📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Creative Director
🔹 Company: Horizon Media
🔹 Location: New York, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: May 28, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading creative competency from idea to execution
- Managing and mentoring junior creative team members
- Conceiving and pitching novel creative concepts
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams (Influencer, CRM, Community Management)
- Ensuring premium quality of all creative output
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a robust background in creative production, design thinking, and managing creative teams. A strong understanding of social media and cultural trends is also essential.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead creative strategy and execution for Blue Hour Studios' clients
✅ Manage and mentor junior creative team members
✅ Conceive and pitch novel creative concepts for new business opportunities
✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated campaigns
✅ Ensure premium quality of all creative output, from concept to execution
✅ Lead client workshops, brainstorms, and tissue sessions
✅ Provide input on productions and design projects
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic thinking, creative execution, and team management. Strong communication and presentation skills are crucial for success.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Design, Fine Arts, Communications)
Experience: 5-10 years of experience in creative production, with a focus on video and photo production
Required Skills:
- Exceptional storytelling and presentation skills
- Strong conceptual skills and passion for social media
- Culture-first thinking and ability to extrapolate insights
- High design aesthetic and experience in design thinking
- Strong observational skills and ability to explain complex creative nuances
- Experience managing design, production, and experiential teams
- Robust background overseeing video and photo productions
- Advanced PowerPoint and Keynote skills
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects)
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with clients on-site during productions
- Advanced knowledge of emerging media trends
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should possess a strong portfolio showcasing their creative vision and ability to execute innovative campaigns.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $160,000.00 - $190,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Retirement Savings Plans
- Company Paid Holidays
- Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Mental Health and Wellness Resources
- Pet Insurance
- Childcare Resources
- Identity Theft Insurance
- Fertility Assistance Programs
- Fitness Reimbursement
Working Hours: Full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement (2 days on-site, 3 days remote)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Creative Director role in the New York area. The total rewards package includes a discretionary bonus and various benefits.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 1989
Company Description:
- Horizon Media is a leader in driving business-based outcomes for marketers
- Founded in 1989, headquartered in New York with offices in Los Angeles and Toronto
- Recognized for its highly personal approach to client service and inclusive culture
Company Specialties:
- Sports and Entertainment
- Social Media
- Media Buying
- Direct Marketing
- Social Design
- Social Buying
- Insights & Analytics
- Virtual/Augmented Reality
- SEO
- Mobile
- National & Local TV Investment
- Audio Investment
- Creative Services
Company Website: http://www.horizonmedia.com
ASSUMPTION: Horizon Media is a well-established agency with a strong reputation for innovation and client service. Its size and industry position provide ample opportunities for growth and learning.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with potential for growth into a leadership role
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Head of Content & Creative at Blue Hour Studios
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days on-site, 3 days remote)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to lead and grow the creative team at Blue Hour Studios
- Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns for prominent clients
- Chance to collaborate with industry-leading partners and influencers
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of brand, performance, and emerging media, with ample room for professional growth.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (2 days on-site, 3 days remote)
Office Location(s): 75 Varick Street, New York, New York 10013, US
Geographic Context:
- New York is a major hub for advertising, media, and entertainment
- Horizon Media's offices are located in the heart of Manhattan, offering easy access to public transportation and amenities
- The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility while fostering a collaborative office environment
Work Schedule: Full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement (2 days on-site, 3 days remote)
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between collaboration and remote work, allowing for a flexible and productive work environment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
- Creative brief presentation and portfolio review with the Blue Hour Studios team
- Final interview with the Head of Content & Creative and other key stakeholders
Key Assessment Areas:
- Creative portfolio and presentation skills
- Cultural awareness and understanding of emerging media trends
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Problem-solving and strategic thinking
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Prepare a creative brief presentation showcasing your unique perspective and approach to creative direction
- Research Horizon Media and Blue Hour Studios to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its mission
ATS Keywords: Creative Direction, Creative Concepts, Video Production, Photo Production, Adobe Creative Suite, Social Media, Cultural Awareness, Team Management, Strategic Thinking
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a strong focus on creative portfolio and presentation skills.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects)
- PowerPoint and Keynote
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Design thinking tools (e.g., Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite and presentation software is essential for this role. Familiarity with project management and design thinking tools is also beneficial.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Inclusion
- Excellence
- Integrity
Work Style:
- Creative and innovative
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Results-driven and accountable
- Inclusive and respectful of diverse perspectives
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you incorporate emerging media trends into your creative approach?
- Can you describe a time when you successfully managed a team through a significant change or challenge?
- How do you ensure that your creative work is inclusive and resonates with diverse audiences?
ASSUMPTION: Horizon Media values innovation, collaboration, and inclusion. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their alignment with these values and their ability to thrive in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing and mentoring junior team members may require strong leadership and communication skills
- Keeping up with emerging media trends and technologies can be challenging and requires continuous learning
- Balancing creative vision with client expectations and budget constraints can be difficult
- Working in a hybrid environment may present unique communication and collaboration challenges
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong leadership, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Creative Director at Horizon Media vs. Creative Director at a smaller agency: Larger agency offers more resources and opportunities for growth, but may have more bureaucracy and less direct impact on creative direction
- Creative Director at Horizon Media vs. Art Director at a larger agency: Creative Director role offers more strategic and leadership responsibilities, while Art Director role focuses more on tactical execution and design
- Creative Director at Horizon Media vs. Freelance Creative Director: Freelance role offers more flexibility and autonomy, but may have less job security and benefits
ASSUMPTION: Each role has its unique advantages and challenges, and the best fit depends on the individual's career goals, work style, and personal preferences.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a creative campaign for a major brand launch, including video, photo, and social media components
- Leading a team to create a series of influencer partnerships and content for a national client
- Managing the production of a high-profile event, including vendor management, logistics, and on-site creative direction
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role, from strategic concept development to tactical execution and team management.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics at Blue Hour Studios?
- How does Horizon Media support the growth and development of its creative team members?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does Horizon Media approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in its creative work and internal culture?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working in a hybrid environment, and how does Horizon Media support its employees in overcoming these challenges?
ASSUMPTION: These questions can help candidates better understand the role, team dynamics, and company culture, enabling them to make a more informed decision about their fit for the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills, with a focus on creative direction and production
- Prepare a creative brief presentation showcasing your unique perspective and approach to creative direction, and your vision for Blue Hour Studios' clients
- Research Horizon Media and Blue Hour Studios to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its mission
- Follow up with the Talent Acquisition team one week after submission to inquire about your application status
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
