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Freelance Creative Director

IPG Mediabrands
Full-time
On-site
New York, United States
🎨 Brand & Creative Marketing
πŸ“Œ Core Information πŸ”Ή Job Title: Freelance Creative Director πŸ”Ή Company: IPG Mediabrands πŸ”Ή Location: New York, NY, United States πŸ”Ή Job Type: Freelance πŸ”Ή Category: Advertising & Marketing πŸ”Ή Date Posted: July 14, 2025 πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 10+ years πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Remote OK πŸš€ Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: 1. Creative Leadership: Lead and inspire teams to develop high-quality work, ensuring creative executions meet the highest standards. 2. Conceptual Thinking: Demonstrate exceptional conceptual thinking and the ability to develop big, breakthrough ideas across all mediums. 3. Management Skills: Manage workflow, prioritize assignments, and collaborate with account management to ensure projects run smoothly. 4. Client Interaction: Develop relationships and maintain contact with key clients, representing the agency professionally. 5. Adobe Suite Proficiency: Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, is required. ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong portfolio showcasing creative ability and talent. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in creative direction and leadership. πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities - Lead and inspire teams to develop high-quality work, ensuring creative executions meet the highest standards. - Sell through big ideas and guide the quality and standards of work for reporting teams. - Manage workflow, timing, and assignments of reporting teams. - Collaborate with the creative manager to select and assign resources as necessary. - Participate in and approve creative briefs prepared by account management and/or planning. - Partner with creative manager and account management to set priorities when scheduling/timetable conflicts develop among assignments and creative staff. - Review and approve all creative work before presentations internally and to clients. - Develop relationships and maintain contact with key clients, representing the agency professionally. - Work on creative assignments within or outside of the creative group. - Lead and/or participate in new business efforts as needed. - Professionally represent the agency in interaction with clients, staff, outside vendors, and other contacts. ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience working with diverse teams, managing workflow, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for this role. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: - Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or Communications) or equivalent experience. Experience: - 10+ years of experience in creative direction, with a proven track record in leading teams and driving high-quality work. Required Skills: - Expertise in MAC software and Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. - Strong interpersonal and communication skills. - Excellent management skills and strong leadership potential. - Proven ability to sell through big ideas and guide the quality of creative work. - Experience working with diverse teams and managing workflow. - Proficiency in client relationship management. Preferred Skills: - Experience with specific industry tools and software. - Familiarity with the client's industry or specific brands. ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong portfolio showcasing creative ability and talent, as well as a proven track record in creative direction and leadership, are strongly encouraged to apply. πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $62.50 USD per hour Benefits: - Medical and dental coverage - 401(k) plans - Flex spending - Life insurance - Disability insurance - Employee discount program - Employee stock purchase program - Paid family benefits - Discretionary time off days - Company-wide Appreciation Weeks and Wellness Days Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a freelance creative director role. The actual salary may vary depending on factors such as experience, market conditions, and budgetary considerations. πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights πŸ” Company Context Industry: Advertising & Marketing Company Size: 10,001+ employees Founded: 1957 (as part of Interpublic Group) Company Description: IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). It manages over $47 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients across its full-service agency networks UM, Initiative, and Mediahub, and through its award-winning specialized business units Healix, KINESSO, MAGNA, Mediabrands Content Studio, Orion Holdings, Rapport, and the IPG Media Lab. IPG Mediabrands clients include many of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors. The company employs over 18,000 diverse marketing communication professionals in more than 130 countries. Company Specialties: - Media Planning & Buying - Automation & Programmatic - Digital Media - Brand Content - Media Barter - Online & Mobile - Social Media Marketing - Sponsorship & Sports Marketing - ROI & Consumer Research - Hyper-Local & Multicultural Marketing - Out-Of-Home Advertising Company Website: ASSUMPTION: IPG Mediabrands is a large, global organization with a diverse portfolio of clients and services. This role offers the opportunity to work with a wide range of brands and collaborate with a large team of marketing communication professionals. πŸ“Š Role Analysis Career Level: Senior/Executive Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Creative Manager and may oversee a team of creative professionals. Work Arrangement: Remote OK (with potential for on-site work when required) Growth Opportunities: - Lead and mentor junior creative team members. - Collaborate with other creative directors and managers to develop and implement strategic creative initiatives. - Contribute to new business efforts and help grow the agency's client roster. ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within the agency's creative department and beyond. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: Hybrid (remote and on-site work) Office Location: New York, NY, United States (with potential for remote work) Geographic Context: - New York City is a major hub for the advertising and marketing industry, offering numerous networking opportunities and industry events. - The city's diverse cultural scene and vibrant arts community can inspire creative thinking and innovation. Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible hours based on project needs and client demands. ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a hybrid work environment and managing their time effectively to balance remote and on-site work responsibilities. πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Phone or video screen with the hiring manager or HR representative. 2. In-depth portfolio review and creative challenge with the creative team. 3. Final interview with the creative manager and/or other senior stakeholders. Key Assessment Areas: 1. Creative portfolio and problem-solving skills. 2. Leadership and management abilities. 3. Communication and interpersonal skills. 4. Cultural fit and alignment with the agency's values. Application Tips: 1. Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role. 2. Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your creative ability and leadership skills. 3. Research the agency and its clients to demonstrate your understanding of the industry and the role's requirements. 4. Practice presenting your portfolio and be ready to discuss your creative process and decision-making. ATS Keywords: Creative Director, Freelance, Advertising, Marketing, Creative Team, Leadership, Portfolio, Client Relationship, Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's creative skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit with the agency. πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies - Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) - Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) - Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) - Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace) ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools is essential for this role. Candidates should be comfortable learning and utilizing new tools as needed. πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Collaboration - Creativity - Curiosity - Empowerment - Integrity - Respect Work Style: - Collaborative and team-oriented - Creative and innovative - Results-driven and accountable - Adaptable and open to feedback - Strong communication and interpersonal skills Self-Assessment Questions: 1. How do you ensure that your creative work aligns with the agency's values and brand guidelines? 2. Describe a time when you had to manage a challenging project or team dynamic. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome? 3. How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and new tools in the creative field? ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the agency's values and a commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. ⚠️ Potential Challenges 1. Workload fluctuations: The nature of freelance work can lead to varying workloads, requiring strong time management and adaptability. 2. Client demands: Working with multiple clients may require juggling competing priorities and tight deadlines. 3. Remote work challenges: Collaborating effectively with a remote team and managing work-life balance can be challenging. ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to thrive in a dynamic work environment and manage their time effectively to meet project deadlines and client expectations. πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison 1. Creative Director (Full-Time): This role offers more job security and a consistent workload but may have less flexibility in work hours and location. 2. Senior Art Director/Creative Manager: These roles focus more on day-to-day creative execution and team management, with less emphasis on strategic leadership and client relationship management. 3. Freelance Art Director/Designer: These roles may offer more flexibility in work hours and location but may also involve more hands-on creative work and less strategic leadership. ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will understand the unique aspects of this freelance creative director role and be able to leverage their skills and experience to excel in this specific work arrangement. πŸ“ Sample Projects 1. Brand Campaign: Develop a comprehensive brand campaign, including visual identity, advertising, and digital content, for a new product launch. 2. Integrated Marketing Campaign: Lead a team to create an integrated marketing campaign, combining traditional and digital channels, to drive brand awareness and engagement. 3. Rebranding Project: Work with a client to rebrand their company, updating their visual identity, messaging, and overall market presence. ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience working on diverse projects and be able to adapt their creative approach to meet the unique needs of each client and campaign. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview 1. What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days? 2. How does the agency support the professional development and growth of its creative team members? 3. What are the most challenging aspects of working with freelance creative directors, and how does the agency address them? 4. How does the agency measure the success of its creative campaigns, and what metrics are most important for this role? 5. What opportunities are there for collaboration with other creative directors and teams within the agency? ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be proactive in seeking information about the role, the agency, and its clients to ensure a strong fit and successful onboarding process. πŸ“ Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through the provided link: [Application URL] 2. Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role. 3. Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your creative ability and leadership skills. 4. Practice presenting your portfolio and be ready to discuss your creative process and decision-making. 5. Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application. ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.