Executive Creative Director, Design (Freelance to Full-Time) (Remote)

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Executive Creative Director, Design (Freelance to Full-Time) (Remote) 🔹 Company: Coffee ‘n Clothes (CNC) 🔹 Location: Remote 🔹 Job Type: Freelance to Full-Time (Remote) 🔹 Category: Design & Creative 🔹 Date Posted: May 16, 2025 🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years of experience 🔹 Remote Status: Remote 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: - Leading the visual and experiential output across various design disciplines - Developing bold concepts that intersect culture, sport, and design - Overseeing the execution of immersive installations and branded content - Collaborating with strategy, production, and business teams to align creative output with larger goals - Partnering with clients to define creative approaches and win new business - Identifying opportunities to fuse commerce, culture, and community through inventive design-led experiences - Building, inspiring, and managing a multidisciplinary team of designers, freelancers, and collaborators - Contributing to a creative culture that’s playful, driven, collaborative, and globally conscious - Staying ahead of trends across design, sports, tech, and culture 📋 Key Responsibilities ✅ Creative Leadership - Develop and pitch bold concepts that intersect culture, sport, and design, translating abstract ideas into powerful visual systems. - Lead creative direction across all design disciplines, ensuring high standards and visual integrity across all outputs. - Translate brand strategy and client needs into iconic creative solutions. - Help evolve the Coffee ‘n Clothes brand as a lifestyle force—internally and externally. ✅ Strategic Vision - Partner with strategy, production, and business teams to align creative output with larger goals. - Play an integral role in new business, helping to define creative approaches, present ideas, and win work. - Identify opportunities to fuse commerce, culture, and community through inventive design-led experiences. ✅ Team + Culture - Build, inspire, and manage a multidisciplinary team of designers, freelancers, and collaborators. - Act as a mentor and creative north star for junior talent, fostering growth, experimentation, and attention to detail. - Contribute to a creative culture that’s playful, driven, collaborative, and globally conscious. - Stay ahead of trends across design, sports, tech, and culture—and bring that knowledge into everything we do. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: - Bachelor's degree in Design, Fine Arts, or a related field (or equivalent experience) Experience: - 10+ years of experience leading creative/design teams in a major agency or studio environment Required Skills: - Proven track record creating campaigns and experiences at the intersection of design, sport, and culture - Background in architecture, industrial design, or spatial design (highly valued) - Proven track record executing mobile and large-scale experiences - Strong understanding of both physical production and digital/interactive outputs - A hands-on leader who can zoom in on craft and zoom out on big-picture thinking - Portfolio that spans brand systems, experiential activations, packaging, physical spaces, and visual storytelling - A deep curiosity for culture and a drive to set, not follow, trends 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 (USD) per year (full-time equivalent) Benefits: - Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance - 401(k) matching - Generous PTO and flexible work arrangements - Professional development opportunities - A dynamic, creative work environment with a strong company culture Working Hours: Full-time equivalent (40 hours/week) 📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context Industry: Advertising Services Company Size: 11-50 employees Founded: 2014 (as a hashtag on Instagram) Company Description: - CNC started as a niche community on Instagram and has evolved into an award-winning creative agency. - They create physical-first experiences for brands that shift culture, infusing strategy, creativity, in-house production, and technology. - CNC has worked with iconic brands, opening physical and virtual retail locations, and building a global network of talent. Company Specialties: - Social Media - Marketing - Fashion - Influencer Marketing - Event Production - Technology - Media - Content Production - Events - Experiential Marketing - Experiential - Web3 - Merchandise Company Website: Coffee ‘n Clothes 📊 Role Analysis Career Level: Executive/Leadership Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Founder/CEO Work Arrangement: Remote (with potential for on-site collaboration) Growth Opportunities: - Potential to grow the design team and expand the role's scope as the company scales - Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and collaborate with global brands - Possibility to transition to a full-time role based on performance and company growth 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: Remote (with potential for on-site collaboration) Office Location(s): New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA Geographic Context: - New York, NY: Diverse, multicultural, fast-paced, and influential in the global fashion and advertising industries - Los Angeles, CA: Creative hub for entertainment, fashion, and tech industries, offering a more relaxed pace and diverse cultural experiences Work Schedule: Flexible, with core hours between 10 AM - 4 PM EST/PDT 💼 Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Phone/Video Screen: 30-45 minutes 2. Design Challenge: 2-3 hours (submitted before the next interview) 3. On-site/Video Interview: 1-2 hours 4. Final Interview: 30-45 minutes Key Assessment Areas: - Design portfolio and problem-solving skills - Cultural fit and understanding of CNC's brand and values - Strategic thinking and ability to align creative output with business goals - Leadership and team management skills Application Tips: - Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role - Showcase your understanding of CNC's brand and values in your cover letter - Be prepared to discuss your design process, inspiration, and how you approach challenges ATS Keywords: Design, Creative Direction, Branding, Experiential Design, Sports Marketing, Cultural Trends, Team Leadership, Strategy, Digital Experiences, Physical Production 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects) - SketchUp or similar 3D modeling software - Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) - Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA) - Collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace) 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Creativity and innovation - Collaboration and teamwork - Positivity and optimism - Integrity and authenticity - Empowerment and growth Work Style: - Fast-paced and dynamic - Creative and innovative - Collaborative and team-oriented - Results-driven and accountable - Adaptable and open to change Self-Assessment Questions: 1. How do you align your creative vision with a brand's DNA and business objectives? 2. Describe a time when you had to pivot your design approach due to unexpected constraints or feedback. How did you handle it? 3. How do you foster a creative and inclusive team environment, encouraging diverse perspectives and ideas? ⚠️ Potential Challenges 1. Balancing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, remote work environment 2. Managing a diverse team with varying skill levels and backgrounds 3. Adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of design trends, tools, and technologies 4. Maintaining a strong work-life balance while working remotely 📈 Similar Roles Comparison 1. Executive Creative Director vs. Creative Director: - Executive Creative Director: Oversees multiple teams and disciplines, focusing on strategic vision and business growth. Requires more experience and leadership skills. - Creative Director: Leads a single team or discipline, focusing on day-to-day creative output and team management. Requires less experience and more hands-on design skills. 2. Industry-specific context: - CNC's focus on experiential marketing and physical-first experiences sets it apart from traditional advertising agencies. - The role requires a unique blend of design, branding, and event production skills, with a strong understanding of the sports and culture landscapes. 3. Career path comparison: - Executive Creative Director: Typically progresses from Creative Director roles, with a strong track record in leadership and strategic thinking. - Creative Director: Can advance to Executive Creative Director roles with increased experience, leadership skills, and a proven track record in driving business growth. 📝 Sample Projects 1. Sports Marketing Campaign: Develop a comprehensive marketing campaign for a major sports brand, integrating design, branding, and experiential elements to create a seamless, immersive fan experience. 2. Brand Activation: Design and execute a brand activation event for a fashion retailer, combining physical retail spaces, digital experiences, and social media engagement to drive foot traffic and online sales. 3. Experiential Retail Space: Conceptualize and bring to life a unique retail space for an emerging direct-to-consumer brand, blending storytelling, technology, and interactive elements to create a memorable and engaging customer journey. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview 1. How does CNC measure the success of its experiential campaigns and brand activations? 2. What are the most significant challenges facing the design team in the next 1-2 years, and how can this role help address them? 3. How does CNC support the professional development and growth of its design team members? 4. Can you describe a recent project that required collaboration with multiple teams and disciplines? How did you ensure the project's success, and what did you learn from the experience? 5. How does CNC approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in its design process and team composition? 📌 Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through this link: CNC Job Application 2. Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role 3. Prepare a cover letter showcasing your understanding of CNC's brand and values, and your enthusiasm for the position 4. If selected, complete a design challenge and prepare for phone/video and on-site/video interviews 5. Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final interview to inquire about the status of your application ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.