Creative Director

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Creative Director

🔹 Company: William Warren Properties Inc

🔹 Location: Santa Monica, California, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Real Estate

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-23

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading and shaping the creative vision for the company's StorQuest brand across all channels
• Overseeing the creative process, ensuring alignment with brand standards
• Collaborating with various departments to produce effective content
• Developing creative brand strategies based on strong customer and market insights
• Managing budgets and resources effectively to maximize productivity and meet project deadlines

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, leadership, and organizational skills to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead and shape the creative vision for the company's StorQuest brand across all channels

✅ Oversee the creative process, ensuring alignment with brand standards

✅ Collaborate with various departments to produce effective content

✅ Develop creative brand strategies based on strong customer and market insights

✅ Manage budgets and resources effectively to maximize productivity and meet project deadlines

✅ Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor activities to keep the creative output relevant and innovative

ASSUMPTION: The role may require working on multiple projects simultaneously, with tight deadlines and varying priorities.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Design, Marketing, Fine Arts, or a related field (Master’s degree is a plus)

Experience: Proven experience (5-7 years+) as a Creative Director, Art Director, or similar role in a creative or marketing environment. Self-storage, real estate, retail, or hospitality industry experience preferred.

Required Skills:

• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Strong understanding of branding, marketing principles, and industry trends
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) including active listening
• Relationship skills: ability to develop and sustain cooperative working relationships – both internal and external
• Organizational skills/Multi-tasking: Exceptional time management and organization skills with the ability to allocate one’s time effectively, work under pressure, and meet tight deadlines; ability to handle multiple demands and competing priorities; ability to prioritize workload; and an ability to work at a detailed level
• Proven skills in contributing to the development of company objectives and achieving desired goals
• Strong accountability combined with strong work ethic and enthusiasm for teamwork
• Energetic self-starter with an ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Intrapersonal: A willingness to learn in a dynamic environment that includes new ideas and innovation, intellectually curious, adaptable and ambitious

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in design software and tools, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Sketch and Canva
• Superior Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word) skills required

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the self-storage, real estate, retail, or hospitality industries may have a competitive advantage in understanding the specific needs and challenges of this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $115,000 - $125,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Creative Director with 5-7 years of experience in the real estate sector)

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401(k) with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Holiday Perks
• Performance-based Bonus
• Teambuilding Events & Activities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pet Insurance

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Creative Director role in the real estate sector. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and the company's internal compensation structure.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Real Estate, specifically focused on self-storage development, acquisition, property, and asset management

Company Size: 201-500 employees, which means applicants can expect a mid-sized company structure with opportunities for growth and collaboration

Founded: 1994, with a 30-year history in the real estate industry

Company Description:

• Privately held, entrepreneurial self-storage development, acquisition, property, and asset management company
• Focuses on investments in major metro markets across the United States that offer significant cash flow, revenue growth, and long-term capital appreciation opportunities
• Owns and operates the StorQuest Self Storage portfolio of storage assets and a RV park property

Company Specialties:

• Self Storage
• Development
• Acquisition
• Property Management

Company Website: http://www.williamwarren.com

ASSUMPTION: The company's focus on growth and innovation may present opportunities for career advancement and professional development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with the potential for growth into a leadership role

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Vice President of Marketing and works closely with Community, Digital, and Field Marketing managers

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with the possibility of hybrid or remote work arrangements in the future

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance to a leadership role within the marketing department or the company
• Opportunities to work on diverse projects and campaigns, expanding skills and expertise
• Chance to contribute to the company's growth and success, with the potential for increased responsibilities and compensation

ASSUMPTION: The role may evolve over time as the company grows and expands its brand, presenting new opportunities for the Creative Director to take on additional responsibilities.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space in Santa Monica, California

Office Location(s): 201 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 102, Santa Monica, California 90401, US

Geographic Context:

• Santa Monica is a coastal city in Los Angeles County, known for its beaches, mountains, and vibrant culture
• The office is located near the Pacific Ocean, offering easy access to outdoor activities and a high quality of life
• The area is home to many tech and creative industries, providing ample networking opportunities

Work Schedule: Standard full-time work hours, with the possibility of flexible scheduling or remote work arrangements

ASSUMPTION: The company's location in Santa Monica may attract candidates who value a coastal lifestyle and proximity to cultural attractions.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR department
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the Vice President of Marketing or another senior leader
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creativity and design skills
• Leadership and team management abilities
• Communication and presentation skills
• Industry knowledge and market insights
• Alignment with company values and culture

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing your creative vision, branding expertise, and project management skills
• Research the company and industry to demonstrate your understanding of the role and market trends
• Practice common interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position

ATS Keywords: Creative Direction, Brand Strategy, Project Management, Team Leadership, Communication, Budget Management, Design Software Proficiency, Marketing Principles, Relationship Management, Organizational Skills, Time Management, Innovation, Adaptability, Collaboration, Presentation Skills, Interpersonal Skills

ASSUMPTION: The interview process may include assessments or case studies to evaluate the candidate's creative problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Sketch
• Canva
• Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
• Brand management tools (e.g., Frontify, Brandfolder)

ASSUMPTION: The company may provide training and resources to help the Creative Director develop proficiency in specific tools and technologies.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Make Room For Awesome
• Create The Extraordinary
• Dream Big, Work Hard
• Play As A Team
• Be A Champion For Our Customers

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Creative and innovative
• Results-driven and accountable
• Customer-focused and customer-centric

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with the company's core values, particularly 'Make Room For Awesome' and 'Create The Extraordinary'?
• How do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, and what specific examples can you provide from your past experiences?
• How do you approach balancing creativity and innovation with practical, real-world constraints, such as budget and timeline limitations?

ASSUMPTION: The company places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and may use behavioral interview questions to assess candidates' alignment with its core values and work style.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and stakeholders with varying priorities and deadlines
• Balancing creativity and innovation with practical constraints, such as budget and timeline limitations
• Adapting to a dynamic work environment with evolving priorities and responsibilities
• Navigating a mid-sized company structure with opportunities for growth and change

ASSUMPTION: The role may present challenges related to time management, prioritization, and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to related roles in the real estate industry, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape the creative vision for a self-storage brand, with a focus on innovation and customer experience
• Industry-specific context: The self-storage industry is competitive and growing, with a strong emphasis on branding and customer experience to differentiate offerings
• Career path comparison: This role may serve as a stepping stone to leadership positions within the marketing department or the company, with opportunities for growth and advancement

ASSUMPTION: The role may offer unique challenges and opportunities compared to similar roles in other industries, with a focus on branding, customer experience, and innovation in the self-storage sector.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive brand style guide and ensuring consistent application across all marketing channels
• Creating and executing a successful marketing campaign to launch a new self-storage facility, including advertising, promotional materials, and event planning
• Managing a team to redesign the company's website, ensuring a seamless user experience and optimized performance across all devices

ASSUMPTION: The role may involve a wide range of creative projects, from branding and marketing campaigns to web design and user experience initiatives.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's long-term vision for the StorQuest brand, and how this role contributes to achieving that vision?
• How does the marketing team collaborate with other departments, such as real estate, operations, and business development, to ensure cohesive and effective project outcomes?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the StorQuest brand in the current market, and how can this role address those challenges?
• What opportunities exist for professional growth and development within the marketing department or the company as a whole?
• How does the company support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?

ASSUMPTION: The interview process may provide an opportunity to assess the company's long-term vision, collaborative culture, and commitment to employee growth and development.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing your creative vision, branding expertise, and project management skills
• Research the company and industry to demonstrate your understanding of the role and market trends
• Practice common interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR department one week after submitting your application 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.