Creative Director, Brand & Content

Smartly•Chicago, IL

2d•$120,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

Smartly is looking for a Creative Director to join our Brand & Content team and help shape how our brand comes to life across campaigns, content, events, digital experiences, and marketing initiatives. Reporting to the SVP of Brand & Content, this role combines creative leadership, people management, and conceptual thinking to create work that is distinctive, effective, and aligned with our business goals. You'll lead a team of designers, develop strong creative concepts, and partner across the business to bring Smartly's story to life. This role is ideal for someone who began their career in design, has evolved into a conceptual art director, and enjoys helping creative teams produce their best work.

Requirements

Experience leading and developing creative teams, including direct people management responsibilities
Strong background in graphic design, brand design, visual communication, or a related creative discipline
Experience as a conceptual Art Director, with a portfolio that demonstrates strong campaign thinking and creative problem-solving
Ability to translate strategy, messaging, and business goals into engaging creative concepts and visual storytelling
Strong design craft and a deep understanding of typography, layout, visual systems, and brand identity
Experience partnering with cross-functional stakeholders and navigating feedback from multiple audiences
Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills
Ability to balance creative excellence with practical business outcomes

Nice To Haves

Experience working with consumer-facing brands or B2C marketing is preferred, but not required
Experience working in technology, SaaS, or high-growth environments is a plus

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop a team of designers, creating an environment where people can do their best work and grow their careers
Develop creative concepts and campaigns that strengthen Smartly's brand and connect with target audiences
Provide clear creative direction and feedback throughout the creative process, from brief through final execution
Partner with Brand, Content, Product Marketing, Communications, and other stakeholders to translate business objectives into compelling creative solutions
Elevate the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of Smartly's visual identity across all channels and touchpoints
Review and approve creative work, ensuring it meets strategic objectives, brand standards and quality expectations
Help establish and refine creative processes, workflows, and ways of working that enable the team to scale its impact
Stay current on design, advertising, and cultural trends, bringing fresh thinking and new approaches to the team's work