📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Creative Director
🔹 Company: Timberland (VF Corporation)
🔹 Location: New York, NY
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, On-site
🔹 Category: Creative & Design
🔹 Date Posted: May 23, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 8+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leadership of creative teams to develop innovative brand experiences
- Crafting compelling narratives and brand storytelling
- Project management from concept to completion
- Collaboration with various departments for alignment and success
- Mentoring and coaching junior creatives
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in copywriting or content strategy, with a proven track record in leadership and creative direction.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Guide and inspire creative teams to develop innovative and impactful brand experiences
✅ Develop and execute compelling narratives that resonate with target audiences
✅ Oversee projects from concept to completion, ensuring they meet deadlines, budgets, and quality standards
✅ Work closely with other departments, including marketing, strategy, and account management, to ensure alignment and success
✅ Develop and implement content strategies that support brand goals and objectives
✅ Ensure the high-quality execution of creative assets across various channels, including digital, print, and social media
✅ Mentor and coach junior creatives, fostering a collaborative and creative environment
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership, communication, and project management skills, as well as a deep understanding of brand strategy and creative execution.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in graphic design, marketing, communication, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 8+ years of experience in copywriting or content strategy, with 3+ years in a leadership or senior creative role
Required Skills:
- Strong experience in image making and industry relationships
- Aptitude to develop and execute innovative and impactful creative concepts
- Understanding of brand strategy and how to translate it into creative executions
- Talent to lead and motivate creative teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas effectively
- Understanding of the creative industry and emerging trends
Preferred Skills:
- Portfolio showcasing creative work and leadership capabilities
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong portfolio and proven experience in creative leadership will be highly competitive for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $124,960 - $156,200 USD annually (based on experience and market data)
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility as needed)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on market data for similar roles in the New York area. Benefits are subject to change and may vary based on employment status.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Retail Apparel and Fashion
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Large enterprise)
Founded: 1899
Company Description:
- VF Corporation is a global leader in the apparel, footwear, and accessories industry
- Home to iconic brands such as Vans, The North Face, Timberland, and Dickies
- Committed to sustainable and active lifestyles, as well as corporate social responsibility
Company Specialties:
- Footwear
- Accessories
- Innovation
- Design
- Apparel
- Outdoor and active sports
- Fashion and clothing
- Sustainability and corporate social responsibility
- Supply chain and brands
Company Website: vfc.com
ASSUMPTION: VF Corporation offers a wide range of career opportunities and a diverse work environment. This role is part of the Timberland brand, which has a strong focus on outdoor and active lifestyles.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior creative leadership role
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Director, Brand Creative
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position at the New York Showroom
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to a Director or Vice President role within the creative department
- Expansion of leadership responsibilities across multiple brands within VF Corporation
- Opportunities to work on global campaigns and collaborate with international teams
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand their leadership and creative skills within a large, global organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Showroom and office space in New York City
Office Location(s): New York Showroom, New York City
Geographic Context:
- New York City offers a vibrant and diverse cultural scene
- Easy access to public transportation and various amenities
- Opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration in nearby parks and green spaces
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility as needed)
ASSUMPTION: The New York Showroom provides a dynamic and creative work environment, with opportunities to engage with various teams and stakeholders within the Timberland brand.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the creative team
- Final interview with the Senior Director, Brand Creative
- Portfolio review and presentation
Key Assessment Areas:
- Creative portfolio and leadership capabilities
- Understanding of brand strategy and creative execution
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Timberland's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your creative work and leadership capabilities
- Research Timberland's brand and values to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the company
ATS Keywords: Creative leadership, brand storytelling, project management, collaboration, content strategy, creative execution, team development, copywriting, content strategy, brand strategy, communication skills, image making, creative concepts, emerging trends
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's creative skills, leadership capabilities, and cultural fit within the Timberland brand.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Presentation software (e.g., Keynote, Google Slides)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in industry-standard creative and project management tools is expected for this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Craftsmanship
- Innovation
- Sustainability
- Integrity
- Inclusion
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality work
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you embody Timberland's values in your creative work and leadership style?
- Describe a time when you had to adapt your creative approach to meet a client's needs or feedback.
- How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, and how have you addressed any challenges in the past?
ASSUMPTION: Timberland values candidates who align with their core values and can contribute to a positive, inclusive work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Balancing creative vision with practical constraints and feedback
- Adapting to a large, global organization with diverse teams and stakeholders
- Navigating a competitive creative industry and staying up-to-date with emerging trends
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated with strong project management skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and growth.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other creative leadership roles, this position focuses on brand storytelling and long-form copy, in addition to short-form content and campaigns
- Timberland's commitment to sustainability and outdoor lifestyles sets it apart from other fashion and apparel brands
- This role offers the opportunity to work on global campaigns and collaborate with international teams, providing unique growth and learning experiences
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of creative leadership, brand storytelling, and global collaboration opportunities within the fashion and apparel industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive brand narrative and tone of voice guide for Timberland
- Creating a global campaign that showcases Timberland's commitment to sustainability and outdoor lifestyles
- Leading a team to create a series of short-form videos that highlight Timberland's craftsmanship and innovation
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of creative and leadership opportunities available in this role, from brand strategy and storytelling to campaign development and execution.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the creative team structure and how this role fits within it?
- How does Timberland support the professional development and growth of its creative team members?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does Timberland measure the success of its creative campaigns and initiatives?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance and employee well-being?
ASSUMPTION: These questions will help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the company culture, allowing them to make an informed decision about their fit within the organization.
📌 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 strong portfolio showcasing your creative work and leadership capabilities
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
