Creative Director

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Creative Director

🔹 Company: DEPT®

🔹 Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (Remote OK)

🔹 Category: Advertising Services

🔹 Date Posted: May 8, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK (within 50 miles of San Diego, CA or Los Angeles, CA)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading a multidisciplinary creative team to produce high-quality organic social content
• Guiding brands through social and cultural trends
• Managing direct reports and contributing to new business pitches
• Collaborating with various teams to achieve creative vision
• Working with global brands to navigate the ever-changing social media landscape

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in copywriting, art direction, or social strategy, as well as proven leadership skills and a deep understanding of social media best practices.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead a multidisciplinary creative team to produce high-quality organic social content on a monthly basis

✅ Guide brands and teams as they navigate social and cultural trends

✅ Exercise vision to identify meaty opportunities for clients and for our business

✅ Build strong, trusting relationships with key client partners and account and design leads

✅ Creative impeccable decks that tell stories and sell through ideas

✅ Present flawlessly and impactfully

✅ Articulate solutions that solve clients’ business challenges

✅ Develop content plans that effectively engage audiences

✅ Partner with leadership to build project teams that consistently exceed expectations

✅ Encourage collaboration among disciplines and agency teams

✅ Implement smooth production processes and ideal ways of working

✅ Establish clear roles and responsibilities within the team

✅ Invest in developing emerging talent

✅ Manage 2-3 direct reports

✅ Play a key role in new business pitches

ASSUMPTION: This role may require the Creative Director to be hands-on on multiple projects at once, depending on the workload and team structure.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or a related discipline)

Experience: 10+ years of experience in a similar creative leadership role at a social or digital agency

Required Skills:

• Proven experience developing and executing digital-native campaigns
• Astute copywriting and design sense
• Deep tech experience and understanding of innovative platforms
• Social native (lives and breathes social media and knows platform best practices by heart)
• Expert knowledge of community management
• Expert knowledge of influencer marketing
• Experience working with key stakeholders at global brands
• An ability to be hands-on on multiple projects at once
• Experience mentoring and managing direct reports
• Charismatic presentation skills, comfort in client settings
• Expertise at building polished, client-ready presentations in Google Slides
• Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail
• Stellar interpersonal and listening skills

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific social media platforms (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn)
• Knowledge of specific brand guidelines or industry-specific trends

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having experience with specific social media platforms and industry-specific trends may be beneficial for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $155,100 - $190,000 USD (based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling)

Benefits:

• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401k plan, plus matching
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Company Holidays
• Parental Leave

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling. The actual salary may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, expertise, physical location, and organizational impact.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

Founded: 2006 (as a startup, but the exact founding date is not provided)

Company Description:

• DEPT® is a pioneering technology and marketing services company that creates end-to-end digital experiences for brands such as Google, KFC, Philips, Audi, Twitch, Patagonia, eBay, and more.
• Their team of 4,000+ digital specialists across 30+ locations on 5 continents delivers pioneering work on a global scale with a boutique culture.
• DEPT® is committed to making a positive impact on the planet and since 2021 has been Climate Neutral and B Corporation certified.

Company Specialties:

• Digital Craftmanship
• Campaigns
• Social
• Data Driven Marketing
• B2B Marketing
• Digital Marketing
• Creativity
• Technology
• Strategy
• Digital
• Brand
• Advertising
• Design
• Data
• Intelligence
• Organisation
• UX
• Agency
• Content
• Digital Products
• and AI

Company Website: www.deptagency.com

ASSUMPTION: DEPT® is a well-established company with a strong focus on innovation, technology, and marketing services. Their extensive list of specialties reflects their broad range of expertise and capabilities.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior-level, management role

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Executive Creative Director

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Remote OK within 50 miles of San Diego, CA or Los Angeles, CA)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to lead additional accounts and contribute to new business pitches
• Opportunity to mentor and develop emerging talent
• Possibility to grow within the creative leadership team or take on additional responsibilities

ASSUMPTION: This role offers several growth opportunities, both in terms of leading additional accounts and mentoring emerging talent, as well as potential career advancement within the creative leadership team.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (Remote OK within 50 miles of San Diego, CA or Los Angeles, CA)

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California, United States

Geographic Context:

• Los Angeles is the second-most populous city in the United States, with a diverse and vibrant cultural scene
• The city is known for its film and television industry, as well as its music and arts communities
• Los Angeles offers a wide range of neighborhoods, each with its unique character and amenities

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexibility for remote work

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in working from home or the office, depending on the employee's needs and preferences.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR team
• Creative challenge or case study presentation
• Interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the Executive Creative Director
• Background check and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creativity and strategic thinking
• Presentation skills and ability to articulate ideas clearly
• Understanding of social media trends and best practices
• Leadership skills and ability to manage direct reports
• Collaboration and teamwork skills
• Problem-solving and adaptability

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare a creative portfolio or case studies that demonstrate your ability to lead high-quality organic social content campaigns
• Be ready to discuss your understanding of social media trends and best practices, as well as your ability to navigate the ever-changing social media landscape
• Practice your presentation skills and be prepared to present your ideas clearly and confidently
• Research DEPT® and the client they mentioned in the job description to show your interest and understanding of the company and its work

ATS Keywords: Creative Director, Social Media, Organic Content, Campaign Strategy, Brand Management, Team Leadership, Presentation Skills, Social Media Trends, Influencer Marketing, Community Management

ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the specific role and the hiring manager's preferences. It's always a good idea to research the company and the role thoroughly and to be prepared for a variety of interview formats.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Google Slides
• Social media platforms (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
• Design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma)
• Video editing tools (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, iMovie)
• Content creation and scheduling tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the team's preferences and the projects at hand. However, familiarity with Google Slides, social media platforms, and relevant design and video editing tools is essential.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Pioneering spirit
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Continuous learning and improvement
• Creativity and innovation
• Making a positive impact on the planet

Work Style:

• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Hands-on and proactive approach
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Strong communication and presentation skills

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with DEPT®'s value of being a pioneer at heart and always leaning forward?
• How do you approach collaboration and teamwork, especially when working with diverse teams or remote colleagues?
• How do you stay up-to-date with social media trends and best practices, and how do you apply this knowledge to your work?
• How do you balance being hands-on and proactive with managing direct reports and guiding their growth?

ASSUMPTION: DEPT® values candidates who are passionate about their work, have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and are committed to continuous learning and improvement. They also prioritize collaboration, teamwork, and adaptability in their work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and direct reports simultaneously may require strong time management and prioritization skills
• Navigating the ever-changing social media landscape can be challenging and may require continuous learning and adaptation
• Working with global brands and key stakeholders may involve complex communication and negotiation skills
• The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges in maintaining work-life balance and fostering team cohesion

ASSUMPTION: While this role offers many exciting opportunities, it also presents several challenges that require strong leadership, adaptability, and communication skills to overcome.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from other creative director positions in its focus on organic social content and navigating social media trends
• It also requires a strong background in copywriting, art direction, or social strategy, as well as proven leadership skills
• Compared to other management roles, this position offers unique opportunities to guide brands through social and cultural trends and contribute to new business pitches

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on organic social content and navigating social media trends, requiring a specific skill set and experience level.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive organic social media strategy for a new client, including content pillars, tone of voice, and platform-specific content
• Creating and executing a month-long organic social media campaign, including content creation, scheduling, and analysis
• Managing a team to produce high-quality organic social content for multiple clients simultaneously, ensuring consistency in brand voice and messaging

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects reflect the day-to-day responsibilities and long-term goals of the Creative Director role at DEPT®.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role?
• How does DEPT® support the growth and development of its creative team members?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the client mentioned in the job description, and how can this role address them?
• How does DEPT® approach collaboration and information sharing between teams and offices?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how are they measured and tracked?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions can help you better understand the role, the team, and the company culture, as well as the expectations and priorities for this position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare a creative portfolio or case studies that demonstrate your ability to lead high-quality organic social content campaigns
• Be ready to discuss your understanding of social media trends and best practices, as well as your ability to navigate the ever-changing social media landscape
• Practice your presentation skills and be prepared to present your ideas clearly and confidently
• Research DEPT® and the client they mentioned in the job description to show your interest and understanding of the company and its work
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview 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.