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Executive Director, Creative (IHOP)

Dine Brands Global
Full-time
On-site
Pasadena, California, United States
🌐 Digital Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Executive Director, Creative (IHOP)

πŸ”Ή Company: Dine Brands Global

πŸ”Ή Location: Pasadena, California

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time

πŸ”Ή Category: Restaurants

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: May 7, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 10+ years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Developing and implementing creative strategies aligned with business objectives
  • Leading and mentoring creative teams to achieve excellence
  • Building and maintaining strong relationships with IHOP leaders
  • Overseeing the entire creative process from concept to execution
  • Managing the creative department's budget
  • Staying up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies
  • Defining and maintaining a cohesive creative vision across all projects and campaigns
  • Developing and managing content strategy for both small and large projects
  • Analyzing brand tracking, market trends, consumer needs, and the competitor landscape

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and creativity to drive innovative marketing campaigns and maintain a strong brand identity.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Supervise a cross-functional team of graphic designers, copywriters, social-media experts, photographers/videographers, and project managers in the strategic development of messaging and deliverables

βœ… Prioritize work and resources across engagements, based on short- and long-term needs, and develop schedules by collaborating with designers, copywriters, and production artists

βœ… Conduct brainstorming sessions with creative team, maintaining strategic thinking to develop innovative and actionable initiatives in a fiscally responsible manner

βœ… Review and approve art and copy developed by the team, ensuring that deliverables address marketing goals and challenges effectively

βœ… Produce fresh, innovative work that translates complex ideas into compelling print materials and digital experiences for sophisticated audiences

βœ… Oversee the presentation of final concepts, and obtain approvals for deliverables

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of collaboration and leadership, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in graphic design or advertising preferred

Experience: Ten years of relevant experience, with seven or more years as a creative director in an agency or corporate setting

Required Skills:

  • Experience in creating marketing/advertising campaigns
  • Experience in creating integrated content across all marketing channels
  • Proven ability to develop successful concepts
  • Proficiency in leading a team of diverse, talented creatives
  • Strong creative vision, with an eye on business objectives

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience working in a corporate environment with executive leaders

ASSUMPTION: Given the extensive experience required, candidates should have a proven track record in creative direction and leadership within the marketing or advertising industry.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $200,000 - $230,000 per year (AI-estimated based on role, experience level, and location)

Benefits:

  • Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
  • Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment
  • Applicant & Employee Privacy Notice

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a creative director role with the required experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as performance and negotiation.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Dine Brands Global operates in the restaurant industry, with a focus on franchising, brand revitalization, and consumer marketing.

Company Size: Dine Brands Global has 501-1,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: Dine Brands Global was founded in 2007, with a rich history in the hospitality industry through its subsidiaries, Applebee's, IHOP, and Fuzzy's Taco Shop.

Company Description:

  • Dine Brands Global passionately nurtures and grows the world’s most beloved restaurant brands
  • The company supports over 3,400 restaurants across 18 countries, making it one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world
  • Dine Brands values innovation, authenticity, and collaboration, fostering a creative environment that believes in going further together

Company Specialties:

  • Franchising
  • Brand revitalization
  • Consumer marketing

Company Website: www.dinebrands.com

ASSUMPTION: Dine Brands Global's extensive experience in the restaurant industry and commitment to innovation make it an attractive employer for creative professionals.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Executive Director roles typically fall within the senior leadership category, reporting directly to the Chief Marketing Officer or another C-level executive.

Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Senior Vice President, Marketing & Culinary at Dine Brands Global.

Work Arrangement: The role is on-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work for meetings or specific projects.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential advancement to Vice President or Chief Marketing Officer roles within the company
  • Expanding creative leadership skills and industry knowledge
  • Gaining experience in managing a large, cross-functional team

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for creative professionals looking to advance their careers in marketing and advertising within the restaurant industry.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate headquarters with a creative and collaborative work environment

Office Location(s): Pasadena, California

Geographic Context:

  • Pasadena is a city in Los Angeles County, California, with a population of approximately 140,000 people
  • The city is known for its cultural attractions, including the Norton Simon Museum and the Pasadena Playhouse
  • Pasadena offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a median household income above the national average

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours to accommodate project deadlines and meetings

ASSUMPTION: The Pasadena office provides a creative and collaborative work environment, with easy access to cultural attractions and a diverse range of housing options.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application and resume submission
  • Phone or video screening with the HR department
  • In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
  • Final interview with the Senior Vice President, Marketing & Culinary

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Creative portfolio and case studies
  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Leadership and team management abilities
  • Communication and presentation skills

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Prepare a portfolio showcasing your creative direction and leadership capabilities
  • Research Dine Brands Global and IHOP to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its brands

ATS Keywords: Marketing, Advertising, Creative Direction, Brand Development, Team Leadership, Content Strategy, Integrated Marketing, Campaign Development, Graphic Design, Copywriting, Social Media, Photography, Videography, Project Management

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a focus on assessing creative direction skills, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
  • Project management tools (Asana, Trello, Jira)
  • Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)

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

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Innovation
  • Authenticity
  • Collaboration

Work Style:

  • Creative and collaborative
  • Data-driven and strategic
  • Adaptable and responsive to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • How do you embody Dine Brands Global's values in your work?
  • Describe a time when you had to adapt your creative approach to meet changing circumstances
  • How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment?

ASSUMPTION: Dine Brands Global values innovation, authenticity, and collaboration, seeking candidates who align with these principles and can thrive in a creative and dynamic work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing a large, cross-functional team with diverse skillsets and personalities
  • Balancing creative vision with business objectives and budget constraints
  • Keeping up with industry trends and emerging technologies in a rapidly evolving marketing landscape
  • Adapting to the unique brand identities and marketing needs of multiple restaurant concepts (Applebee's, IHOP, Fuzzy's Taco Shop)

ASSUMPTION: This role presents both creative and strategic challenges, requiring strong leadership, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the restaurant industry and its marketing trends.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Compared to other creative director roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work across multiple restaurant brands with distinct identities
  • Dine Brands Global's focus on franchising and brand revitalization provides a diverse range of marketing challenges and opportunities
  • Career progression in this role could lead to senior marketing or executive leadership positions within the company or the broader restaurant industry

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of creative and strategic challenges, with significant growth potential for the right candidate.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing campaign for IHOP's National Pancake Day event
  • Creating a cohesive brand identity and marketing strategy for a new restaurant concept within the Dine Brands Global portfolio
  • Managing a team to produce a series of high-quality, on-brand video advertisements for Applebee's

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of creative and strategic challenges faced by the Executive Director, Creative (IHOP) role at Dine Brands Global.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the creative department?
  • How does Dine Brands Global support the growth and development of its creative team members?
  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
  • How does Dine Brands Global measure the success of its marketing campaigns and creative initiatives?
  • What is the company's approach to work-life balance and employee well-being?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the role's day-to-day responsibilities, team dynamics, and company culture, as well as the expectations for success in the first 90 days.

πŸ“Œ 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
  • Prepare a portfolio showcasing your creative direction and leadership capabilities
  • Research Dine Brands Global and IHOP to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its brands
  • Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final 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.