Creative Director

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Creative Director

🔹 Company: Sullivan

🔹 Location: New York, NY

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 8, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (On-site & Remote)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading cross-disciplinary teams to develop powerful creative concepts for high-profile clients
• Managing client relationships and selling in ideas
• Ensuring the creative vision is executed across all channels
• Identifying new business opportunities within existing accounts
• Mentoring and building a healthy creative environment

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in copywriting and art direction, with a focus on understanding and simplifying complex products and services.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Contribute fresh ideas, transform them into concepts, and lead teams to bring them to life

✅ Inspire creative teams to uncover hidden potential in complex products and services

✅ Manage client relationships, deeply understand their needs, and sell in ideas

✅ Act as the creative through-line for activations to ensure the creative vision is brought to life across every channel

✅ Identify new business opportunities within existing accounts to expand current assignments and acquire new projects

ASSUMPTION: This role involves working with a diverse range of clients and industries, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

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

Experience: 10+ years of experience developing and leading creative work across all channels, ideally at an advertising agency working with clients with complex products and services

Required Skills:

• Excellent persuasive communication, written, and presentation skills
• Strong creative portfolio highlighting relevant experience
• Passion for mentorship and building a healthy creative environment
• Excited and positive attitude about working with complex products and services

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video production and a reel of powerful video work
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong copywriting background and experience working with complex products and services are strongly encouraged to apply.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $200,000 - $225,000 per year

Benefits:

• Work-Life Balance
• Competitive Benefits
• Autonomy and access to leadership and mentors
• Fun environment with themed happy hours, frequent game nights, and a collaborative spirit

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with a hybrid work model that values work-life balance

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a Creative Director role in the New York area with the required experience level.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Sullivan is an independent, full-service marketing agency specializing in advertising, marketing, branding, design, and strategic planning. They work with high-profile clients across various industries, including financial services, technology, and higher education.

Company Size: Sullivan is a small agency with 11-50 employees, providing a close-knit team environment and opportunities for growth and impact.

Founded: Sullivan was founded in 2001 and has been independently owned and operated since then.

Company Description:

• Sullivan brings big ideas to life and turns hard-to-understand businesses into easy-to-love brands
• They are fueled by fearless curiosity and driven by insight-driven campaigns that help brands stand out and achieve measurable success
• Sullivan is proud to be independent and women-owned

Company Specialties:

• Advertising
• Marketing
• Branding
• Design
• Strategic Planning
• Research & Insights
• Brand Positioning
• Creative Concept Development
• Integrated Marketing Campaigns
• Broadcast (TV, Video, Radio)
• Digital Advertising
• Website Design, Development, and Management
• Social Media Content
• Print & Collateral
• Business-to-Consumer & Business-to-Business
• Corporate Communications and Internal Communications & Culture

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

ASSUMPTION: Sullivan's independent and entrepreneurial culture offers unique opportunities for creative professionals to make their mark and grow within the agency.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the Executive Creative Director.

Reporting Structure: The Creative Director will oversee and mentor junior and mid-level creatives, art directors, and copywriters.

Work Arrangement: This role operates on a hybrid work model, with a mix of on-site and remote work.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to lead and grow the creative department as the agency expands
• Opportunities to work on high-profile client campaigns and make a significant impact on the agency's success
• Chance to mentor and develop junior team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of creative leadership, client management, and business development responsibilities, providing a well-rounded experience for the right candidate.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Sullivan's office is located in the heart of New York City, offering a vibrant and dynamic work environment.

Office Location(s): 175 Toyota Plaza, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38013, US

Geographic Context:

• New York City offers a diverse and multicultural environment, providing ample opportunities for inspiration and collaboration
• The office is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easily accessible
• The city's vibrant arts and culture scene can inspire creativity and personal growth

Work Schedule: The hybrid work model allows for a flexible schedule, with a mix of on-site and remote work. The core hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work model offers a balance between the energy and collaboration of an on-site office environment and the flexibility and convenience of remote work.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen to discuss the role and assess cultural fit
• Portfolio presentation and creative challenge to demonstrate problem-solving skills and creative thinking
• Final interview with key stakeholders, including the Executive Creative Director and other senior team members

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creative problem-solving and concept development
• Communication and presentation skills
• Understanding of complex products and services
• Leadership and mentorship abilities
• Cultural fit and alignment with Sullivan's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare a compelling cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and your enthusiasm for the opportunity
• Be ready to discuss your creative process and how you approach solving complex problems
• Research Sullivan's clients and industry to show your familiarity with the agency's work and the markets they serve

ATS Keywords: Creative Direction, Copywriting, Art Direction, Client Relationship Management, Team Leadership, Mentorship, Communication, Presentation Skills, Creative Concept Development, Video Production, Collaboration, Problem Solving, Business Development, Curiosity, Creativity, Strategic Thinking

ASSUMPTION: The interview process at Sullivan is designed to assess both creative skills and cultural fit, ensuring that the right candidate can make a strong contribution to the agency's success.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Keynote
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
• Video editing software (e.g., Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the client and project requirements.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Fearless Curiosity
• Collaboration
• Integrity
• Accountability
• Creativity

Work Style:

• Entrepreneurial and independent
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and flexible
• Results-driven and proactive

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you embody Sullivan's value of fearless curiosity in your creative process?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully collaborated with a diverse team to overcome a creative challenge?
• How do you balance independence and collaboration in your work style?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong alignment with Sullivan's values and work style will be well-positioned to succeed in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing client expectations and delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines
• Balancing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Adapting to the unique needs and requirements of diverse clients and industries
• Fostering a positive and collaborative work environment while managing team dynamics
• Staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in advertising and marketing

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges of this role are outweighed by the opportunities for creative growth, impact, and leadership within a dynamic and supportive agency environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Creative Director roles at larger agencies may offer more resources and a broader range of clients, but may also come with more bureaucracy and less autonomy
• Creative Director roles at smaller agencies may provide more opportunities for growth and impact, but may also come with more responsibilities and less support
• This role offers a unique blend of creative leadership, client management, and business development responsibilities, providing a well-rounded experience for the right candidate

ASSUMPTION: The size and structure of the agency can significantly impact the role and responsibilities of a Creative Director, and candidates should consider their preferences and career goals when evaluating opportunities.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive branding campaign for a financial services client, including logo design, brand guidelines, and advertising materials
• Creating a series of engaging social media content for a technology client, showcasing their products and services in a creative and compelling way
• Designing and producing a high-quality video for a higher education client, highlighting their unique selling points and differentiating them from competitors

ASSUMPTION: The specific projects and clients will vary depending on the agency's portfolio and industry focus, but the core responsibilities and skills required will remain consistent.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does Sullivan support the professional growth and development of its creative team members?
• Can you describe the agency's approach to client management and how it ensures the successful execution of creative projects?
• How does Sullivan foster a culture of collaboration and innovation within its creative teams?
• What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of working as a Creative Director at Sullivan?
• How does Sullivan approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in its creative work and internal culture?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates a candidate's interest in the role and commitment to understanding the agency's culture and values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare a compelling cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and your enthusiasm for the opportunity
• Be ready to discuss your creative process and how you approach solving complex problems during your portfolio presentation and creative challenge
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

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