Creative Director

About a21:

We are the people who create experiences. We’re a tight-knit group of creatives, planners, and builders who know how to put on a show. We turn ideas into experiences by building brand worlds that capture the imagination. At our core, we are an agency of tastemakers with a passion for generating fun.

Founded in 2006, the agency's corporate offices are in Miami, New York, and London with satellite personnel strategically positioned throughout the US in Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Denver, LA, Monterey, and San Diego. a21's impressive portfolio boasts a diverse range of prestigious culinary, music, art, and lifestyle projects across the country, encompassing renowned events like the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, NYC Wine and Food Festival, Pebble Beach Food & Wine, Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, as well as a variety of touring properties, including Heritage Fire, Whiskies of the World, and AMP Art Fairs.

About the Role:

The Creative Director will assist the VP, Marketing in leading the visual strategy, planning, and execution on marketing collateral for client-owned and agency-produced events. This position is responsible for developing and executing a cohesive vision across social and print campaigns, ensuring brand consistency and elevating audience engagement. The Creative Director will manage and mentor a small team of designers while collaborating with cross-functional departments to align brand objectives and creative solutions.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the overall visual strategy to deliver the best, most innovative creative ideas while maintaining a cohesive brand voice/identity.
• Lead, develop, and deliver an overarching strategic vision based on the business and brand objectives by conceptualizing, strategizing, and executing innovative social and print campaigns that captivate audiences and enhance brand awareness.
• Ensure consistency in branding, messaging, and visual identity across all marketing materials to accurately represent the event experience.
• Develop, manage, and refresh marketing material such as signage, print, digital, web UX/UI, and decks.
• Oversee and develop content strategy on Hero, Hub, Evergreen. 
• Help manage and lead a team of creatives including graphic designers, copywriters, and experiential specialists, providing design support, guidance, and mentorship.
• Work closely with cross-functional departments (Partnerships, Operations, Fulfillment, Art) to ensure consistency across all channels, and offer innovative ideas for creative briefs and strategy.
• Lead effective team meetings and brainstorms to both organize a high quantity of work, but also to inspire and motivate team members.
• Leverage consumer insights and market research to inform creative strategies and work closely with clients and internal stakeholders to understand marketing objectives and develop strategic plans.
• Track multiple parallel deadlines with exceptional attention to detail.
• Attend on-site events or shoots as needed.

Skills + Qualifications Needed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Art, Communications or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a creative/design related role (ideally an agency), with at least 2 years in a leadership or management role.
• Exceptional design, writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Experience in hospitality, entertainment, or food service industry.
• Flexibility to travel throughout the year (up to 25% including some nights and weekends)

Benefits:

As part of our team, you will have access to benefits such as:

• Outstanding Health + Dental benefits
• Competitive PTO plan
• Hybrid office model
• 401k and more!