Creative Director

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Creative Director

🔹 Company: National Content & Technology Cooperative Inc

🔹 Location: Overland Park, Kansas

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (2 days in-office, 3 days remote)

🔹 Category: Creative & Design

🔹 Date Posted: May 21, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site with remote flexibility

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading NCTC’s creative efforts to elevate brand identity across multiple products and services
• Developing and maintaining a cohesive brand identity and ensuring consistency across all communications
• Creating compelling marketing materials, websites, branded events, and digital content
• Collaborating with internal departments, external partners, and members to enhance brand visibility and engagement
• Managing the entire creative process from concept to completion, ensuring high quality and consistency

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, strategic thinking, and strong project management skills to successfully lead NCTC’s creative efforts and align them with business objectives.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and maintain a cohesive and compelling brand identity for various products and services that resonate with our target audience

✅ Translate business goals into creative visions for marketing campaigns, brand identity, and digital experiences

✅ Create visually compelling graphics and layouts for digital and print media that align with NCTC’s goals and brand standards

✅ Oversee the design, development, and functionality of NCTC’s website, ensuring it is visually appealing, user-friendly, and aligned with brand standards

✅ Collaborate with supplier partners to create and execute effective marketing campaigns that enhance brand visibility and drive engagement by members

✅ Ensure all written content is engaging, on-brand, and effectively communicates NCTC’s message and tone of voice

✅ Develop and maintain a centralized site for storing and sharing creative assets, ensuring easy access and organization for the marketing team and those it supports

✅ Coordinate with various internal departments to ensure creative projects are completed on time and meet NCTC’s standards

✅ Stay updated on industry trends and incorporate innovative ideas into NCTC’s creative strategies

✅ Manage the entire creative process from concept to completion, ensuring high quality and consistency across all formats

✅ Work closely with other internal NCTC business lines and stakeholders to align creative efforts with overall business objectives

✅ Pitch and present creative ideas and proposals effectively to internal clients, senior leadership members, suppliers, stakeholders, and members

✅ Manage copywriter and provide guidance, inspiration, and support to any agency or team member providing creative support

✅ Ensure projects stay on track and within budget while maintaining a high level of creative execution

✅ Maintain brand guidelines and ensure all creative output aligns with the company’s visual identity and messaging

✅ Track the effectiveness of creative campaigns and make data-driven decisions to optimize future strategies

✅ Travel nationally up to 10% of the time to support NCTC business needs, which may require flexible hours including weekends

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, strategic thinking, and strong project management skills to successfully lead NCTC’s creative efforts and align them with business objectives.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, marketing, communications, or a related field

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in a creative leadership role, preferably within a similar-sized company

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in creative direction and demonstrated ability to lead and manage creative teams, develop compelling concepts, and execute successful campaigns
• Strong portfolio showcasing a range of creative work, including branding, marketing materials, website design, and digital content related to telecom clients strongly preferred
• Knowledge of the broadband market, its challenges, and the needs of its target audience; knowledge of video content distribution and telecommunications strongly encouraged
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and manage client relationships without heavy oversight
• Ability to develop creative strategies that align with business goals, analyze challenges, and develop innovative solutions
• Demonstrated proficiency in visual design, typography, layout, and relevant design software
• Strong expertise in graphic design, web design, and copywriting. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant design tools
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills, along with the ability to listen to others, respond professionally to feedback, and ask questions to ensure understanding
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with external customers and coworkers
• Highly motivated energetic self-starter, passionate and knowledgeable about cable, telecommunications, and/or electric companies that have a focus on broadband products and services
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in the telecommunications industry
• Fluency in Spanish

ASSUMPTION: Given the nature of the role and the company, candidates with experience in the telecommunications industry and/or proficiency in Spanish may have an advantage.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Based on experience and industry standards for a Creative Director role in the Kansas City metro area)

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package, including bonus eligibility
• Choice of subsidized healthcare plans for individuals and families
• Health Savings Accounts with significant employer contributions
• 401K Plan with as much as a 10% company match of your salary
• 100% company paid vision and dental insurance
• 100% company paid Short Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 100% company paid life insurance + voluntary life insurance options available
• Paid Time Off

Working Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central, with flexible hours required for up to 10% travel

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Creative Director role in the Kansas City metro area. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: National Content & Technology Cooperative (NCTC) is a not-for-profit buying cooperative that helps entrepreneurial broadband, cable television, and telecom companies throughout the United States succeed by offering them better rates and terms for television content, streaming, hardware, and technology.

Company Size: NCTC is a small but vibrant organization with 51-200 employees, providing a collaborative and mission-driven work environment.

Founded: NCTC was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas.

Company Description:

• NCTC is a mission-oriented organization focused on helping small businesses succeed in the broadband and cable television industries
• The company offers competitive salaries, remote, in-office, and hybrid officing options, and a generous benefits package
• NCTC is looking for dynamic and passionate individuals who want to be at the forefront of navigating the future of the television and broadband industries

Company Specialties:

• Programming and hardware purchasing organization for cable systems throughout the United States and its territories
• Expertise in broadband market, video content distribution, and telecommunications
• Strong focus on member support and value creation

Company Website: http://www.nctconline.org

ASSUMPTION: NCTC’s focus on member support and value creation makes it an attractive option for candidates interested in working for a mission-driven organization in the telecommunications industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Reporting Structure: The Creative Director will oversee the copywriter and provide guidance, inspiration, and support to any agency or team member providing creative support

Work Arrangement: This position is eligible for a hybrid position (meaning the employee will work two days per week in the Overland Park, Kansas office and the balance of the week remotely) OR full time from the Overland Park, Kansas office

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into a leadership role within the marketing department or the organization as a whole
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on NCTC’s brand identity and member engagement
• Chance to work on a wide range of creative projects and campaigns, fostering professional growth and development

ASSUMPTION: Given NCTC’s focus on member support and value creation, candidates with a strong background in creative direction and a passion for the telecommunications industry may find this role particularly appealing.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: NCTC’s office is located in a modern, professional building with collaborative workspaces and amenities

Office Location(s): 9401 Indian Creek Parkway #500, Overland Park, Kansas 66210

Geographic Context:

• Overland Park is a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, with a population of approximately 190,000 people
• The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a variety of cultural attractions, restaurants, and outdoor recreation opportunities
• Overland Park has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cold winters

Work Schedule: The schedule for this job is 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central, with flexible hours required for up to 10% travel

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who enjoy a mix of in-office and remote work, as well as the opportunity to travel, may find this role particularly appealing.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the HR department
• In-person or video interview with the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications
• Final interview with key stakeholders, including members of the marketing team and other senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creativity and strategic thinking
• Project management and organizational skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Industry knowledge and understanding of NCTC’s mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your creative direction experience, relevant industry knowledge, and alignment with NCTC’s mission and values
• Include a portfolio showcasing your range of creative work, including branding, marketing materials, website design, and digital content related to telecom clients
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership style, and ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams

ATS Keywords: Creative Direction, Branding, Marketing Materials, Website Design, Digital Content, Graphic Design, Adobe Creative Suite, Telecommunications, Broadband Market

ASSUMPTION: Given NCTC’s focus on member support and value creation, candidates with a strong background in creative direction and a passion for the telecommunications industry may find this role particularly appealing.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
• Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools and project management software is essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Member-focused
• Innovative
• Collaborative
• Accountable
• Passionate

Work Style:

• Creative and strategic thinking
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams
• Adaptability and flexibility

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you ensure that your creative work aligns with NCTC’s brand standards and values?
• Can you describe a time when you had to manage a complex creative project with multiple stakeholders? How did you ensure its success?
• How do you stay updated on industry trends and incorporate innovative ideas into your creative strategies?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who share NCTC’s values and possess the desired work style may find this role to be an excellent fit for their career goals and personal preferences.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects simultaneously with tight deadlines
• Balancing the need for creativity and innovation with brand consistency and adherence to guidelines
• Collaborating effectively with diverse teams, including internal departments, external partners, and members
• Staying updated on industry trends and incorporating innovative ideas into NCTC’s creative strategies
• Managing a copywriter and providing guidance, inspiration, and support to any agency or team member providing creative support

ASSUMPTION: Given the nature of the role and the company, candidates with strong project management skills, adaptability, and a collaborative work style may be best suited for this position.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Creative Director vs. Art Director: While both roles involve creative direction, the Creative Director role at NCTC has a broader scope and more strategic focus, with responsibility for leading the creative team and aligning creative efforts with overall business objectives
• Telecommunications industry context: NCTC’s focus on the broadband and cable television industries makes this role unique, as it requires a strong understanding of the market, its challenges, and the needs of its target audience
• Career path comparison: This role offers the opportunity to grow into a leadership role within the marketing department or the organization as a whole, with potential for increased responsibility and influence over time

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in creative direction and a strong background in the telecommunications industry may find this role particularly appealing, as it offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on NCTC’s brand identity and member engagement.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive brand style guide for NCTC, including visual identity, tone of voice, and messaging framework
• Creating a series of marketing campaigns to promote NCTC’s member benefits and value propositions to cable and broadband providers
• Designing and implementing a user-friendly and visually appealing website for NCTC, with a focus on easy navigation, accessibility, and mobile responsiveness

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to provide insight into the types of creative challenges and opportunities that may arise in this role, but are not exhaustive or prescriptive.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company’s long-term vision for its brand identity and how this role fits into that strategy?
• How does the marketing department collaborate with other internal business lines and stakeholders to ensure alignment with overall business objectives?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will my success be measured?
• How does NCTC support the professional growth and development of its employees, particularly in creative roles?
• What is the company’s approach to work-life balance, and how does this role fit into that framework?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your creative direction experience, relevant industry knowledge, and alignment with NCTC’s mission and values
• Include a portfolio showcasing your range of creative work, including branding, marketing materials, website design, and digital content related to telecom clients
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership style, and ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams
• Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps

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