📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Creative Manager
🔹 Company: Kickstarter PBC
🔹 Location: Remote, USA
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Design & Creative
🔹 Date Posted: April 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote (US & UK)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Overseeing creative design projects from concept to execution
- Managing creative vendors and leading design projects
- Ensuring high-quality, impactful creative outputs that align with brand and business goals
- Collaborating cross-functionally with marketing, content, and product teams
- Continuously improving creative output by staying updated with industry trends
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strong project management skills and hands-on design expertise to ensure successful execution of creative projects.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Creative Vendor Management: Source, evaluate, and manage external creative vendors to ensure deliverables meet brand guidelines, quality standards, and project timelines.
✅ Creative Project Management: Oversee all aspects of creative design projects, including timelines, budgets, and resources. Lead the creative development process from concept to delivery, ensuring all assets are delivered on time and meet business objectives.
✅ Hands-on Design Expertise: Lead and drive the creation of compelling assets end-to-end that reinforce the brand identity while applying strategic thinking to design executions for all OOH, digital, print, and IRL branded experiences.
✅ Brand Consistency: Spearhead the development of new brand guidelines to ensure consistency across all platforms and consumer touchpoints, including digital, print, and social media.
✅ Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, including marketing, product, and content, to understand project goals and translate them into compelling visual solutions.
✅ Stakeholder Communication: Present creative concepts and designs to senior leadership and key stakeholders, incorporating feedback effectively to refine deliverables.
✅ Continuous Improvement: Stay up-to-date with industry trends, tools, and best practices to continuously elevate the creative output of the team.
ASSUMPTION: The role may require occasional work on weekends or evenings to meet project deadlines, especially during high-volume periods.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 5+ years of experience in a creative design role, with at least 2 years of experience managing creative operations using Asana or another project management tool, as well as vendors.
Required Skills:
- Proven hands-on experience in graphic design, including proficiency with tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, etc.) and Figma
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines with minimal oversight
- Experience sourcing and managing creative vendors and agencies
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present and articulate design concepts
- Highly creative with a strong attention to detail and a passion for high-quality design
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Experience working in industries such as technology, e-commerce, or media
- Familiarity with web design, UI/UX principles, and digital content creation
- Background for creating strong internal assets (decks, one-sheets, etc.) as well as product design and campaign creative assets
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with a fully remote team
- Knowledge of Kickstarter's brand and platform
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in English is required for this role due to the nature of the job and the company's global presence.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $105,000 - $120,000 USD per year (based on the provided information)
Benefits:
- 100% employer-paid health plan offerings
- 16 paid vacation days, 10 sick days, and a company-wide winter break between Christmas and New Years
- 25 volunteer hours each year to give back to your community
- 16 weeks of parental leave plus fertility/family planning resources
- Annual stipends including a Remote Working & Wellness Stipend of $3,000 USD (prorated) each calendar year for expenses related to remote working, wellness, health, and fitness, and a $500 Role Development Stipend
- Kickstarter currently operates with a 4-day workweek, a model that aligns with the belief in a healthy work-life balance
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling due to the remote nature of the role
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the information given in the job listing. However, it is always recommended to verify the salary and benefits package directly with the employer.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Kickstarter operates in the crowdfunding and launch platform industry, with a focus on bringing creative projects to life. It is a Public Benefit Corporation committed to equity and transparency, prioritizing the success of independent creators, diverse perspectives, and the strength of a global community that shapes and defines culture.
Company Size: Kickstarter has 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Founded: Kickstarter was founded in 2009, giving it over a decade of experience in the industry.
Company Description:
- Kickstarter is on a mission to bring creative projects to life
- It is home to the world’s largest backer community, with over 23 million backers
- Since 2009, the platform has fueled innovation across 15 categories, helping launch over 275,000 projects and attracting more than $8 billion in pledges from backers
Company Specialties:
- Crowdfunding and launch platform
- Creative project support
- Independent creator success
- Diverse perspectives and community building
Company Website: https://kck.st/3Gsc7QW
ASSUMPTION: Kickstarter's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in its company description and mission, making it an attractive option for candidates seeking a values-driven work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for an experienced professional seeking a mid-level management position in creative design and project management.
Reporting Structure: The Creative Manager will report directly to the Head of Design or a similar role, depending on the company's organizational structure.
Work Arrangement: This is a fully remote position, with the ability to work from any location in the United States or the United Kingdom. Occasional travel may be required for team meetings or events.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to a senior-level role within the design department
- Expansion of responsibilities to include mentoring and team leadership
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and campaigns that drive the company's mission forward
ASSUMPTION: Kickstarter's commitment to a healthy work-life balance, as evidenced by its 4-day workweek, may provide candidates with more flexibility and time to pursue personal interests and growth opportunities.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Fully virtual, with no physical office location
Office Location(s): N/A (remote work only)
Geographic Context:
- Kickstarter's remote workforce allows employees to live and work from any location in the United States or the United Kingdom
- This provides candidates with the flexibility to choose a living and working environment that best suits their personal and professional needs
- Kickstarter's global backer community and project portfolio foster a diverse and inclusive work environment
Work Schedule: Kickstarter operates on a 4-day workweek, with employees working Monday through Thursday. Fridays are designated as "Focus Fridays," allowing employees to work on personal projects or take the day off.
ASSUMPTION: While Kickstarter offers a fully remote work environment, candidates should be comfortable working independently and managing their time effectively to meet project deadlines and expectations.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the provided link
- Phone or video screening with the HR team to discuss qualifications and fit for the role
- Design challenge or case study presentation to assess creative problem-solving skills and design capabilities
- Final interview with the hiring manager and/or key team members to discuss the role, team dynamics, and company culture
Key Assessment Areas:
- Design skills and portfolio presentation
- Project management skills and experience
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Kickstarter's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare a strong design portfolio that showcases your creativity, versatility, and problem-solving skills
- Be ready to discuss your design process, inspiration, and decision-making during the interview
- Research Kickstarter's brand, platform, and mission to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the company
ATS Keywords: Creative Manager, Graphic Design, Project Management, Brand Consistency, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Stakeholder Communication, Industry Trends, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, UI/UX Principles, Digital Content Creation
ASSUMPTION: Kickstarter's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion may result in a more thorough and inclusive interview process, with a focus on assessing candidates' skills and potential rather than solely their resume or background.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, etc.)
- Figma
- Asana (or another project management tool)
- Slack or another team communication platform
- Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, candidates should be comfortable learning and adapting to new tools and technologies as needed to perform their job effectively.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Bringing creative projects to life
- Fostering a diverse and inclusive community
- Prioritizing the success of independent creators
- Embracing transparency and equity
Work Style:
- Collaborative and cross-functional, with a focus on teamwork and communication
- Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to take on new challenges and learn from feedback
- Creative and innovative, with a passion for high-quality design and problem-solving
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Kickstarter's mission and values?
- Are you comfortable working independently and managing your time effectively in a remote work environment?
- How do you approach feedback and continuous improvement in your design process?
ASSUMPTION: Kickstarter's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion may result in a more thorough and inclusive cultural fit assessment, with a focus on assessing candidates' values, work style, and potential contributions to the company's mission.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines with minimal oversight
- Occasional work on weekends or evenings to meet project deadlines, especially during high-volume periods
- Balancing hands-on design work with project management responsibilities
- Adapting to a fully remote work environment and managing remote team dynamics
- Navigating a fast-paced, deadline-driven work environment
ASSUMPTION: While Kickstarter offers a flexible and remote-friendly work environment, candidates should be prepared to manage their time effectively and balance multiple responsibilities to meet project deadlines and expectations.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Creative Manager vs. Art Director: While both roles focus on creative design, the Creative Manager role places a greater emphasis on project management, vendor management, and cross-functional collaboration
- Industry-specific context: Kickstarter's focus on crowdfunding and creative project support sets it apart from other design-focused companies, offering unique opportunities and challenges
- Career path comparison: The Creative Manager role may serve as a stepping stone to senior-level roles within the design department or other areas of the company
ASSUMPTION: Kickstarter's unique focus on crowdfunding and creative project support may provide candidates with a unique and rewarding work experience, with opportunities for growth and impact within the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive brand guidelines document to ensure consistency across all platforms and consumer touchpoints
- Designing and executing a high-impact marketing campaign to promote a new product launch or event
- Creating a series of engaging and on-brand social media graphics to support a content marketing initiative
ASSUMPTION: Kickstarter's commitment to bringing creative projects to life may provide candidates with the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects that drive the company's mission and impact the creative community.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the design department?
- How does Kickstarter support the growth and development of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Kickstarter measure the success and impact of its creative projects and campaigns?
- What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working at Kickstarter, according to current employees?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to Kickstarter's mission and values.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Kickstarter Jobs page
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare a strong design portfolio that showcases your creativity, versatility, and problem-solving skills
- Be ready to discuss your design process, inspiration, and decision-making during the interview
- Research Kickstarter's brand, platform, and mission to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the company
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR team one week after 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.
