Director, Creative Media

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, Creative Media

🔹 Company: BAE Systems

🔹 Location: West Falls Church, Virginia

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Defense and Space Manufacturing

🔹 Date Posted: June 19, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading the strategic vision and execution of creative assets to raise brand awareness for BAE Systems, Inc.
• Ensuring brand consistency and enforcing visual identity guidelines to promote the products, capabilities, and successes of the organization.
• Driving innovation by embracing new creative techniques and technology to help the BAE Systems brand stand out in the market.
• Directing and overseeing a small creative team, including graphic design, 3D animation & motion graphics, and video producers.
• Collaborating with various business sectors and functions to build an in-depth knowledge of the organization’s technology, innovation, and culture to inform critical projects and campaigns.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic, creative, and highly driven individual with a strong background in creative media and brand management.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead and manage creative projects from concept to completion, including storyboarding, copywriting, timelines, and quality control, while collaborating with cross-functional teams across business sectors and functions.

✅ Translate complex messages, capabilities, and technologies into visual storyboards, develop messaging, and lead the creative vision for content.

✅ Lead and prioritize creative projects in line with business strategy.

✅ Manage a team of creative professionals in creating print and environmental graphics, video, 2D and 3D animation, and interactive content.

✅ Act as a brand guardian for BAE Systems, Inc., ensuring alignment with corporate visual identity guidelines.

✅ Push the team to innovate, through research and recommendations on new creative techniques and technology to “tell our story” and position BAE Systems as an innovator.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of both linear video and animation workflows through modern NLE software and DCC applications.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree and 12+ years of experience, or Master's Degree and 10+ years of experience in a creative discipline.

Experience: Creative agency experience strongly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Familiarity with design software like Adobe Creative Suite, Davinci Resolve, Autodesk Maya, Unreal Engine, and proficiency in digital design principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey creative vision and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional project management, collaboration, and creative design, messaging, and storyboarding skills.
• Attention to detail and partner mindset to drive cross-functional teams.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Strong relationship building, negotiation, time management, and influencing skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Proven ability to direct visually compelling and impactful designs across various media formats.
• Experience leading and motivating creative teams to deliver high-quality work on time and within budget.
• Deep knowledge of brand management principles and ability to apply them to a complex corporate brand like BAE Systems.
• In-depth knowledge of modern communications tactics, media, procedures, and concepts.
• Ability to simultaneously initiate, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Master's Degree and 10+ years of experience in a creative discipline.
• Creative agency experience strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with design software like Adobe Creative Suite, Davinci Resolve, Autodesk Maya, Unreal Engine, and proficiency in digital design principles.

ASSUMPTION: Preferred qualifications are not required but would make a strong candidate more competitive for the role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $154,815 - $263,185 per year

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Disability Coverage
• Life Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Legal Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Military Leave
• Bereavement Leave

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on market pay structures and individual salaries are determined by various factors, including business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing

Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Founded: BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, security, and aerospace company headquartered in Arlington, VA, with locations across the country.

Company Description:

• BAE Systems, Inc. employees’ dedication and commitment show in everything they create and deliver, including advanced electronic systems, cyber operations and intelligence analysis, combat vehicles, naval weapons, ship maintenance and modernization, and vehicle upgrades and services.
• The company's mission is to improve the future and protect lives by delivering a full range of products and services for air, land, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions, and customer support services.

Company Specialties:

• Defense and Aerospace
• Security and Intelligence
• Electronics and Cyber
• Maritime and Naval Systems

Company Website: jobs.baesystems.com

ASSUMPTION: BAE Systems, Inc. is a large, global organization with a diverse range of products and services, offering numerous opportunities for career growth and development.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Executive/Managerial

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Vice President of Marketing Communications & Brand.

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time, with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific projects or tasks.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance within the marketing communications department or explore other roles within the broader organization.
• Opportunities to lead and manage larger teams or take on more strategic responsibilities as the organization grows.
• Chance to work on high-visibility projects and campaigns that showcase the candidate's skills and contribute to their professional development.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand their leadership and management skills and take on more strategic responsibilities.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate headquarters with a modern, collaborative work environment.

Office Location(s): 2941 Fairview Park Dr, Falls Church, Virginia 22042, US

Geographic Context:

• West Falls Church is a suburb of Washington, D.C., with a mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods.
• The area offers a variety of housing options, shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities.
• It is well-connected by major highways and public transportation, with easy access to the nation's capital.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time work hours, with flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours for specific projects.

ASSUMPTION: The location offers a convenient and comfortable work environment with easy access to amenities and transportation options.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission through the company's careers website.
• Phone or video screening with the hiring manager or a member of the HR team.
• In-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including the hiring manager and other team members.
• Final interviews or assessments, depending on the role's requirements.
• Background check and offer extension for the successful candidate.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creative portfolio and samples showcasing relevant experience and skills.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, particularly in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a focus on cross-functional teamwork.
• Leadership and management skills, with a proven track record of driving team success.
• Understanding of brand management principles and the ability to apply them to a complex corporate brand.

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing your creative work, with a focus on brand management and visual storytelling.
• Research BAE Systems, Inc. and the defense and aerospace industry to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its products.
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, focusing on the company's culture, growth opportunities, and the role's responsibilities.

ATS Keywords: Creative Leadership, Project Management, Visual Storytelling, Brand Management, Team Management, Communication Skills, Collaboration, Attention to Detail, Digital Design Principles, Video Production, Animation Workflows, Creative Innovation, Negotiation Skills, Time Management, Relationship Building, Storyboarding

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should focus on demonstrating their relevant experience and skills, as well as their cultural fit with the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Davinci Resolve
• Autodesk Maya
• Unreal Engine
• Modern NLE software (e.g., Avid Media Composer, Final Cut Pro)
• DCC applications (e.g., Autodesk 3DS Max, Blender)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
• Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard software and tools is essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Safety: BAE Systems prioritizes the safety of its employees and the communities in which they work.
• Integrity: The company upholds the highest ethical standards in all aspects of its business.
• Excellence: BAE Systems strives for excellence in everything it does, from product quality to customer service.
• Innovation: The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and encourages employees to challenge the status quo.

Work Style:

• Collaborative: BAE Systems values teamwork and encourages employees to work together to achieve common goals.
• Agile: The company operates in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, requiring employees to adapt quickly to change.
• Customer-focused: BAE Systems prioritizes the needs and expectations of its customers, both internal and external.
• Results-driven: The company emphasizes achieving tangible results and delivering on its commitments.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with BAE Systems' core values, particularly in the context of this role?
• Describe a time when you had to adapt quickly to a significant change in a project or work environment. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
• How do you approach balancing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment, ensuring that you deliver high-quality work on time?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should carefully consider their fit with BAE Systems' values and work style, as well as their ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role may require working on multiple projects simultaneously, with tight deadlines and competing priorities.
• The defense and aerospace industry can be complex and highly regulated, presenting unique challenges and compliance requirements.
• The role may involve managing a team with diverse skills and backgrounds, requiring strong leadership and communication skills.
• The work environment may be subject to change due to the dynamic nature of the industry and the organization's growth.

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to navigate a fast-paced and sometimes challenging work environment, with a strong focus on adaptability and resilience.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on creative leadership and brand management within the defense and aerospace industry.
• Compared to similar roles in other industries, this position requires a strong understanding of the defense and aerospace sector and its specific compliance requirements.
• Career paths for this role may include advancing to senior leadership positions within the marketing communications department or exploring other roles within the broader organization, such as corporate communications or public affairs.

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role and the defense and aerospace industry when evaluating their fit and career growth potential.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive brand guidelines document for BAE Systems, Inc., ensuring consistency across all marketing and communication materials.
• Creating a visually compelling and impactful campaign to showcase BAE Systems' cutting-edge technology at a major industry trade show or event.
• Leading a team to produce a series of animated videos explaining complex defense and aerospace technologies to a general audience.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and the level of creativity required for this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's long-term vision for its marketing communications department and how this role fits into that plan?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in creative and leadership roles?
• Can you provide examples of how the company has successfully executed creative campaigns in the past, and what challenges were faced along the way?
• How does the company balance the need for consistency in its brand with the desire to innovate and push creative boundaries?
• What are the most important qualities and skills you look for in a successful candidate for this role?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should use the interview process to gain a deeper understanding of the company's culture, growth opportunities, and the role's specific responsibilities.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on creative leadership, project management, and brand management.
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing your creative work, with a focus on brand management and visual storytelling.
• Research BAE Systems, Inc. and the defense and aerospace industry to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its products.
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, focusing on the company's culture, growth opportunities, and the role's responsibilities.
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the position.

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