Associate Creative Director (Art or Copy / Hybrid) Job at Conscious Minds Studio

ABOUT US

Conscious Minds is an independent creative agency that helps brands establish a more human connection between brands and their audiences. We have offices in Pasadena, CA, and Portland, OR, and offer a remote-first work environment to our employees. Our clients include Apple, Google, Mars Petcare, Meta, Nike, Oakley, Starbucks, Uber Eats, Vans, Yahoo, and Zillow.

We’re a people-first work culture, big on community, trust, transparency, and respect for one another. We operate as an integrated team from Strategy through Production—and everything in between.

We are currently looking for a full-time Associate Creative Director, Art / Hybrid.

Location: West Coast Preferred.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

We’re seeking a versatile and dynamic creative leader with a passion for culture and storytelling to join our team at Conscious Minds.

The ACD (Art or Copy) will lead the development of campaigns and content that challenge traditional advertising constraints, partnering with clients and cross-functional teams to deliver impactful, world-changing creative solutions. The ideal candidate will excel at building client relationships, inspiring teams, collaborating with internal and external team members, and mentoring talent.

The Associate Creative Director, Art or Copy will report to the Creative Director.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Creative Leadership:

• Lead clients in evolving their creative strategies and approaches.
• Direct the development of high-level visual and story-driven craft in all creative outputs.
• Spearhead ideation and execution based on social and behavioral trends.
• Motivate creative teams and serve as creative lead across art direction, copywriting, content creation photography, and design.
• Develop and deliver thought leadership and creative solutions that strengthen clients' visual market distinction and leadership position.

Creative Development:

• Concept and execute integrated creative across mediums, including social media, digital, stunt campaigns and activations, branding, photography, and product launches.
• Collaborate with internal and external team members to craft culturally relevant ideas and brand communications.
• Develop and guide creative for key clients, with a focus on creating emotionally resonant and insight-driven ideas.

Client and Team Engagement:

• Strengthen and own client relationships, acting as a trusted partner.
• Present ideas and creative work with charm and compelling storytelling to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal cross-functional teams (strategy, production, and client services) and external teams (client teams and/or inter-agency teams) to ensure creative excellence as both a lead and a contributor.

Mentorship and Management:

• Manage, and support high-performing creative teams.
• Direct and mentor team members, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Inspire, influence, and motivate others to deliver exceptional work.

Execution and Collaboration:

• Be hands-on as needed in proactive work, new business pitches, production, and post-production processes.
• Collaborate across subject areas to integrate strategies and messaging for diverse channels.

REQUIREMENTS:

Experience and Expertise:

• 5-7 years of experience in creative industries, with a strong preference for agency experience.
• Proven ability to develop high-level creative strategies and adapt to shifting goals.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (including light motion skills in AE and PR or content creation equivalent)
• Experience in on-set production, post-production, working with creators, and hybrid creative skills (art direction and writing).

Creative Mindset:

• Demonstrated passion for brand creative that starts on social.
• Strategically minded, culturally in the know, and immersed in emerging platforms and trends.
• Strong aesthetic sensibility and ability to craft visually cohesive campaigns.

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, able to present creative and strategy as a story.
• Success in guiding and inspiring teams, and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
• Willingness to get hands-on and lead by example.

Additional Skills (Nice-to-Haves):

• Experience in culture-led brands or work,
• Experience or passion for coffee or food & beverage / quick-serve restaurants
• Familiarity with sports culture or brands.
• Background in traditional agency environments.

We are one of the most personal, hands-on, and creative companies in this industry. We are extremely high touch with our partners, team members, and creatives to ensure clarity, community, and output exceed expectations. Above all, we want versatile people with unique and diverse points of view who add meaningful value to the DNA of Conscious Minds and the brands we work with. We look forward to the opportunity of having you on the squad, growing the influence and profile of our team.

BENEFITS

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Training & Development
• Work From Home/Hybrid Days

The anticipated annual compensation range for this position is $120,000 - $150,000 + our standard employee benefits package (medical/dental/vision/life insurance, 401k matching, Flexible PTO, and various other benefits and perks) Consistent with applicable law, compensation is determined based on a wide range of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, job duties, and geographic location. We reserve the right to modify this pay range at any time.