Creative Director

Company: Marks Reports to: VP, CreativeLocation: New York City (Hybrid)About the CompanyMarks, part of the Propelis Group is a consumer experience agency creating engaging moments across the entire brand spectrum-from brand design and packaging to content and consumer connections. Rooted in a deep understanding of human behavior, we help brands win in an age of constant change.We are a global, collaborative network of 1,900+ team members across 25+ studios and 20+ countries, partnering with some of the world's most recognized brands to solve complex business challenges through design, strategy, and craft.About the RoleThe Creative Director is a senior creative leader responsible for defining, championing, and delivering big, ownable ideas that translate into smart, scalable design and communication systems across all touchpoints-from packaging and in-store to integrated marketing campaigns, digital, and beyond.Reporting to the VP, Creative, this role sets the creative vision for a portfolio of brands and leads multidisciplinary teams to bring that vision to life from brief through execution. The Creative Director ensures the work is strategically grounded, creatively bold, and impeccably crafted-while driving the development of innovative solutions that meet and exceed client expectations.This role requires a confident point of view, the ability to inspire and galvanize teams, and the credibility to lead clients as a trusted creative authority. The Creative Director shapes briefs, pushes ambition, and raises the creative standard across both brand design and marketing communications work.Role ExpectationsCreative Vision & Idea LeadershipOwn and define the creative vision for integrated marketing communications and brand design across your portfolio of clientsLead the development of big campaign ideas and design systems that ladder to brand strategy and flex across channels, formats, and momentsTranslate conceptual thinking into cohesive design and messaging systems, rather than one-off executionsEnsure all work is strategically sound, creatively distinctive, and executed with craft and consistencyAct as a brand guardian who protects the brand DNA while championing appropriate evolutions to brand voice, tone, and expressionDrive the definition of the creative brief, creative strategy, and creative solution for each projectIntegrated Campaign & Brand Design ExpertiseLead concepting and execution across packaging, retail, in-store, digital, social, video, motion, and out-of-homeDevelop creative, innovative, and cost-effective design strategies that meet client needs, utilizing market trends, competitor intelligence, and innovative thinkingGuide teams in developing content ecosystems and design systems that feel connected, intentional, and scalableOversee narrative development for presentations, ensuring ideas are clearly framed, confidently sold, and easy to rally behindLead project review sessions; utilize learnings to recommend best practices for design strategy, concept creation, visual innovation, and executionClient LeadershipServe as a trusted creative partner and senior-level advisor to clients across both brand design and marketing communications engagementsBring confidence and clarity to client conversations-articulating ideas, defending creative choices, and pushing ambition when neededPartner with strategy and client services to shape briefs, unlock stronger insights, and elevate the workEnsure client retention is maximized by delivering custom-tailored solutions that meet client objectives and expectationsSupport new business efforts by contributing to pitches, proposals, kickoffs, and growth opportunitiesTeam Leadership & DevelopmentLead, inspire, and mentor teams of Art Directors, Copywriters, and DesignersSet clear creative direction and expectations; give teams the confidence to do their best workBalance high-level vision with hands-on guidance when neededFoster a culture of accountability, curiosity, and creative excellencePartner with client services and project managers to plan projects and cast the right team for each assignmentPartner with recruiting and operations to build and maintain a strong, balanced teamCollaboration & CultureAct as a cultural leader and ambassador for MarksChampion collaboration across disciplines, studios, and global teamsLead effective internal reviews that elevate thinking and push work forwardModel respect, generosity, and shared ownership-always prioritize the work over egoAgility & ResourcefulnessThrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment with multiple streams of workIdentify opportunities to improve creative processes, workflows, and ways of workingMaintain high standards while moving with speed and flexibilityBring a solutions-oriented, roll-up-your-sleeves mindset to every challengeCritical Skills & BehaviorsProven ability to lead big-idea campaign thinking and brand design, not just executionStrong conceptual and strategic thinking paired with exceptional craftConfident creative point of view with the ability to inspire teams and clientsDeep understanding of integrated marketing ecosystems, packaging, and brand systemsStrong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, and project management skillsStrong verbal and written communication skillsHighly organized, detail-oriented, and accountablePassion for design, marketing communications, and storytellingQualifications & RequirementsBachelor's degree in Art, Design, Advertising, Marketing, Communications, or related field10+ years of progressive creative experience in marketing communications, brand design, or advertising5+ years in a leadership roleDemonstrated experience leading teams and managing senior-level client relationshipsStrong portfolio showcasing integrated campaigns, packaging, and system-based thinkingCPG and retail experience strongly preferredHigh degree of proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office Suite, Keynote, and PowerPointFluent in iOSPeriodic travel either locally, nationally, and/or internationally may be requiredAbout Propelis: Propelis is a portfolio of global marketing services and technology companies with a combined legacy of 150+ years, 2,000+ clients, 9,000 employees, and operations across 30 countries. Propelis provides the scale and support of a global organization while preserving the unique culture and identity of each company in its portfolio.For more information visit: www.MakeMarks.comEEO Statement: We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. We offer equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.We strive to make our employment website and application process accessible to all users and applicants. In doing so, we provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation or assistance completing the application process, please contact a member of our Human Resource Team.Compensation & BenefitsOur compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The U.S. pay range for this position is $131,000-$152,000 USD annually. Ultimately, in determining pay, we will consider the successful candidate's location, experience, and other job-related factors.Group benefits currently include a selection of health care plans with prescription drug coverage, dental plan, vision plan, basic and supplemental life insurance, a flexible spending account for medical and dependent care expenses or a health savings account based on plan selection, short/long term disability, and 401(k) Savings Plan.#LI-SM1Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.