Equator Design, Inc. is hiring: Creative Director in Cincinnati

Equator is a global packaging design agency, delivering strategy to shelf without compromise. We create powerful brands that get noticed and chosen. Equator is part of SGK.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Creative Director develops and directs the creative vision of assigned clients. This position drives the definition of the creative brief, creative strategy, and creative solution, and the approach to and presentation of the overall project. The Creative Director champions and protects the brand and/or creative idea while leading and inspiring teams to deliver the best creative solution that transcends various touchpoints. This position leads presentations with clients and is accountable for ensuring the creative deliverables are aligned with the brief and meet or exceed client expectations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Ensure Creative Design deliverables (i.e. visual concept, design, textual content, etc.) follow project specifications and meet or exceed client needs.
2. Provide clear expectations to both the internal production group and fabricating partners resulting in the best possible product and follow up to see that those expectations are met.
3. Monitor progress of ongoing Creative Design projects; provide guidance and leadership to address and resolve promptly, accurately, effectively, and to the client's satisfaction, any issues or problems that may arise.
4. Lead project review sessions for assigned clients; utilize information from review sessions to recommend best practices for design strategy, concept creation, visual innovation, message delivery, and execution.
5. Regularly analyze the performance of the Creative Design project team (Art Direction, Design, Copywriting); utilize data in decision-making to maintain or improve team performance.
6. Develop creative, innovative, and cost-effective Creative Design strategies that meet client needs, utilizing project experience, current market trends, competitor intelligence, and innovative thinking.
7. Work closely with multiple teams, departments, and clients to create, develop, and complete designed solutions for specific projects.
8. Engage with teams to manage the deliverables of final details and files to ensure a smooth hand-off and a profitable program.
9. Support Company's profitability efforts by encouraging and actively enabling innovation, creativity, and cost efficiency through all Creative Design client activities.
10. Ensure client retention is maximized by delivering custom tailored solutions to meet clients' objectives and expectations.
11. Lead the development and delivery of innovative proposals to capture both account growth and new business opportunities.
12. Plan, direct, and coordinate activities of employee(s) to ensure goals or objectives are accomplished. Mentor, coach, train and develop the team.
13. Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

1. Bachelor's Degree in Art, Design, Marketing or related field.
2. Advanced degree (MBA, Master's) preferred.
3. 8+ years progressive creative design experience.
4. 5+ years in a leadership role.
5. Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
6. Periodic travel either locally, nationally, and/or internationally may be required.
7. High degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook, Adobe & Internet applications.
8. Strong understanding of effective Creative Design practices, trends, techniques, and processes across various touchpoints or mediums (e.g. packaging, in-store, online, mobile, print, direct).
9. Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills.
10. Strong verbal and written communication skills (including analysis, interpretation, & reasoning).