Director of Creative Design

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director of Creative Design

🔹 Company: Crusoe

🔹 Location: San Francisco, California, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Design

🔹 Date Posted: April 22, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading the creative vision and execution for Crusoe's new brand launch
• Overseeing the creation of high-impact campaigns and events
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to embed the new brand into the organization
• Providing hands-on art direction and feedback to refine and elevate creative concepts
• Leading, inspiring, developing, and growing Crusoe's creative design team

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and creative thinker who can balance big-picture brand strategy with hands-on design execution. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in launching and managing a company or product brand, with exceptional design and art direction skills.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead the creative vision and execution for the launch of Crusoe's new brand, ensuring alignment with the company’s mission, values, and business objectives

✅ Develop, implement, scale, and maintain a cohesive visual identity and design guidelines to ensure brand consistency across all touchpoints and mediums

✅ Collaborate with marketing, product, and executive teams to embed the new brand into every aspect of the organization

✅ Oversee the creation of high-impact campaigns and events, including digital, print, social, and experiential assets, ensuring alignment with brand strategy

✅ Provide hands-on art direction and feedback to refine and elevate creative concepts

✅ Collaborate with external agencies, freelancers, and vendors to expand the creative output as needed

✅ Establish metrics to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of creative initiatives

✅ Facilitate design critiques and reviews within the creative design team, as well as with your cross-functional teams

✅ Lead, inspire, develop, and grow Crusoe's creative design team - fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and execution excellence

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of brand strategy, exceptional design skills, and the ability to lead and mentor a team of designers. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and collaborating with various stakeholders.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Fine Arts, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 10+ years of creative design experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of launching and managing a company or product brand
• Exceptional design and art direction skills with a strong portfolio showcasing innovative, impactful work
• Expertise in leading and developing high-performing creative teams
• Proficiency in design tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe CC) and familiarity with digital marketing trends
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate and sell creative concepts to stakeholders
• A passion for storytelling and creating designs that connect emotionally with audiences

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in the tech industry
• Familiarity with AI and cloud infrastructure

ASSUMPTION: While experience in the tech industry is not required, it would be beneficial for the candidate to understand Crusoe's mission and the AI cloud infrastructure space.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $232,000 - $266,000 per year

Benefits:

• Industry competitive pay
• Restricted Stock Units in a fast-growing, well-funded technology company
• Health insurance package options that include HDHP and PPO, vision, and dental for you and your dependents
• Employer contributions to HSA accounts
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
• Teladoc
• 401(k) with a 100% match up to 4% of salary
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Subscription to the Calm app
• MetLife Legal
• Company-paid Commuter FSA benefit of $200 per month

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for project needs

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on market data for similar roles in the San Francisco Bay Area. The benefits package is competitive and designed to support the well-being and work-life balance of Crusoe's employees.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Technology, Information, and Internet. Crusoe is a vertically integrated, purpose-built AI cloud platform that aligns the future of computing with the future of the climate.

Company Size: 501-1,000 employees. As a mid-sized company, Crusoe offers the opportunity to make a significant impact and have a direct influence on the organization's growth and success.

Founded: 2018. Crusoe was founded with a mission to redefine AI cloud infrastructure and has since become the "gold standard" among builders for its reliability and performance in developing, training, and deploying AI models.

Company Description:

• Crusoe is the industry’s first vertically integrated, purpose-built AI cloud platform
• The company is redefining AI cloud infrastructure, with a platform recognized as the "gold standard" for reliability and performance in developing, training, and deploying AI models
• Powered by clean, renewable energy, Crusoe aligns the future of computing with the future of the climate

Company Specialties:

• AI
• Cloud
• Data Centers
• Energy
• Infrastructure
• Manufacturing
• Environment and Sustainability

Company Website: crusoe.ai

ASSUMPTION: Crusoe's focus on sustainability and renewable energy sets it apart in the tech industry and offers candidates the opportunity to work on meaningful, impactful projects.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the Chief Marketing Officer or another executive-level stakeholder.

Reporting Structure: The Director of Creative Design will oversee Crusoe's creative design team and collaborate with various cross-functional teams, including marketing, product, and executive leadership.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the expectation that the Director of Creative Design will be present in Crusoe's San Francisco office for at least 40 hours per week. However, Crusoe offers flexibility for project needs and may consider a hybrid arrangement for the right candidate.

Growth Opportunities:

• As Crusoe continues to grow, there will be opportunities for the Director of Creative Design to expand their team and take on additional responsibilities
• The ideal candidate for this role will have the opportunity to shape Crusoe's brand and make a lasting impact on the organization's success
• Crusoe's focus on employee development and growth provides ample opportunities for professional advancement

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential, as Crusoe's brand and creative design team continue to evolve and expand.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Crusoe's San Francisco office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation.

Office Location(s): 535 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

Geographic Context:

• San Francisco is a vibrant, diverse city with a thriving tech industry and a strong focus on sustainability and innovation
• The city offers a wide range of cultural attractions, dining options, and outdoor activities
• Crusoe's office is conveniently located in the heart of downtown San Francisco, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities

Work Schedule: The Director of Creative Design will be expected to work standard business hours, with flexibility for project needs and deadlines. Crusoe offers a generous paid time off and holiday schedule to support work-life balance.

ASSUMPTION: San Francisco's dynamic, innovative environment provides an ideal setting for Crusoe's creative design team to thrive and make a significant impact.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the HR team
• Portfolio review and creative challenge with the creative design team
• On-site interview with the Chief Marketing Officer or another executive-level stakeholder
• Final interview with the CEO or another senior leader

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creative problem-solving skills and ability to develop innovative design solutions
• Strategic thinking and understanding of brand strategy
• Leadership and team management skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Crusoe's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare a cover letter that explains why you are interested in this opportunity and how your background makes you a strong fit for Crusoe's creative design team
• Be ready to discuss your design process and the thinking behind your portfolio pieces during the interview
• Research Crusoe's brand and mission to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its goals

ATS Keywords: Brand strategy, creative design, art direction, team leadership, design tools, digital marketing trends, storytelling, campaign management, design critiques, creative concept development

ASSUMPTION: Crusoe's interview process is designed to assess the candidate's creative skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit with the organization. The ideal candidate will be able to articulate their design process and demonstrate a strong understanding of Crusoe's brand and mission.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Figma
• Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, JIRA, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have proficiency in industry-standard design tools and be comfortable learning and adopting new technologies as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation: Crusoe values creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge the status quo
• Sustainability: Crusoe is committed to aligning the future of computing with the future of the climate
• Collaboration: Crusoe fosters a culture of teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect

Work Style:

• Crusoe's work environment is fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative
• The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a startup-like atmosphere and adapting to change
• Crusoe values a growth mindset and encourages employees to take ownership of their professional development

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align your creative vision with a company's mission and values?
• Can you describe a time when you had to adapt your creative approach to meet a client's or stakeholder's needs?
• How do you foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within your team?

ASSUMPTION: Crusoe's culture values creativity, sustainability, and collaboration. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong alignment with these values and a willingness to embrace Crusoe's fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a team of designers and balancing the need for creative freedom with brand consistency
• Navigating a fast-paced, dynamic work environment and adapting to change
• Working with various stakeholders and managing expectations across multiple teams
• Ensuring the creative design team's work aligns with Crusoe's mission and business objectives

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to a leadership role in a fast-growing, innovative company like Crusoe. The ideal candidate will be comfortable navigating ambiguity, managing multiple priorities, and making strategic decisions in a dynamic environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional design roles, this position requires a strong strategic understanding of brand management and the ability to lead a team of designers
• Crusoe's focus on sustainability and renewable energy sets it apart from other tech companies, offering candidates the opportunity to work on meaningful, impactful projects
• As a senior leadership position, this role offers significant growth potential and the opportunity to shape Crusoe's brand and creative design team

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on brand strategy, sustainability, and leadership. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their strategic thinking, creative problem-solving skills, and ability to lead and manage a team of designers.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive brand style guide and design system for Crusoe's new brand
• Creating high-impact campaign assets for Crusoe's product launches and marketing initiatives
• Designing and implementing a user-friendly, on-brand creative design team workflow and project management system

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to showcase the candidate's ability to balance strategic brand management with hands-on design execution and team leadership.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does Crusoe plan to support the growth and development of the creative design team?
• Can you describe the company's approach to brand management and how the creative design team fits into this strategy?
• How does Crusoe foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within its teams?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does Crusoe measure the success of its creative design team and the impact of its brand initiatives?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help the candidate understand Crusoe's brand management strategy, work environment, and expectations for the role.

📌 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 cover letter that explains why you are interested in this opportunity and how your background makes you a strong fit for Crusoe's creative design team
• Be ready to discuss your design process and the thinking behind your portfolio pieces during the interview
• Research Crusoe's brand and mission to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its goals
• Follow up with the HR team 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.