Creative Director

A rare, senior leadership position has opened on the Creative team at L!VE, and we are in search of the next superstar to drive our creative and strategic efforts. As the Creative Director, you will manage and grow a creative team of Associate Creative Directors, a Scenic Art Director, Scenic Designer plus influence many other on-staff Designers and Artists both in the Cincinnati and Columbus offices. Based in Cincinnati, this dynamic leader will serve as the visionary and creative voice of our institution. She/he will lead efforts to create and produce brand or thematic experiences for live events, consumer activations, creative spaces, live content and hospitality spaces. This individual is just as comfortable successfully strategizing an idea as they are in presenting it. We are looking for an associate who is confident yet humble, assertive but inclusive, and ultimately a charismatic driving force for new business. She/he MUST be comfortable presenting and selling award winning creative concepts and novel, brilliant strategy to executives at the highest of levels. Traditionally this role has been filled by someone with extensive training in branding, copywriting, typography, and experiential design—as the work we create relies heavily upon those skills. Familiarity with Marketing plans and sales support is also critical. This individual will be responsible for driving a number of L!VE marketing initiatives. Some travel is required.

Applicants should possess at least ten years of professional experience. Agency experience, ideally in the event space, managing a team of creatives is also highly preferred. Applicants must also be familiar with building strategic and creative RFP response documents. Applicants are required to provide a portfolio of work to be considered.

Options available to work from our Columbus or Cincinnati offices. This full time, salaried position includes a company matched 401k, health benefits, a wellness incentive program, life insurance, pet insurance, paid time off and more.

Principal Responsibilities

• Oversees and develops a team of creatives, with a focus on developing concepts that close business.
• Generates multiple, well thought-out event solutions with varying, unconventional creative challenges.
• Applies a brand voice and/or brand guidelines to create expressive, novel and dynamic event concepts which result in dimensional, interactive, and transformational experiences.
• Challenges, enlivens, and collaborates with internal and external creative teams.
• Uses Design, Typography, Presentation Design, Research, Writing, and Narrative Structure to propose and deliver solutions for client projects.
• Presents project solutions to clients of all levels, up to and including corporate executives.
• Manages large-scale projects through ideation, budgeting, production and installation.

Manage the Day-to-day Operations of the Creative Department (70% of efforts)

• Lead and schedule responsibilities/assignments of all Associate Creative Directors, Scenic Art Director and Scenic Designer.
• Manage, review, supervise, and discipline (as necessary) all employees of the Creative Dept.
• Mentor, develop, avocate for and counsel to all members of Creative Dept. on internal career advancement.
• Build camaraderie within department through critiques, engagement, and inspiration.
• Lead transition of contracted work from Creative Dept. to other event departments (Design, Video, Producers, Scenics).
• Operate “heads-up” to determine and react to strengths and weaknesses of Creative Dept.
• Ensure delegated work is to be completed by creatives is on time and on budget.
• Lead presentation of majority of work to clients as produced by Creative Dept.
• Ensure the quality of work leaving the Creative Dept. meets the highest visual standards.
• Be able to interpret, work within, and expand upon existing client brands.

Contribute to Sales, Brand and Marketing Initiatives (20% of efforts)

• Own and evolve the L!VE visual brand standards for use internally or externally.
• Lead the development of promotional marketing to support sales and help generate revenue.
• Work closely with our Brand and Marketing partners, driving alignment and ROI.
• Direct any and all initiatives where the L!VE brand is prevalent.

Contribute to Direction/Vision of Overall Organization (10% of efforts)

• Contribute to management meetings in decision-making and corporate discussions.
• Assess overall institutional needs/opportunities and make recommendations.
• Create and enforce policy (whether from direction above or in determining a perceived need).
• Streamline related systems and processes to improve efficiency when applicable.
• Train to backfill Creative Director position when time permits.

Qualifications

• Ten or more years experience in the professional practice of creative/design, with agency based experience preferred.
• Bachelor or Master of Fine Arts degree in Design or Visual Communications preferred.
• Experience in developing, maintaining, and leading teams.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Clear inclination toward customer service (internal and external).
• Ability to prioritize work assignments based on the needs of division in alignment with the organization’s strategic business goals.
• Outstanding computer skills required, including use of standard Microsoft Office applications; knowledge of project management software a plus.
• Knowledge and Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Ability to manage time effectively, work independently and be self-motivated.
• Environmental Graphic Design, Event Design, Presentation Design, Motion Design, Large Format Print, Branding, and Tradeshow/Dimensional/CAD Design experience is a plus.

TRAVEL

Minimal travel may also be required.

All requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
L!VE