📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Creative Director, Art, Future Opportunity
🔹 Company: Critical Mass
🔹 Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 days in office)
🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 6, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 7+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (3 days in office)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving marketing strategies across digital channels
- Contributing creative solutions to strengthen agency brand
- Developing innovative proposals for account growth and new business
- Leading and managing a large creative team
- Fostering a collaborative environment that inspires professional growth
ASSUMPTION: This role is a future opportunity, meaning it's not an active job opening. The company is building a network of talent and will share relevant opportunities as they arise.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Drive strategies that address customer needs and business goals across digital channels
✅ Contribute creative solutions and innovations that strengthen both the agency brand and market leadership position
✅ Develop & deliver innovative proposals to capture both account growth and new business opportunities
✅ Perform strategic account planning with senior management in vertical marketing groups
✅ Conceive and create experience design solutions that fulfill strategic business objectives
✅ Effectively communicate creative ideas and strategies to all project stakeholders
✅ Lead and partner with multidisciplinary teams, including all creative disciplines, technology, planning, account and program managers, partners, clients, and more
✅ Provide regular team leadership and constructive feedback on all accounts
✅ Develop, monitor, and modify the business unit creative department staffing strategies and plans, including team composition, performance, skills, training, and mentoring
✅ Develop, implement, and monitor quality standards across all creative artifacts and deliverables
✅ Continuously improve Creative methods, problem solving models, and best practices
✅ Proactively manage the success of production scope, schedules, and budgets
✅ Engage and inform practice leads from media, technology, marketing science, usability, and quality assurance to maximize results and ensure satisfaction
✅ Support and lead Human Resource initiatives with a focus on performance management
✅ Understand, embrace, and communicate corporate mission and values
ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities listed are based on the job description provided. However, since this is a future opportunity, the actual responsibilities may vary when the role becomes active.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Marketing, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 7+ years of experience in design, marketing, or communications with a strong focus on interactive work and art direction
Required Skills:
- Proven creative voice and strategic thinking
- Strong design portfolio showcasing visual design, experience design, brand development, interactive commerce, and creative processes
- Solid understanding of the distinction between creative expression and commercial reality
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Proven management skills directing the collaborative efforts of a large creative team
- Familiarity with experience design, brand development, interactive commerce, and creative processes
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working in an agency environment
- Knowledge of the advertising industry and market trends
- Fluency in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma)
ASSUMPTION: While the job description does not explicitly state preferred skills, based on the role and industry, these additional skills would be beneficial for the ideal candidate.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Based on industry standards for an Associate Creative Director role in Los Angeles)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee assistance program
- Professional development opportunities
- Company-sponsored events and team-building activities
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days in office)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for the role, location, and experience level. The actual salary may vary depending on the company's compensation structure and the candidate's qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Critical Mass is an advertising agency specializing in digital marketing, brand launch & experience, user experience & interaction, design, insight & planning, digital campaign management, social media, mobile, technology services, experience design, experience distribution, marketing science, and eCommerce.
Company Size: Critical Mass has 1,001-5,000 employees globally, with offices in Calgary, Chicago, London, Toronto, Heredia, and New York.
Founded: The company was founded in 1998 and has since grown to become a global leader in digital advertising.
Company Description:
- Critical Mass is a team of 1,800 inspired folks based in 12 offices around the world, providing full-service digital capabilities for the greatest brands on Earth.
- Their secret sauce is uncompromising design standards, a relentless focus on customers, and an ability to put powerful new technologies to work for their clients.
- They work with the best brands, such as Apple, Nike, Mars Wrigley, Nissan, Diageo, Airbnb, BMW, BNY Mellon, Johnson & Johnson, and many more.
Company Specialties:
- Digital Marketing
- Brand Launch & Experience
- User Experience & Interaction
- Design
- Insight & Planning
- Digital Campaign Management
- Social Media
- Mobile
- Technology Services
- Experience Design
- Experience Distribution
- Marketing Science
- eCommerce
Company Website: http://www.criticalmass.com
ASSUMPTION: The company description and specialties provided are based on the information available on the company's LinkedIn profile. However, it is essential to verify this information directly with the employer.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, with the expectation to lead and manage a large creative team.
Reporting Structure: The Associate Creative Director, Art, will report directly to the Creative Director or a similar leadership role.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, requiring the candidate to work from an office a minimum of 3 days a week.
Growth Opportunities:
- As a future opportunity, growth opportunities will depend on the specific role and the company's needs when the position becomes active.
- Potential growth paths could include advancement to a Creative Director or other senior leadership roles within the agency.
ASSUMPTION: Since this is a future opportunity, the specific growth opportunities will depend on the company's needs and the candidate's performance once the role becomes active.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Critical Mass has a hybrid work environment, requiring employees to work from an office a minimum of 3 days a week.
Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California, United States
Geographic Context:
- Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States, with a diverse population and a thriving entertainment industry.
- The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living options, with various neighborhoods catering to different lifestyles and preferences.
- Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers, making it an attractive place to live and work year-round.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days in office)
ASSUMPTION: The work environment and schedule may vary depending on the specific needs of the company and the candidate's role when the position becomes active.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- Creative portfolio presentation and/or case study discussion
- In-person or video interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with the Creative Director or a similar leadership role
- Background check and reference check (if required)
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Creative portfolio and problem-solving skills
- Strategic thinking and communication abilities
- Leadership and management skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Prepare a strong creative portfolio showcasing your visual design, experience design, brand development, interactive commerce, and creative processes skills.
- Be ready to discuss your design process, inspiration, and the results of your work.
- Research the company and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with their mission, values, and the specific needs of this role.
ATS Keywords: Art Direction, Creative Direction, Visual Design, Experience Design, Brand Development, Interactive Commerce, Creative Processes, Strategic Thinking, Communication, Leadership, Management, Hybrid Work, Los Angeles
ASSUMPTION: The application process and interview tips provided are based on industry standards and best practices. However, the actual process may vary depending on the company's specific hiring practices and the candidate's role when the position becomes active.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects)
- Sketch or Figma
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, JIRA, Trello)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies listed are based on industry standards and best practices for an Associate Creative Director, Art role. However, the specific tools required may vary depending on the company's needs and the candidate's role when the position becomes active.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Honest: Critical Mass values transparency and integrity in all aspects of their work.
- Inspired: They foster a creative and innovative environment that encourages employees to push boundaries and think outside the box.
- Drive: The company is driven by a passion for excellence and a commitment to delivering exceptional results for their clients.
- Passionate: Critical Mass employees are passionate about their work and the brands they serve.
- Real: They value authenticity and encourage employees to be true to themselves and their unique perspectives.
Work Style:
- Collaborative: Critical Mass encourages cross-functional collaboration and teamwork to drive innovative solutions.
- Agile: The company embraces an agile work environment, allowing teams to adapt and pivot as needed.
- Data-driven: They use data and insights to inform their creative decisions and drive business results.
- Customer-focused: Critical Mass prioritizes understanding and meeting the needs of their clients' customers.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you embody and embrace Critical Mass' values in your daily work?
- Are you comfortable working in a hybrid environment, with a minimum of 3 days in the office?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, agile work environment that prioritizes data-driven decision-making and customer focus?
ASSUMPTION: The cultural fit considerations provided are based on the company's values and work style, as described on their LinkedIn profile. However, it is essential to verify this information directly with the employer.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- As a future opportunity, the specific challenges of this role may vary depending on the company's needs and the candidate's responsibilities when the position becomes active.
- Potential challenges could include managing a large creative team, balancing creative expression with commercial reality, and driving strategic initiatives across digital channels.
- Working in a hybrid environment may present challenges in maintaining a consistent work-life balance and fostering a strong team culture.
ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges listed are based on industry insights and best practices for an Associate Creative Director, Art role. However, the specific challenges may vary depending on the company's needs and the candidate's role when the position becomes active.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other Associate Creative Director, Art roles, this position may offer more strategic responsibilities and a greater focus on driving business results across digital channels.
- As a future opportunity, the specific industry context and career path comparison will depend on the company's needs and the candidate's role when the position becomes active.
- Potential career paths could include advancement to a Creative Director or other senior leadership roles within the agency, as well as opportunities to specialize in specific areas of expertise, such as experience design or brand development.
ASSUMPTION: The role comparison provided is based on industry insights and best practices for an Associate Creative Director, Art role. However, the specific comparison may vary depending on the company's needs and the candidate's role when the position becomes active.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive brand identity system for a new product launch, including visual design, experience design, and brand guidelines
- Creating a series of interactive advertisements for a digital marketing campaign, showcasing the client's products and services while driving user engagement and conversions
- Designing and implementing a user-centered experience for a client's eCommerce website, optimizing the site's layout, navigation, and functionality to improve user experience and drive sales
ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed are based on industry insights and best practices for an Associate Creative Director, Art role. However, the specific projects may vary depending on the company's needs and the candidate's role when the position becomes active.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role, and how it fits within the broader agency organization?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the creative team currently, and how can this role help address them?
- How does the company support the professional growth and development of its employees, particularly in creative leadership roles?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days, and how will success be measured?
- How does the company foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, particularly in a hybrid setting?
ASSUMPTION: The key questions to ask during the interview are based on industry insights and best practices for an Associate Creative Director, Art role. However, the specific questions may vary depending on the company's needs and the candidate's role when the position becomes active.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/criticalmass/jobs/6065953
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Prepare a strong creative portfolio showcasing your visual design, experience design, brand development, interactive commerce, and creative processes skills.
- Be ready to discuss your design process, inspiration, and the results of your work during the interview.
- Research the company and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with their mission, values, and the specific needs of this role.
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the interview process.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
