Creative Director

About Athena 

Athena is a marketing consultancy where great ideas are activated. With a blend of strategic thinking, creative vision, and hands-on execution, we partner with organizations looking to transform their presence, reputation, and performance. For over ten years, we’ve delivered business insights, marketing strategies, and brand activations for leading organizations in industries ranging from telecommunications to major league sports.   

Our people make Athena, Athena. They’re what help set us apart from traditional ad agencies and consultancies. As a 2023 and 2024 Philadelphia Inquirer Top Workplace, we take pride in fostering a work environment where passion meets excellence. Our people are solutions-oriented individuals who eagerly roll up their sleeves to make work that works while sharing a couple of laughs along the way.    

About the Position 

We are seeking an innovative and strategic Creative Director to lead and inspire our creative team in delivering exceptional design solutions across a variety of projects. In this role, you will partner closely with our Chief Creative Officer to manage and lead the direction of our creative agency. Your primary focus will be on driving the design vision and strategy, ensuring that all creative outputs are aligned with client goals and business objectives. As a key member of the leadership team, you will manage and mentor a talented group of designers, copywriters, and other creatives, ensuring high-quality deliverables that align with client goals and business objectives. 

In this role, you will be pivotal in setting the creative vision and overseeing its execution, collaborating with clients to understand their needs, and working with internal teams to craft innovative, cohesive creative concepts. You will inspire your team to push the boundaries of creativity while maintaining focus on delivering results that not only meet but exceed client expectations. 

Requirements

What you’ll be responsible for: 

• Creative Leadership: Lead and guide the creative direction across a broad spectrum of projects, ensuring alignment with client goals and brand strategies. While rebranding projects may be a significant focus, you will also contribute to digital campaigns, marketing materials, and other creative initiatives. 

• Team Management & Mentorship: Manage and mentor a diverse team of designers, art directors, and copywriters. Foster a collaborative, positive, and inspiring work environment that encourages innovation and personal growth. 

• Client Collaboration: Build strong, trusting relationships with clients, understanding their objectives and translating them into compelling creative solutions. Ensure that the team delivers work that meets or exceeds client expectations. 

• Project Oversight: Oversee multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality work that stays within scope and budget. Collaborate with project managers to ensure smooth execution and transparent communication with clients. 

• Innovative Thinking: Stay on top of industry trends and emerging technologies, integrating them into your creative approach to keep the work fresh, relevant, and impactful. 

• Quality Control: Ensure that all creative work meets high standards of quality and consistency, staying true to the brand's identity and strategic objectives. 

• Versatile Creative Solutions: Contribute to a variety of creative outputs, including digital and print campaigns, advertising, brand collateral, and other marketing initiatives, with an eye toward innovation and creativity. 

The skills and experience you should have: 

• Proven Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years in a creative role, overseeing multiple projects, ensuring they meet outlined budgets, times, and requirements. 

• Strong Leadership: Experience managing and mentoring a team of creative professionals. Ability to foster a positive and productive team environment. 

• Creative Expertise: Expertise in design principles, visual storytelling, typography, and brand strategy. Proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma). 

• Exceptional Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and confidently with both clients and team members. Ability to articulate creative concepts and rationale in a persuasive manner. 

• Attention to Detail: High level of attention to detail, ensuring the creative output aligns with client vision, maintains quality, and adheres to deadlines.