📌 Core Information
📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Creative Director
🔹 Company: Salt XC
🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (2 days on-site)
🔹 Category: Creative, Advertising
🔹 Date Posted: July 15, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 6-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing creative and production projects from concept to completion
- Ensuring client objectives, values, budgets, and deadlines are met
- Leading and collaborating with creative teams
- Developing and transforming concepts into creative solutions
- Keeping up with industry trends, strategies, and technologies
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong creative background, preferably in copy or art direction, with a proven track record of managing teams and projects. The ideal candidate will be able to think strategically, lead creatively, and manage projects effectively.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Support the Creative Director in developing concepts, strategies, and client presentations
✅ Manage and supervise multiple projects and teams
✅ Ensure resources are allocated according to project needs
✅ Direct the design and development of creative materials
✅ Ensure brand identity and message consistency across channels
✅ Meet client objectives, values, budgets, and deadlines
✅ Lead and participate in brainstorming sessions
✅ Keep up with the latest trends, strategies, and technologies
✅ Evaluate creative team performance and guide improvements
✅ Lead teams and ensure strong and non-traditional creative output
✅ Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines
✅ Create structured work that clearly articulates a campaign-able idea
✅ Process information supplied by client/strategy/account services and translate into effective creative work
✅ Proof creative work to ensure accuracy of information
✅ Present work and develop relationships of value and respect with the client
✅ Help the agency develop a strong and positive relationship with the advertising community to help recruit top talent
✅ Stay up to date with new innovations and industry trends
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, leadership, and creative problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate will be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet tight deadlines, and maintain strong client relationships.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Not specified (likely relevant degree in a creative field)
Experience: 6-10 years of agency experience
Required Skills:
- Proven leadership skills and ability to manage creative teams
- Strong portfolio demonstrating originality, innovation, and multi-disciplinary thinking
- Experience creating world-class campaigns recognized in the industry or award-winning
- Ability to ideate against physical spaces and build concepts into tangible experiences and memorable moments
- Strong ability to manage time, hit deadlines, and be on time for meetings
- Cultural awareness and ability to contribute to the agency's culture
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in creative leadership, with a proven track record of managing teams and projects. They should also be able to think strategically, lead creatively, and manage projects effectively.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Not specified (industry standard: CAD 90,000 - 150,000 per year, based on experience level and location)
Benefits:
- Competitive company compensation and benefits package
- Dynamic work environment and support of a growing creative agency with a start-up culture
- Flat corporate structure with collaboration with senior leaders
- Fun and progressive company culture
- Flexible/hybrid work environment combining in-office collaboration and remote working
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for an Associate Creative Director role in Toronto, Canada. The benefits package is likely to include health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and other standard benefits.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services
Company Size: 201-500 employees
Founded: 2019
Company Description:
- Salt XC is an agency driven by the philosophy of Experiential Commerce™
- They take an integrated approach that connects consumer’s online and offline experiences through data, media, and memorable moments that drive brand transactions
Company Specialties:
- Advertising
- Branding
- Experiential Marketing
- Digital Marketing
Company Website: Salt XC
ASSUMPTION: Salt XC is a mid-sized agency with a focus on creating integrated consumer experiences. They prioritize collaboration, innovation, and a strong company culture.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-career (6-10 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Creative Director or Executive Creative Director
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days on-site)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a Creative Director or Executive Creative Director role
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and expand skillset
- Chance to contribute to the growth and success of a dynamic agency
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance within the agency and work on a variety of projects.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (2 days on-site)
Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Geographic Context:
- Toronto is the capital city of the province of Ontario, Canada
- It is the most populous city in Canada and the fifth most populous in North America
- The city is known for its multiculturalism, vibrant arts and culture scene, and diverse neighborhoods
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with flexibility for remote work)
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work flexibility. Toronto offers a diverse and vibrant work environment with numerous cultural and recreational opportunities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR team
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with the Creative Director or Executive Creative Director
Key Assessment Areas:
- Creativity and strategic thinking
- Leadership and team management skills
- Portfolio presentation and discussion
- Cultural fit and alignment with Salt XC's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your creative problem-solving skills and leadership abilities
- Research Salt XC's philosophy, values, and recent work to demonstrate your understanding of the agency
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview to demonstrate your interest in the role and company
ATS Keywords: Creative Leadership, Project Management, Concept Development, Team Collaboration, Time Management, Production Savvy, Innovative Thinking, Brand Consistency, Client Relationship Management, Cultural Contribution, Trend Awareness, Performance Evaluation, Brainstorming Facilitation, Campaign Development, Multi-disciplinary Thinking, Entrepreneurial Spirit
ASSUMPTION: The application process is likely to be competitive, with a strong focus on creative problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit. Demonstrating a strong portfolio and a clear understanding of Salt XC's philosophy and values will be crucial for success.
🛠 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Salt of the Earth: Be humble, hardworking, honest, kind, fun, trustworthy, and respectful
- Do What Is Right: Take the high road, be honest, and do what is right, not what is easy or expected
- Earn It: Roll up sleeves, work hard, and earn respect, results, and praise
- Make Things Better: Leave things better than found, be curious, passionate, solutions-oriented, and care deeply about work
- Seek Different Perspectives: Embrace difference, challenge, creativity, and improvement
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Open to feedback and continuous learning
- Adaptable and able to work in a dynamic, growing agency
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Salt XC's values, particularly 'Salt of the Earth' and 'Do What Is Right'?
- How comfortable are you working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with a diverse team?
- How do you approach continuous learning and improvement in your role?
ASSUMPTION: Cultural fit is crucial for success at Salt XC. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong alignment with the company's values and a willingness to collaborate and learn in a dynamic, growing agency.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines
- Balancing creative leadership responsibilities with hands-on creative work
- Adapting to a dynamic, growing agency with a start-up culture
- Working in a hybrid environment with a mix of on-site and remote team members
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong time management, leadership, and adaptability skills. The ideal candidate will be able to manage multiple projects effectively, balance creative and leadership responsibilities, and thrive in a dynamic, growing agency.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from other Associate Creative Director positions in its focus on managing multiple projects simultaneously and working in a hybrid environment
- Industry-specific context: The advertising industry is dynamic and fast-paced, requiring adaptability and strong creative problem-solving skills
- Career path comparison: This role offers growth opportunities to advance to a Creative Director or Executive Creative Director position
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a unique combination of leadership, project management, and creative skills. Candidates should be able to demonstrate strong adaptability, time management, and creative problem-solving skills to succeed in this role.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive brand strategy and creative campaign for a new product launch
- Managing a team to create an integrated marketing campaign for a major event
- Collaborating with a cross-functional team to design and execute a successful experiential marketing event
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the diverse and challenging nature of the role, requiring strong leadership, project management, and creative skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall creative strategy and vision for the agency?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the creative team currently, and how can this role help address them?
- How does the agency support the professional development and growth of its creative team members?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does the agency foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a strong interest in the role and the agency's creative strategy, as well as a commitment to professional growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the provided link
- Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your creative problem-solving skills and leadership abilities
- Research Salt XC's philosophy, values, and recent work to demonstrate your understanding of the agency
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview to demonstrate your interest in the role and company
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
