Creative Associate Director

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Creative Associate Director

🔹 Company: Acosta

🔹 Location: Jacksonville, FL

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Creative & Design

🔹 Date Posted: May 27, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading the creative process to deliver high-quality work
• Challenging conventional thinking and developing unique creative solutions
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to solve marketing challenges
• Crafting human-centric experiences that drive consumer behavior

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of creative leadership, strategic thinking, and hands-on execution. The ideal candidate will have experience managing creative teams and driving projects from concept to completion.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead the creative process and ensure the delivery of high-quality work

✅ Challenge conventional thinking and develop unique creative solutions

✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve marketing challenges

✅ Craft brand moments that intersect culture and foster community

✅ Manage and mentor junior creatives to help them grow and develop

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, creative execution, and team management. The ideal candidate will be comfortable wearing multiple hats and adapting to different situations.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Marketing, Advertising, or Fine Arts)

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in a creative agency or in-house creative team

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of creating breakthrough creative work
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Fluency in English

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite
• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Knowledge of the retail industry

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, experience in the retail industry or working with retail brands would be beneficial for this role. Additionally, proficiency in design software and project management tools is highly desirable.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year (based on industry standards for a mid-level creative role in Jacksonville, FL)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee discounts on Acosta products

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility for project needs

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the Jacksonville, FL area. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Acosta operates in the retail industry, acting as a catalyst to connect brands, retailers, and consumers.

Company Size: Acosta is a large company with over 10,000 employees, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: Acosta was founded in 1927 and has since grown to become a leading retail sales and marketing agency.

Company Description:

• Acosta brings simplicity to retail sales by strengthening relationships between brands and retailers
• The company offers a wide range of services, including revenue growth management, category management, and shopper marketing
• Acosta is deeply embedded in the retail industry, with expertise in various retail channels and consumer segments

Company Specialties:

• Revenue Growth Management
• Category Management
• Shopper Marketing
• Retail Media
• Emerging Brands
• Merchandising
• Shelf Intelligence
• Supply Chain
• Grocery, Convenience, and Pet retail channels

Company Website: www.acosta.com

ASSUMPTION: Acosta's extensive experience and expertise in the retail industry make it an attractive employer for candidates seeking to grow their careers in this field.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a mid-level position, serving as a bridge between junior creatives and senior leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Creative Director will report directly to the Creative Director and oversee junior creatives and designers.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the expectation of working from the Acosta headquarters in Jacksonville, FL.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a Creative Director or similar leadership role
• Expanding expertise in specific retail channels or consumer segments
• Gaining experience in different aspects of retail sales and marketing

ASSUMPTION: Given Acosta's size and breadth of services, there are numerous opportunities for career growth and development within the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Acosta's headquarters is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation.

Office Location(s): 6651 Gate Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32256, US

Geographic Context:

• Jacksonville, FL is the most populous city in the state and offers a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and entertainment options
• The city has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers
• Jacksonville is home to a growing arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and performing arts venues

Work Schedule: The work schedule is primarily Monday through Friday, with flexibility for project needs and deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: While the role is on-site, Acosta may consider flexible work arrangements for the right candidate, depending on business needs and team dynamics.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications
• In-person or virtual portfolio presentation and creative challenge
• Final interview with senior leadership to discuss career aspirations and fit within the team
• Background check and reference checks (if applicable)

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creativity and problem-solving skills
• Leadership and mentoring abilities
• Communication and presentation skills
• Understanding of the retail industry and consumer behavior

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your creative leadership skills and experience driving projects from concept to completion
• Prepare a compelling cover letter that demonstrates your passion for creating impactful brand moments and your understanding of Acosta's business
• Be ready to discuss your creative process, how you approach challenges, and your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams

ATS Keywords: Creative thinking, storytelling, execution, problem-solving, leadership, collaboration, brand strategy, cultural awareness, retail industry, consumer behavior

ASSUMPTION: Acosta's interview process is designed to assess both creative skills and cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their work and discuss their thought processes behind their creative decisions.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Design thinking and collaboration tools (e.g., Miro, Sketch)

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in design software and project management tools is highly desirable for this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer-centric
• Collaborative
• Innovative
• Accountable
• Adaptable

Work Style:

• Creative and innovative
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality work

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment?
• Are you comfortable managing multiple projects and deadlines?
• Do you have a passion for creating impactful brand moments and driving consumer behavior?

ASSUMPTION: Acosta values candidates who are passionate about their work, collaborative, and adaptable to change. The ideal candidate will be a strong cultural fit within the organization.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Balancing creative leadership with hands-on execution
• Adapting to the fast-paced, dynamic nature of the retail industry
• Working in a large, diverse organization with numerous stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: While these challenges may present obstacles, they also offer opportunities for growth and development within the role and the organization.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to an Art Director role, the Associate Creative Director position focuses more on leadership, mentoring, and strategic planning
• In contrast to a Copywriter or Graphic Designer role, this position requires a broader skill set and a more holistic approach to creative problem-solving
• Career progression from this role could lead to a Creative Director or similar leadership position within Acosta or another retail sales and marketing agency

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares some similarities with other creative positions, it is distinct in its focus on creative leadership, strategic planning, and team management.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive creative campaign for a major retail client, including advertising, in-store promotions, and social media content
• Collaborating with a cross-functional team to launch a new product line, creating branding, packaging, and promotional materials
• Managing a team of junior creatives to concept, design, and produce a series of brand videos, from scripting to post-production

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the breadth of responsibilities and the creative leadership required for this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the broader creative team and organization?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the creative team currently, and how can this role address them?
• How does Acosta support the professional development and growth of its creative team members?
• What is the typical career path for someone in this role, and what opportunities exist for advancement within the organization?
• How does Acosta measure the success of its creative campaigns, and how does this role contribute to those metrics?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to provide insight into the role's responsibilities, the team's dynamics, and Acosta's commitment to creative growth and development.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your creative leadership skills and experience driving projects from concept to completion
• Prepare a compelling cover letter that demonstrates your passion for creating impactful brand moments and your understanding of Acosta's business
• Be ready to discuss your creative process, how you approach challenges, and your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to express your interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.