Freelance Creative Director

📌 Core Information 🔹 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 🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: - Developing and executing breakthrough creative ideas across all mediums - Leading and inspiring creative teams to deliver high-quality work - Collaborating with clients, account management, and planning teams to set priorities and timelines - Managing workflow, assignments, and resources for reporting teams - Reviewing and approving creative work before client presentations - Contributing to new business efforts and representing the agency professionally - Demonstrating strong interpersonal, communication, and management skills ASSUMPTION: This role requires a highly creative and experienced individual with exceptional leadership skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in developing and executing successful creative campaigns. 📋 Key Responsibilities ✅ Lead and inspire teams in developing creative work - Collaborate with teams to develop innovative and effective creative solutions - Foster a creative and inclusive team environment that encourages idea generation and collaboration ✅ Sell through big ideas - Persuade clients, stakeholders, and team members of the value and feasibility of creative concepts - Effectively communicate and present ideas to diverse audiences ✅ Guide the quality and standards of creative work - Ensure that creative executions meet the highest standards of craftsmanship and align with client objectives - Provide constructive feedback and mentorship to team members to help them grow professionally ✅ Manage workflow, timing, and assignments - Coordinate and prioritize tasks and deadlines to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget - Allocate resources effectively to maximize productivity and efficiency ✅ Review and approve creative briefs and work - Collaborate with account management and planning teams to develop and approve creative briefs - Review and approve all creative work before presentations to clients, ensuring it meets the highest quality standards ✅ Develop relationships with key clients - Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with key clients to understand their needs and exceed their expectations - Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to clients, providing insights and solutions that drive business results ✅ Work on creative assignments within or outside of creative group - Contribute to a wide range of creative projects, from concept development to final execution - Collaborate with various teams and stakeholders to deliver integrated marketing solutions ✅ Lead and/or participate in new business efforts - Contribute to new business pitches and proposals, helping to secure new clients and grow existing accounts - Collaborate with business development teams to identify and pursue new opportunities for the agency ✅ Professionally represent the agency - Act as a spokesperson and ambassador for the agency, maintaining its reputation and brand in all interactions with clients, staff, vendors, and other contacts - Uphold the agency's values and culture in all aspects of work ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic agency environment and be comfortable managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: - Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Advertising, or a related discipline) or equivalent experience Experience: - 10+ years of experience in creative direction or a related role, with a proven track record of developing and executing successful creative campaigns Required Skills: - Strong conceptual thinking and creative problem-solving skills - Expertise in copywriting, art direction, and design, with a solid understanding of MAC software and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator) - Excellent leadership, management, and communication skills - Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with diverse stakeholders - Strong presentation and persuasion skills - Experience working with clients and managing client relationships - Familiarity with the advertising and marketing industry, including trends, best practices, and emerging technologies Preferred Skills: - Experience working with specific industry verticals (e.g., automotive, CPG, pharma, or entertainment) - Familiarity with specific industry tools and platforms - Knowledge of multiple languages (both written and spoken) ASSUMPTION: While not required, experience working in a specific industry vertical or with specific tools can be beneficial for this role, as it may provide a deeper understanding of client needs and market trends. 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $62.50 USD per hour (full-time equivalent: $130,600 USD/year) Benefits: - Medical and dental coverage - 401(k) plans - Flex spending account - Life insurance - Disability insurance - Employee discount program - Employee stock purchase program - Paid family leave - Discretionary time off days - Company-wide appreciation weeks and wellness days Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level and experience. The actual salary may vary based 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: 1930 (as part of Interpublic Group) Company Description: IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG), managing over $47 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients. The company employs over 18,000 diverse marketing communication professionals in more than 130 countries, serving iconic brands across various industries. Company Specialties: Media planning & buying, automation & programmatic, digital media, branded content, media barter, online, mobile, social media marketing, sponsorship and sports marketing, ROI and consumer research, hyper-local and multicultural marketing, and out-of-home advertising. Company Website: www.ipgmediabrands.com ASSUMPTION: IPG Mediabrands is a large, global agency with a diverse portfolio of clients and services. The company's extensive resources and expertise enable it to provide comprehensive marketing solutions tailored to each client's unique needs. 📊 Role Analysis Career Level: Senior-level role with significant leadership and management responsibilities Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Creative Manager, with oversight of reporting teams (ACD, AD/CW, etc.) Work Arrangement: Remote OK, with flexibility to work on-site or hybrid as needed Growth Opportunities: - Potential to lead and mentor junior creative team members - Opportunities to contribute to new business efforts and grow existing accounts - Possibility to advance to a creative leadership role within the agency ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to develop leadership skills, expand industry knowledge, and contribute to the agency's continued success. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: Hybrid (remote and on-site work arrangements) Office Location(s): New York, NY, United States; Madrid, Spain Geographic Context: - New York, NY: A dynamic, multicultural city with a thriving advertising and marketing industry, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and networking - Madrid, Spain: A vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a strong advertising and marketing sector, providing access to European markets and international clients Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexibility to work remotely as needed ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in balancing work and personal responsibilities while maintaining a strong connection to the agency's creative culture and collaborative work environment. 💼 Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Submission of application through the provided link 2. Phone or video screening with the hiring manager 3. In-person or virtual interview with the creative manager and other stakeholders 4. Final interview with the agency's creative leadership team Key Assessment Areas: - Creative problem-solving skills and portfolio presentation - Leadership and management skills, with a focus on team dynamics and client relationship management - Industry knowledge and understanding of market trends - Cultural fit and alignment with the agency's values and work environment Application Tips: - Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role - Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your creative abilities and leadership skills - Research the agency and its clients to demonstrate your understanding of their brand and marketing objectives - Practice presenting your portfolio and discussing your creative process and leadership approach ATS Keywords: Creative direction, campaign development, team leadership, client relationship management, advertising, marketing, branding, conceptual thinking, copywriting, art direction, design, Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's creative abilities, leadership skills, and cultural fit with the agency. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their portfolio, creative process, and leadership approach in detail. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) - Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) - Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides) - Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) - Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides) - Video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams) ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the listed tools and technologies is essential for this role, as they are used daily for creative development, collaboration, and project management. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Collaboration: Working together to achieve common goals and drive collective success - Creativity: Encouraging innovation, experimentation, and continuous learning - Excellence: Pursuing the highest standards of quality and performance in all aspects of work - Integrity: Upholding ethical and moral principles in all interactions and decisions - Inclusion: Fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that values and respects all employees Work Style: - Collaborative and team-oriented, with a focus on collective problem-solving and idea generation - Fast-paced and dynamic, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and tight deadlines - Detail-oriented and quality-focused, with a commitment to delivering high-quality work that meets or exceeds client expectations Self-Assessment Questions: 1. How do you align with the company's values, particularly in the context of this role? 2. Describe a time when you had to manage a team through a challenging project. How did you ensure the quality and timeliness of the work? 3. How do you approach building and maintaining strong client relationships, particularly with high-profile or demanding clients? 4. How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and adapt your creative approach to reflect emerging best practices? ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong alignment with the company's values and work style, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality creative work under tight deadlines and managing successful client relationships. ⚠️ Potential Challenges 1. Managing multiple projects and deadlines: Balancing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously can be challenging, requiring strong organizational skills and time management. 2. Working with diverse stakeholders: Collaborating with various teams, clients, and vendors may present communication and cultural challenges that require effective negotiation and conflict resolution skills. 3. Keeping up with industry trends: The advertising and marketing industry is constantly evolving, requiring continuous learning and adaptation to maintain a competitive edge. 4. Maintaining work-life balance: The fast-paced nature of the role and the demands of clients may impact work-life balance, requiring strong time management and self-care skills. ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be proactive in managing their workload, maintaining open lines of communication with stakeholders, and prioritizing self-care to mitigate potential challenges and maintain a healthy work-life balance. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison 1. Creative Director vs. Art Director/Creative Director: - Creative Director: Focuses on conceptual thinking, leadership, and client relationship management, with a broader scope of responsibilities and a higher level of strategic decision-making. - Art Director/Creative Director: Emphasizes visual design and art direction, with a more focused role in developing the visual language and aesthetics of creative campaigns. 2. Industry-specific context: - Advertising and marketing agencies: Offer a wide range of creative and strategic opportunities, with a focus on developing integrated marketing solutions for clients. - In-house creative teams: Provide a more specialized and focused work environment, with a deeper understanding of the client's brand and business objectives. 3. Career path comparison: - Creative Director: Typically progresses from junior to senior creative roles, with a focus on developing leadership and management skills. - Art Director/Creative Director: Often follows a more specialized career path, focusing on honing visual design and art direction skills. ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the differences between these roles and the unique opportunities and challenges they present, allowing them to make informed decisions about their career trajectory. 📝 Sample Projects 1. Campaign development for a major retail client: - Led a team of creatives in developing a comprehensive marketing campaign, including TV, print, digital, and social media components - Collaborated with account management and planning teams to ensure the campaign aligned with the client's brand and business objectives - Managed workflow, timelines, and resources to deliver the campaign on time and within budget 2. Brand refresh for a global CPG client: - Worked with the client's marketing team to understand their brand strategy and target audience - Led a team of designers in developing a new visual identity and brand guidelines - Collaborated with production teams to ensure consistent and high-quality implementation of the new brand across all touchpoints 3. New business pitch for a tech startup: - Led a cross-functional team in developing a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy for a tech startup entering a competitive market - Collaborated with the client's leadership team to understand their business objectives and target audience - Developed a creative concept and presentation that effectively communicated the startup's unique value proposition and secured the account ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience working on a diverse range of creative projects, with a proven track record of delivering successful campaigns and driving business results for clients. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview 1. Role-specific questions: - How does this role fit into the agency's overall creative structure, and how will it contribute to the agency's growth and success? - What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days? - How does the agency support the professional development and growth of its creative team members? 2. Team and culture questions: - How would you describe the creative team's dynamic and work culture? - What are the key qualities you look for in a successful creative team member? - How does the agency foster collaboration and idea generation across different teams and disciplines? 3. Client and project management questions: - How does the agency approach client onboarding and relationship management? - What are the key challenges and opportunities in working with the agency's diverse client portfolio? - How does the agency ensure the quality and consistency of creative work across multiple projects and clients? 4. Industry and market questions: - How does the agency stay competitive in the ever-evolving advertising and marketing landscape? - What are the key trends and opportunities in the agency's target industries and markets? - How does the agency approach innovation and adaptation in response to market changes and client needs? ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will ask thoughtful and insightful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role, the agency, and the industry, as well as their ability to contribute to the agency's continued success. 🛠️ Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through the following link: Apply Now 2. Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role 3. Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your creative abilities and leadership skills 4. Research the agency and its clients to demonstrate your understanding of their brand and marketing objectives 5. Practice presenting your portfolio and discussing your creative process and leadership approach 6. Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.