🔹 Job Title: Freelance Creative Director
🔹 Company: IPG Mediabrands
🔹 Location: New York, NY, United States
🔹 Job Type: Freelance
🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: July 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years of experience
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
1. Creative Leadership: Lead and inspire teams to develop innovative and breakthrough ideas across all mediums.
2. Conceptual Thinking: Demonstrate exceptional conceptual thinking and the ability to develop big, breakthrough ideas.
3. Craftsmanship: Set and maintain high standards for creative work, ensuring that executions meet the highest standard of craftsmanship.
4. Client Management: Maintain strong relationships with key clients and represent the agency professionally.
5. Team Management: Manage workflow, assignments, and resources within the creative group.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a highly creative and experienced individual who can thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in leading creative teams and driving successful campaigns.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead and Inspire Teams: Lead and inspire teams in developing creative work, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
✅ Sell Through Ideas: Demonstrate the ability to sell through big ideas to clients and stakeholders.
✅ Set Quality Standards: Establish and maintain high-quality standards for creative work, ensuring that executions meet the highest standard of craftsmanship.
✅ Manage Workflow: Oversee the workflow, timing, and assignments of reporting teams to ensure projects are delivered on time and to the required standard.
✅ Review and Approve Work: Review and approve creative briefs, creative work, and presentations to clients.
✅ Client Relationships: Develop and maintain strong relationships with key clients, understanding their needs and exceeding their expectations.
✅ Contribute to New Business: Lead or participate in new business efforts as needed, contributing to the growth and success of the agency.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience working with diverse teams, managing workflows, and driving creative projects to successful completion.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Advertising, or Communications)
Experience:
- 10+ years of experience in a creative agency or similar environment
- Proven track record in leading creative teams and driving successful campaigns
Required Skills:
- Strong conceptual thinking and creative abilities
- Excellent management and leadership skills
- Expertise in MAC software and Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Strong portfolio demonstrating creative ability and talent
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with specific industry tools and software
- Familiarity with the client's industry or specific market trends
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong portfolio showcasing their creative abilities and a proven track record in leading creative teams.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $62.50 USD per hour (based on industry standards for a freelance Creative Director with 10+ years of experience)
Benefits:
- Medical and dental coverage
- 401(k) plans
- Flex spending account
- 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: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for remote work arrangements
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a freelance Creative Director with 10+ years of experience. The actual salary may vary depending on factors such as the candidate's specific experience, skills, and market conditions.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 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). IPG Mediabrands 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 specialty 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, employing over 18,000 diverse marketing communication professionals in more than 130 countries. Learn more at [www.ipgmediabrands.com](http://www.ipgmediabrands.com).
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 Locations:
- 100 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001, US
- Calle de Enrique Jardiel Poncela, 6, Madrid, Community of Madrid 28016, ES
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level role, requiring extensive experience in creative direction and team leadership.
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Creative Manager and may oversee junior creative team members.
Work Arrangement: The role is offered as a freelance position, with the possibility of remote work arrangements.
Growth Opportunities: As a freelance role, growth opportunities may be limited, but there may be potential for long-term contract or full-time employment based on performance and client needs.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience working in a freelance capacity and be comfortable with the unique challenges and opportunities that come with this type of arrangement.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Freelance/Remote
Office Location(s): New York, NY, USA (with potential for remote work)
Geographic Context: New York City offers a dynamic and multicultural environment, with a wide range of industries, cultural events, and networking opportunities.
Work Schedule: The work schedule is flexible, with the expectation of maintaining regular business hours and being available for client meetings as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a remote or freelance environment and have the necessary self-motivation and time management skills to succeed in this role.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
1. Submission of application through the provided link
2. Phone or video screening to assess communication and cultural fit
3. In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or creative team members
4. Final interview with senior leadership, focusing on leadership and management skills
Key Assessment Areas:
1. Creative portfolio and conceptual thinking
2. Leadership and management skills
3. Cultural fit and alignment with company values
4. Problem-solving and strategic thinking
Application Tips:
1. Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.
2. Prepare a strong cover letter explaining your interest in the position and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit.
3. Be ready to discuss your creative process, inspiration, and how you approach challenges.
ASSUMPTION: The interview process may vary depending on the specific needs of the client or project. It is essential to be flexible and adaptable to different interview formats and assessment methods.
🛠️ 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: The ideal candidate will have experience with industry-standard creative software and be comfortable learning and adapting to new tools as needed.
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Collaborative and team-oriented culture
- Strong emphasis on creativity, innovation, and problem-solving
- Results-driven and data-informed decision-making
Self-Assessment Questions:
1. How do you align with the company's core values, particularly [specific value]?
2. Describe a time when you had to adapt your work style to fit a new team or project. How did you approach this, and what was the outcome?
3. How do you ensure that your creative work meets the highest standards of craftsmanship, and how do you approach feedback or criticism?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong fit with the company's core values and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
1. Workload Fluctuations: As a freelance role, workload may fluctuate depending on client needs and project timelines. The ideal candidate will be comfortable with varying workloads and able to manage their time effectively.
2. Remote Work: The role may require working remotely, which can present unique challenges such as isolation and distractions. The ideal candidate will have strong self-motivation and time management skills to succeed in a remote work environment.
3. Client Relationships: Building and maintaining strong client relationships can be challenging, especially in a freelance capacity. The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be comfortable working with diverse clients and stakeholders.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be proactive in managing their workload, comfortable working remotely, and skilled in building and maintaining strong client relationships.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
1. Creative Director vs. Art Director: While both roles involve creative direction, a Creative Director typically has more strategic and leadership responsibilities, while an Art Director focuses more on the visual design aspects of creative projects.
2. Freelance vs. Full-Time: Freelance roles offer more flexibility but may have fewer benefits and long-term growth opportunities compared to full-time positions. The ideal candidate will weigh the pros and cons of freelance work and be comfortable with the unique challenges and opportunities it presents.
3. Agency vs. In-House: Creative Directors in agencies often work with multiple clients and projects, while in-house roles focus on a single brand or product. The ideal candidate will consider their preferences for agency or in-house work and be comfortable with the unique demands of each environment.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will carefully consider the differences between similar roles and choose the one that best aligns with their career goals, skills, and preferences.
📝 Sample Projects
1. Campaign Concept Development: Develop a comprehensive campaign concept, including creative brief, visual direction, and tactical plans, for a new product launch in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
2. Brand Repositioning: Lead a rebranding effort for an established financial services client, updating their visual identity, tone of voice, and overall brand strategy to better resonate with their target audience.
3. Integrated Marketing Campaign: Develop and execute an integrated marketing campaign for a technology client, combining digital, social, and traditional marketing channels to drive brand awareness and product adoption.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience working on similar projects and be able to provide specific examples of their creative process, challenges overcome, and successful outcomes.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
1. Role-Specific: How does this role fit into the overall creative structure of the agency, and how will my work contribute to the team's success?
2. Client-Specific: What are the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the client's industry or market position?
3. Company-Specific: How does the agency support the professional development and growth of its freelance creatives?
4. Work Environment: What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how do they support freelancers in maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
5. Long-Term Growth: What opportunities exist for long-term growth or contract-to-hire conversions for successful freelancers?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will ask thoughtful, insightful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role, the client, and the company's culture and values.
📐 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
1. Submit your application through [this link](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/mediabrands/jobs/4787246007).
2. Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.
3. Prepare a strong cover letter explaining your interest in the position and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit.
4. Be ready to discuss your creative process, inspiration, and how you approach challenges.
5. Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application 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.
