Ruffwear
Associate Creative Director
Ruffwear, Bend, Oregon, United States, 97707
Summary/ObjectiveThe Senior Manager, Creative leads and inspires Ruffwear’s in-house Creative team to deliver innovative and compelling visual assets and conceptual solutions. This position reports directly to the Chief Marketing Officer and works closely with cross-functional teams across Marketing, Sales, and Product to translate marketing objectives into creative strategies and executions that resonate with our target consumer segments. This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, artistic vision, and leadership skills to drive creative storytelling and brand awareness across various platforms, media, and channels.
Position Requirements
Responsible for setting the creative direction of marketing campaigns and providing guidance on concept development, visual storytelling, and campaign ideation for global brand, seasonal storytelling, and Go-To-Market (GTM) campaign activations.
Oversee the development and execution of creative concepts, from initial ideation to final delivery, ensuring high-quality, on-brand creative work.
Review and provide feedback to the Creative team on visual designs, copywriting, and multimedia content to maintain brand standards, design ethos, and alignment with project goals.
Collaborate with the Chief Marketing Officer and Brand Marketing, Product Line Management, and Sales teams to develop creative strategies and campaigns that align with brand objectives and resonate with target consumer segments across selling channels.
Ensure consistency in brand voice, style, and messaging across all creative assets and channels, and curate a best-in-class consumer journey from first touch to purchase, in-store or online.
Partner with external agencies, freelancers, and vendors as needed to support execution of creative projects and campaigns.
Conduct quality assurance checks on creative deliverables to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand guidelines.
Monitor performance metrics and user feedback to optimize creative strategies and improve campaign effectiveness over time.
Experiment with new creative techniques, formats, and technologies to elevate our brand’s creative output and engagement.
Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and creative best practices to drive continuous innovation and improvement within the Creative team.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Supervisory Responsibility
Manager, Visual Media Production
Graphic Designers, I & II
Copywriter II
Work EnvironmentWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting (Ruffwear office or home office as necessary).
Work Hours
Early morning and/or evening hours are required to work with team members and partners in different time zones.
Travel
Occasional domestic travel may be required.
Required Education and Experience
7+ years of experience in a creative role, with significant experience in concept development, visual design, and campaign execution.
3+ years of supervisory and leadership experience supporting in-house teams responsible for producing visual and written communication assets (graphic design, copy, photography, and videography).
Portfolio showcasing a range of creative projects and campaigns across different platforms and media.
Demonstrated experience leading brand creative, creating brand guidelines, and inspiring creative teams.
Passion for creativity, storytelling, and visual communication.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively present and articulate creative ideas.
Flexibility to adapt to evolving business needs and market trends.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Google Suite, project management tools (Asana, Basecamp, Jira), and other relevant design tools.
Passion for dogs and first-hand understanding of the interactive bond between canines and humans.
Preferred Education and Experience
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Advertising, Marketing, or a related field.
Experience in digital marketing, e-commerce, or technology sectors in the consumer products industry.
This position is available for local candidates already authorized to work in the country in which the position is based. Ruffwear is unable to sponsor work authorization for this position.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities of the employee to do this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Business Unusual
At Ruffwear, we believe success goes beyond making great gear. Started as a one-person endeavor in 1994, Ruffwear has gained the support of dogs and humans around the world and is one of Outside Magazine's 100 Best Places to Work. Known for innovative products that help people and dogs of all abilities enjoy outdoor spaces together, our “pack” values diverse thinking and voices from different backgrounds. We appreciate a willingness to take intentional risks that promote creativity, strengthen customer relationships, and reduce our impact on the planet. Our privately held company reinvests profits back into our business to keep it sustainable and nimble, and we partner with organizations like The Conservation Alliance to help protect the lands and waterways where canines and humans connect and thrive. Based in Bend, Oregon, we test our products and explore with our own dogs among our nearby forests, rivers, and mountains. Our headquarters recently underwent an innovative renovation to provide a workspace that enhances the wellbeing and creativity of our pack. Our warm and collaborative atmosphere fosters the sharing of ideas through respectful and stimulating dialogue and helps us implement new initiatives with gusto.
The Perks (Job Benefits):
We believe that our employees and their achievements drive our success and that rewards must be mutual. We always keep employee experience in mind as we work to create a quality work-life balance for everyone in the Pack.
Base Salary: $110,000- $120,000 annually
This range represents the low and high end of the anticipated base salary range for this position. The actual base salary will depend on several factors such as experience, knowledge, and skills. Our base salary is just one component of our competitive total rewards strategy which includes numerous benefits and perks, as well as specific health and welfare benefits.
Here is a snapshot of the benefits we provide:
Medical, dental and vision coverage for employees and their dependents.
Company-paid employee assistance plan, life insurance, AD&D, and long-term disability.
4 weeks of PTO to start – 5 weeks after 5 years, and 6 weeks after 10 years.
12 weeks of paid parental, family and medical leave.
SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 3% employer match.
50% off Ruffwear products and additional outdoor gear discounts.
Company performance bonus eligibility each quarter.
Up to $500/year reimbursement for Wellness expenses.
16 hours of paid Volunteer Time each year.
Month of Unleashed Discovery (sabbatical leave) every 5 years.
2 Field Days per year to test product samples with dogs in action.
Annual company-wide outings and regular virtual/in-person events.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
As a mission-driven brand, Ruffwear is deeply committed to putting people first and creating a space where we can be our authentic self. We welcome, embrace, and celebrate all people regardless of gender, age, race, disability, nationality, ethnicity, faith, or sexual orientation.
We encourage you to apply regardless of your experience within the outdoor industry. At Ruffwear we believe that experience comes from a variety of places. We look for individuals who are curious, collaborative, and treat others with respect and gratitude. Show us how your experiences have shaped you and how you can contribute to Ruffwear in our mission to foster canine and human connections outdoors. We can’t wait for you to share with us your personal story!
Position Requirements
Responsible for setting the creative direction of marketing campaigns and providing guidance on concept development, visual storytelling, and campaign ideation for global brand, seasonal storytelling, and Go-To-Market (GTM) campaign activations.
Oversee the development and execution of creative concepts, from initial ideation to final delivery, ensuring high-quality, on-brand creative work.
Review and provide feedback to the Creative team on visual designs, copywriting, and multimedia content to maintain brand standards, design ethos, and alignment with project goals.
Collaborate with the Chief Marketing Officer and Brand Marketing, Product Line Management, and Sales teams to develop creative strategies and campaigns that align with brand objectives and resonate with target consumer segments across selling channels.
Ensure consistency in brand voice, style, and messaging across all creative assets and channels, and curate a best-in-class consumer journey from first touch to purchase, in-store or online.
Partner with external agencies, freelancers, and vendors as needed to support execution of creative projects and campaigns.
Conduct quality assurance checks on creative deliverables to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand guidelines.
Monitor performance metrics and user feedback to optimize creative strategies and improve campaign effectiveness over time.
Experiment with new creative techniques, formats, and technologies to elevate our brand’s creative output and engagement.
Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and creative best practices to drive continuous innovation and improvement within the Creative team.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Supervisory Responsibility
Manager, Visual Media Production
Graphic Designers, I & II
Copywriter II
Work EnvironmentWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting (Ruffwear office or home office as necessary).
Work Hours
Early morning and/or evening hours are required to work with team members and partners in different time zones.
Travel
Occasional domestic travel may be required.
Required Education and Experience
7+ years of experience in a creative role, with significant experience in concept development, visual design, and campaign execution.
3+ years of supervisory and leadership experience supporting in-house teams responsible for producing visual and written communication assets (graphic design, copy, photography, and videography).
Portfolio showcasing a range of creative projects and campaigns across different platforms and media.
Demonstrated experience leading brand creative, creating brand guidelines, and inspiring creative teams.
Passion for creativity, storytelling, and visual communication.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively present and articulate creative ideas.
Flexibility to adapt to evolving business needs and market trends.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Google Suite, project management tools (Asana, Basecamp, Jira), and other relevant design tools.
Passion for dogs and first-hand understanding of the interactive bond between canines and humans.
Preferred Education and Experience
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Advertising, Marketing, or a related field.
Experience in digital marketing, e-commerce, or technology sectors in the consumer products industry.
This position is available for local candidates already authorized to work in the country in which the position is based. Ruffwear is unable to sponsor work authorization for this position.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities of the employee to do this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Business Unusual
At Ruffwear, we believe success goes beyond making great gear. Started as a one-person endeavor in 1994, Ruffwear has gained the support of dogs and humans around the world and is one of Outside Magazine's 100 Best Places to Work. Known for innovative products that help people and dogs of all abilities enjoy outdoor spaces together, our “pack” values diverse thinking and voices from different backgrounds. We appreciate a willingness to take intentional risks that promote creativity, strengthen customer relationships, and reduce our impact on the planet. Our privately held company reinvests profits back into our business to keep it sustainable and nimble, and we partner with organizations like The Conservation Alliance to help protect the lands and waterways where canines and humans connect and thrive. Based in Bend, Oregon, we test our products and explore with our own dogs among our nearby forests, rivers, and mountains. Our headquarters recently underwent an innovative renovation to provide a workspace that enhances the wellbeing and creativity of our pack. Our warm and collaborative atmosphere fosters the sharing of ideas through respectful and stimulating dialogue and helps us implement new initiatives with gusto.
The Perks (Job Benefits):
We believe that our employees and their achievements drive our success and that rewards must be mutual. We always keep employee experience in mind as we work to create a quality work-life balance for everyone in the Pack.
Base Salary: $110,000- $120,000 annually
This range represents the low and high end of the anticipated base salary range for this position. The actual base salary will depend on several factors such as experience, knowledge, and skills. Our base salary is just one component of our competitive total rewards strategy which includes numerous benefits and perks, as well as specific health and welfare benefits.
Here is a snapshot of the benefits we provide:
Medical, dental and vision coverage for employees and their dependents.
Company-paid employee assistance plan, life insurance, AD&D, and long-term disability.
4 weeks of PTO to start – 5 weeks after 5 years, and 6 weeks after 10 years.
12 weeks of paid parental, family and medical leave.
SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 3% employer match.
50% off Ruffwear products and additional outdoor gear discounts.
Company performance bonus eligibility each quarter.
Up to $500/year reimbursement for Wellness expenses.
16 hours of paid Volunteer Time each year.
Month of Unleashed Discovery (sabbatical leave) every 5 years.
2 Field Days per year to test product samples with dogs in action.
Annual company-wide outings and regular virtual/in-person events.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
As a mission-driven brand, Ruffwear is deeply committed to putting people first and creating a space where we can be our authentic self. We welcome, embrace, and celebrate all people regardless of gender, age, race, disability, nationality, ethnicity, faith, or sexual orientation.
We encourage you to apply regardless of your experience within the outdoor industry. At Ruffwear we believe that experience comes from a variety of places. We look for individuals who are curious, collaborative, and treat others with respect and gratitude. Show us how your experiences have shaped you and how you can contribute to Ruffwear in our mission to foster canine and human connections outdoors. We can’t wait for you to share with us your personal story!