Creative Director

About Understood

Understood is a nonprofit focused on shaping the world for difference. We raise awareness of the challenges and strengths of people who learn and think differently. Our resources help people navigate challenges, gain confidence, and find support and community so they can thrive. 

Having a shared commitment to our values is a key factor in any hire we make. We have five core values: 

1. Continuously learn.
2. Act with intention.
3. Champion difference.
4. Inspire change.
5. Grow together. 

Come be part of an organization with an entrepreneurial spirit that’s helping to shape the world for difference. Together, we can build a world where everyone can reach their full potential. 

To learn more about Understood, please visit: www.understood.org.

Who you are

Reporting into the VP, Creative & Content Development, the Creative Director will lead the creative development of integrated campaigns and branded content experiences. This is a highly collaborative role which oversees the development, delivery and quality of all creative content requests from cross-functional stakeholders. As a creative lead, you'll help shape and champion your team's ideas. But, you’ll also have a sixth sense to know when you need to roll up your sleeves and lean into the work. 

The Creative Director will be responsible for brand standards across content of all kinds of formats, across all of our channels, for all of our audiences. You’ll work alongside team leads from marketing, communications, social, and partnership teams. And you’ll partner with the Director of Integrated Production and the Editorial Director to ensure that all content is delivered on time and on budget. 

The Creative Director will lead a team of full-time art directors, copywriters and designers. You will also be responsible for building and maintaining a bench of freelance talent with a variety of skill sets.

What you’ll do

• Leads the day-to-day creative efforts for the Understood brand.
• Leads the evolution of the visual and verbal brand guidelines to meet the evolving needs of our work.
• Reviews and approves the team's work to maintain a creative standard of excellence.
• Gains and maintains fluency in our subject matter.
• Supports the growth of creative team members with a positive attitude.
• Develops and maintains a freelance team of copywriters, art directors, designers, and other specialists
• Partners with the Editorial Director and Director of Integrated Production to define the role of creative across projects and campaigns.
• Partners with leads on Integrated Marketing, Product Marketing, and Partnership teams to translate brand strategy into creative campaign ideas.
• Supports creative team members in building relationships with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Works with production and project managers to guide creative resource management and deliver creative work on time and on budget.

Must-haves

• 8+ years of progressive experience of creative agency experience. That could be “big agency” or “small agency”. It might be an independent agency or a holding company agency. It might even be an in-house agency. It truly doesn’t matter. In fact, the more diverse the experience, the better.
• Strong portfolio showing you’re able to think strategically and conceptualize creatively.
• Committed to embodying and being a steward of our commitment to DEIB.
• Commitment to and passion for Understood’s mission

Nice-to-haves

• Ability to understand nuanced subject matter — the science, the research, and the claims behind a brand. And the ability to apply that to the work your teams create.
• Experience in managing creative teams (leading both art and copy) — both the people and their work.
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams to solve problems through creativity.
• Ability to present creative ideas strategically.
• Knowledge of Accessibility design. Not necessarily “the how”, but an appreciation of “the why” it matters.
• Support strategy team leads in the development of creative or project briefs
• Manages multiple projects at the same time.
• Stay current with industry trends and technology.
• Willingness to push your craft, get your hands dirty, and make great things.
• You’re a self-starter. You come up with solutions without being asked to do so.
• You’re known for your great work, but you’re also known for your selflessness.
• You bring out the best in everyone you work with.
• You understand how to drive conversation and engagement across social media.
• You're a decision maker, and you're able to explain "