Sr. Lead, Creative

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Sr. Lead, Creative 🔹 Company: Material Bank 🔹 Location: Boston, MA 🔹 Job Type: Full-time 🔹 Category: Design Services 🔹 Date Posted: May 9, 2025 🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years 🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid) 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: - Owning the creative vision and execution across all marketing initiatives - Leading a high-impact external creative team and partnering with cross-functional teams - Developing integrated campaigns that drive growth, engagement, and brand equity - Managing vendor relationships and production resources in partnership with Integrated Marketing - Staying ahead of cultural shifts, platform changes, and emerging creative technologies *ASSUMPTION:* This role requires a strategic thinker with strong execution skills and a bias for action. The ideal candidate will thrive in a startup environment, working with limited resources, and have a comfort level with ambiguity. 📋 Key Responsibilities ✅ Creative Vision & Execution: - Set and drive the creative direction across all marketing initiatives, ensuring it aligns with the brand promise and business goals - Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and deliver integrated campaigns that drive growth, engagement, and brand equity ✅ Team Leadership: - Guide and mentor a distributed creative team (external partners and freelancers), instilling a culture of ownership, innovation, and creative excellence - Manage and inspire creative teams, both in-house and freelance, to deliver high-quality work on time and within budget ✅ Copy & Messaging: - Own all brand voice and messaging with hands-on copywriting, ensuring clarity, consistency, and emotional impact across all touchpoints ✅ Cross-Functional Campaigns: - Partner with marketing, product, and leadership teams to develop and deliver integrated campaigns that drive growth, engagement, and brand equity ✅ Brand Stewardship: - Protect and evolve the brand identity, ensuring consistency across all touchpoints and channels ✅ Creative Strategy & Testing: - Deliver on the creative testing agenda, experimenting, learning, and iterating to improve campaign performance ✅ External Partnerships: - Manage vendor relationships and production resources in partnership with Integrated Marketing, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget ✅ Trendspotting & Innovation: - Stay ahead of cultural shifts, platform changes, and emerging creative technologies to keep the brand at the forefront of the industry ✅ Budget Ownership: - Oversee creative budgets and resource allocation, making smart, efficient decisions to maximize impact ✅ Stakeholder Alignment: - Present and pitch creative concepts to leadership with confidence and clarity, ensuring alignment with business objectives and brand guidelines ✅ Hands-On Execution: - Roll up your sleeves and contribute directly to creative projects, ensuring high-quality output and timely delivery *ASSUMPTION:* This role requires a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in design, copy, video, or multimedia storytelling. The ideal candidate will have experience in branding or marketing environments and a proven track record of delivering high-performing, brand-building creative. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: - Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Design, Marketing, Communications, or a related discipline) Experience: - 10+ years in creative leadership roles within branding or marketing environments - Proven record of delivering high-performing, brand-building creative Required Skills: - Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in design, copy, video, or multimedia storytelling - Experience managing and inspiring creative teams, both in-house and freelance - Deep fluency in digital marketing, social media, and emerging creative platforms - Strategic thinking with sharp execution skills—and a bias for action - Strong communication, presentation, and leadership capabilities - Ability to tie creative work to business outcomes and KPIs - Experience in startup or high-growth environments, with a comfort level working with limited resources Preferred Skills: - Experience with AI-driven creative tools and platforms - Familiarity with the architecture and design industry - Knowledge of materials sampling and library management *ASSUMPTION:* This role requires a strong understanding of the architecture and design industry, as well as familiarity with materials sampling and library management. The ideal candidate will have experience working with design professionals and brand partners, and be comfortable navigating complex brand discovery, engagement, and sampling processes. 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (based on experience and industry standards for similar roles in the Boston area) Benefits: - Flexible PTO, sick days, and paid national holidays - Health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and short-term/long-term disability plans - 401(k) eligible after the first 90 days of employment - Time off to give back to the community - Growth opportunities and flexible work schedules *ASSUMPTION:* The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the Boston area. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience, skills, and the company's internal compensation structure. 📌 Applicant Insights Company Context Industry: Design Services - Material Bank is the world’s largest material marketplace for the architecture and design industry, providing the fastest and most powerful way to search and sample materials. Company Size: 201-500 employees - As a mid-sized company, Material Bank offers the benefits of a startup environment with the stability and resources of an established organization. Founded: 2012 - Material Bank was founded in 2012 with the mission to transform the way architects and designers discover and sample materials. Company Description: - Material Bank connects design professionals to hundreds of manufacturers through facilitating brand discovery, rep engagement, and material sampling. - The company's powerful material database and proprietary robotic distribution facility allow members to order samples until midnight (ET) to be delivered free of charge anywhere in the US, in one box, by 10:30 AM the next morning. Company Specialties: - Architecture - Interior Design - Market Research - Contract Design - Materials Sampling - Materials Library - Materials Research - Design Products - Textile Sourcing Company Website: *ASSUMPTION:* Material Bank's unique value proposition lies in its ability to streamline the material sampling process for design professionals, reducing friction and driving business between architects and designers and brand partners. Role Analysis Career Level: Senior-level role with significant leadership responsibilities - This role is ideal for an experienced creative leader looking to make a significant impact in a growing organization. Reporting Structure: The Sr. Lead, Creative will report directly to the Chief Marketing Officer and work closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product, and executive leadership. Work Arrangement: Hybrid (on-site with flexible remote work options) - Material Bank has embraced a hybrid work model, allowing department leaders to decide on the best approach for their respective teams, whether that be remote, in person, or a little of both. Growth Opportunities: - As a growing company, Material Bank offers numerous opportunities for career advancement and professional development. - The ideal candidate will be proactive, innovative, and eager to take on new challenges as the company continues to expand. *ASSUMPTION:* This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the creative direction of a rapidly growing company in the architecture and design industry. Location & Work Environment Office Type: Hybrid (on-site with flexible remote work options) - Material Bank's Boston office is a dynamic, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation. Office Location: Boston, MA - The Boston office is conveniently located in the heart of the city, offering easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities. Geographic Context: - Boston is a major hub for the architecture and design industry, with a rich history and a thriving cultural scene. - The city's diverse neighborhoods and vibrant arts community provide ample inspiration for creative professionals. Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) - The Sr. Lead, Creative will be expected to work full-time, with occasional flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and team needs. *ASSUMPTION:* The hybrid work arrangement and flexible work schedule allow for a healthy work-life balance, while still meeting the demands of a fast-paced, growing organization. Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Online application submission 2. Phone or video screen with the hiring manager 3. In-person or virtual interview with the hiring team 4. Final interview with senior leadership 5. Background check and offer extension Key Assessment Areas: - Creative portfolio and case studies - Leadership and management skills - Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities - Cultural fit and alignment with Material Bank's values Application Tips: 1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this specific role. 2. Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your creative expertise and leadership capabilities. 3. Research Material Bank's mission, values, and company culture to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the role. 4. Practice common interview questions and be prepared to discuss your creative process, leadership style, and strategic approach to campaign development. ATS Keywords: (Include these keywords in your resume to improve visibility) - Creative Leadership - Brand Strategy - Campaign Development - Team Management - Digital Marketing - Social Media - Copywriting - Brand Stewardship - Creative Testing - Vendor Management - Trendspotting - Budget Management - Stakeholder Alignment - Presentation Skills - Agility - Storytelling *ASSUMPTION:* Including relevant ATS keywords in your resume will help your application stand out and increase your chances of being selected for an interview. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) - Sketch or Figma - Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) - Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs) - Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) - Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) - Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) *ASSUMPTION:* Familiarity with industry-standard creative tools and platforms is essential for this role. Experience with AI-driven creative tools and platforms is a plus. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Innovation - Collaboration - Excellence - Integrity - Sustainability Work Style: - Creative and entrepreneurial - Collaborative and team-oriented - Results-driven and accountable - Adaptable and resilient - Passionate about design, storytelling, and brand building Self-Assessment Questions: 1. How do you align with Material Bank's core values, particularly innovation and collaboration? 2. Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in a project or work environment. How did you approach the situation, and what was the outcome? 3. How do you ensure that your creative work is on brand and aligns with business objectives, even when working with limited resources or tight deadlines? 4. How do you foster a culture of ownership, innovation, and creative excellence within a team, both in-house and freelance? 5. How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends, platform changes, and emerging creative technologies, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your creative strategy? *ASSUMPTION:* Material Bank values candidates who are passionate about design, storytelling, and brand building, and who can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment. ⚠️ Potential Challenges 1. Managing remote creative teams: The Sr. Lead, Creative will be responsible for managing external creative teams, which may present unique challenges in communication, collaboration, and project management. 2. Balancing creativity and business objectives: This role requires a strong understanding of both creative and business aspects, and the ability to balance innovative ideas with practical, data-driven decisions. 3. Working with limited resources: As a growing company, Material Bank may have limited resources compared to larger, more established organizations. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with constraints and finding creative solutions to challenges. 4. Keeping up with industry trends: The architecture and design industry is constantly evolving, with new materials, technologies, and trends emerging regularly. The Sr. Lead, Creative must stay informed and adaptable to maintain relevance and competitiveness. *ASSUMPTION:* These challenges are inherent to a fast-paced, growing organization in a dynamic industry. The ideal candidate will be proactive, resourceful, and eager to tackle these challenges head-on. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison 1. Creative Director vs. Sr. Lead, Creative: - Creative Director: Typically oversees an in-house creative team and focuses on internal brand management and marketing campaigns. - Sr. Lead, Creative: Leads a distributed creative team, working with external partners and freelancers, and focuses on both internal brand management and external marketing campaigns. 2. Brand Manager vs. Sr. Lead, Creative: - Brand Manager: Responsible for managing and growing a brand, often focusing on brand strategy, positioning, and messaging. - Sr. Lead, Creative: Oversees the creative vision and execution for a brand, ensuring alignment with brand strategy, positioning, and messaging. 3. Marketing Manager vs. Sr. Lead, Creative: - Marketing Manager: Plans, executes, and analyzes marketing campaigns to drive brand awareness, engagement, and growth. - Sr. Lead, Creative: Focuses on the creative aspects of marketing campaigns, working closely with marketing managers to ensure alignment with business objectives and brand guidelines. *ASSUMPTION:* The Sr. Lead, Creative role is unique in its focus on both internal brand management and external marketing campaigns, requiring a strong understanding of both creative and business aspects of branding and marketing. 📝 Sample Projects 1. Brand Refresh Project: Develop and implement a comprehensive brand refresh strategy, including visual identity, messaging, and tone of voice, to better resonate with target audiences and drive brand engagement. 2. Campaign Development Project: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute a multi-channel marketing campaign, including digital advertising, social media content, email marketing, and event planning, to launch a new product or service. 3. Materials Sampling Campaign: Design and execute a targeted materials sampling campaign to generate brand awareness and drive product adoption among architects and designers, leveraging digital marketing channels and strategic partnerships. *ASSUMPION:* These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and initiatives the Sr. Lead, Creative may oversee, requiring a strong understanding of both creative and business aspects of branding and marketing. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview 1. Role-specific questions: - How do you approach managing and inspiring a distributed creative team, both in-house and freelance? - Can you describe a time when you had to balance creative innovation with business objectives and limited resources? How did you approach this challenge, and what was the outcome? - How do you stay informed about industry trends, platform changes, and emerging creative technologies, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your creative strategy? 2. Company-specific questions: - How do you see the Sr. Lead, Creative role contributing to Material Bank's overall mission and growth strategy? - How do you envision collaborating with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product, and executive leadership, to drive brand awareness, engagement, and growth? - How do you plan to ensure that our creative work aligns with our brand promise and business goals, while still pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity? 3. Industry-specific questions: - How do you approach working with design professionals and brand partners to facilitate brand discovery, engagement, and material sampling? - How do you ensure that our creative work is on brand and aligns with business objectives, even when working with limited resources or tight deadlines? - How do you stay informed about industry trends, platform changes, and emerging creative technologies, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your creative strategy? *ASSUMPTION:* These interview questions are designed to assess the candidate's understanding of the role, their fit with Material Bank's company culture, and their ability to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the architecture and design industry. 📐 Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through the provided link: 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this specific role. 3. Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your creative expertise and leadership capabilities. 4. Research Material Bank's mission, values, and company culture to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the role. 5. Practice common interview questions and be prepared to discuss your creative process, leadership style, and strategic approach to campaign development. 6. Follow up with the hiring team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and 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.