📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Creative Director
🔹 Company: Timberland
🔹 Location: New York, NY
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Creative & Design
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-23
🔹 Experience Level: 8+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leadership role combining creative vision with strategic thinking
- Craft compelling long- and short-form copy across diverse formats
- Oversee projects from concept to completion, ensuring quality and timelines
- Collaborate with various departments to ensure alignment with brand goals
- Mentor and coach junior creatives, fostering a collaborative environment
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in copywriting or content strategy, with a proven track record in leadership positions. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of brand strategy and the ability to translate it into creative executions.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Guide and inspire creative teams to develop innovative 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: The role may require occasional travel to attend industry events or collaborate with remote teams.
🎯 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:
- Experience working with a global brand
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite may be beneficial for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $124,960.00 USD - $156,200.00 USD annually
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid service time (40 hours per year)
- Discounts on ski passes and free kayak rentals
Working Hours: Full-time position, with standard business hours
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on market pay data and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Retail, specifically outdoor and lifestyle apparel and footwear
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (global), with a smaller team at the New York Showroom
Founded: 1973, with a rich history in craftsmanship and a commitment to sustainability and community
Company Description:
- Timberland is a global leader in outdoor and lifestyle apparel and footwear, known for its iconic boots and commitment to sustainability
- The company offers extensive development and growth opportunities for employees, as well as a strong benefits package
- Timberland fosters a diverse and inclusive culture based on respect, connection, and authenticity, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
Company Specialties:
- Outdoor and lifestyle apparel and footwear
- Sustainable and responsible business practices
- Community engagement and giving back
Company Website: www.timberland.com
ASSUMPTION: Timberland's commitment to sustainability and community engagement may present unique opportunities and challenges for the Associate Creative Director.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level, leadership role with significant responsibility and influence
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Director, Brand Creative, and oversees creative teams
Work Arrangement: On-site, with potential for occasional remote work or travel
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a more senior role, such as Creative Director or VP of Creative
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and campaigns, expanding skills and expertise
- Chance to mentor and develop junior creatives, fostering a collaborative and creative environment
ASSUMPTION: The growth opportunities for this role may depend on the candidate's performance, as well as organizational changes and restructuring.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Urban showroom in New York City
Office Location(s): New York Showroom, New York City
Geographic Context:
- New York City is a vibrant and diverse urban environment, offering numerous cultural, entertainment, and dining options
- The New York Showroom is centrally located, with easy access to public transportation
- The city's fast-paced and dynamic atmosphere may present unique challenges and opportunities for the role
Work Schedule: Standard business hours, with potential for occasional overtime or flexible scheduling
ASSUMPTION: The work environment may be fast-paced and dynamic, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the creative team
- Final interview with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Portfolio review and creative problem-solving exercises
- Brand knowledge and understanding of Timberland's values and culture
- Leadership skills and ability to manage and motivate creative teams
- Communication skills and ability to present ideas effectively
Application Tips:
- 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
- Research Timberland's brand, values, and culture to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the company
ATS Keywords: Associate Creative Director, Brand Creative, Copywriting, Content Strategy, Creative Leadership, Project Management, Collaboration, Brand Storytelling, Image Making, Industry Relationships, Emerging Trends
ASSUMPTION: The interview process may include assessments or case studies to evaluate the candidate's creative problem-solving skills and leadership abilities.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in design software may be beneficial for this role, but the primary focus is on copywriting and creative leadership.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity: We do the right thing, always
- Courage: We stand up for what we believe in
- Respect: We value everyone's unique perspective
Work Style:
- Collaborative: We work together to achieve our goals
- Adaptable: We embrace change and continuous learning
- Passionate: We love what we do and strive for excellence
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you embody Timberland's values in your daily work?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in a project or campaign?
- How do you foster a collaborative and creative environment within your teams?
ASSUMPTION: Timberland places a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and candidates should be prepared to discuss their commitment to these principles.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Balancing creative vision with strategic thinking and brand guidelines
- Collaborating effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders
- Adapting to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
ASSUMPTION: The role may require occasional travel, which could present challenges for candidates with personal or family commitments.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Associate Creative Director vs. Senior Copywriter: The Associate Creative Director role focuses more on leadership, strategy, and project management, while the Senior Copywriter role is more focused on day-to-day creative execution
- Industry-specific context: Timberland's commitment to sustainability and community engagement may present unique opportunities and challenges compared to other retail brands
- Career path comparison: The Associate Creative Director role is a senior-level position with potential growth opportunities into more senior roles, such as Creative Director or VP of Creative
ASSUMPTION: The specific responsibilities and requirements of this role may vary depending on the organization's structure and size.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive brand narrative for a new product line, including copy for marketing materials, website content, and social media campaigns
- Collaborating with the design team to create visually compelling and on-brand creative assets for a global marketing campaign
- Managing a team of junior creatives to develop and execute a series of targeted email campaigns, driving customer engagement and conversions
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects and campaigns the Associate Creative Director will work on will depend on the organization's priorities and goals.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the creative department?
- How does Timberland support the professional growth and development of its employees?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the brand in the next 1-3 years, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does Timberland measure the success of its creative campaigns and initiatives?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how is it supported within the creative department?
ASSUMPTION: The interview process may provide an opportunity to discuss the company's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and the role's potential impact on these initiatives.
📌 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
- Research Timberland's brand, values, and culture to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the company
- 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.
