
• Partner with resourcing leadership to ensure balanced creative workloads across the team

Mentorship

• Lead the hiring, retention, succession and skill growth of the creative department
• Cultivate, inspire and mentor the creative team, providing ongoing feedback and guidance
• Ensure all creative work meets client goals, briefs, timelines and budgets
• Conduct yearly performance reviews to support career development of creative team members
• Foster a culture of innovation, excellence and accountability

Strategic Thinking

• Apply strategic thinking with a balance of analytical and creative insight to uncover unique possibilities
• Collaborate with clients to define brand initiatives aligned to their business objectives
• Participate in the development of brand and activation strategies with core client teams
• Connect brand strategies to in-market engagement initiatives for optimal engagement results
• Stay up to date with industry, engagement and media consumption trends

Creative Vision

• Inspire the team to deliver bold, innovative ideas and campaigns
• Build a portfolio that elevates client brands and achieves KPIs
• Ensure exceptional quality, relevance and differentiation in every project
• Explore and adopt new techniques and technologies to keep client brands ahead of trends
  

Requirements:

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of integrated advertising and marketing experience
• 5+ years managing a creative team
• Proven experience with client leadership, new business, and strategic decision-making
• Comfortable interacting with C-suites, VPs and mid-tier managers
• Led a creative process and team and make key decisions on behalf of the client
• Relevant degree required
  

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Ownership and accountability for outcomes
• Supportive yet high-accountability leadership style
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills
• Collaborative, inclusive, and adaptable in fast-paced environments
• Proactive and agile mindset, ability to thrive in ambiguity and drive projects forward
  

Position Skills

• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Clear, compelling and charismatic presenter in client settings
• Experience with developing digitally-and socially led integrated campaigns
• Understanding of B2B channel, building materials experience is a huge plus
  

Technical Skills

• Working knowledge of Creative Suite; and overall understanding of production is beneficial
• Working knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint and Word
• Deep knowledge and usage of AI
• Experience with digital marketing tools and analytics platforms
• Knowledge of web and mobile design principles, UX/UI best practices, and emerging technologies.
  

Position Requirements

• Full-time onsite in Sylvania, OH; approx. 35% travel for clients, new business, and trade shows
• Requires prolonged sitting for position
• Portfolio required