Creative Director, Design

Kettle•Los Angeles, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Kettle is seeking a Creative Director, Design, to oversee interactive projects for a major client, a creative tech company based in the Bay Area. This role is crucial for defining the design perspective and bringing the client's brand and product narratives to life across digital platforms. The position requires a leader who can collaborate with Copy, Strategy, Production, Design, and Executive teams to produce effective and innovative creative work, with a strong focus on enhancing the design team's craft and the agency's strategic viewpoint. The role involves both leading and executing work, championing design excellence, mentoring the creative team, and driving innovation. Building client relationships, establishing a clear creative direction, and ensuring the work consistently meets client expectations are key aspects of this role. The ideal candidate will excel at the intersection of strategic thinking, creative ideation, digital design, and storytelling.

Requirements

At least 8+ years of experience in digital design, art direction, or creative direction.
Strong track record of craft-oriented, brand-focused interactive work.
Proven ability to lead from concept through execution across digital experiences.
Natural ability to provide clear, actionable creative direction and ensure consistency across workstreams.
Exceptional visual and conceptual design skills.
Ability to set a clear creative vision while understanding the realities of detailed digital execution.
Experience working closely with Copy and other creative disciplines to develop integrated digital ideas and experiences.
Excellent client collaboration and presentation skills.
Confidence and executive presence to influence senior stakeholders.
Proven experience mentoring designers across levels.
Active use of AI and emerging technology in your creative workflow.
Ability to help teams understand how new tools can change the way they work.

Responsibilities

Oversee interactive projects for a key client.
Shape the design point of view and bring brand/product stories to life across digital experiences.
Collaborate with Copy, Strategy, Production, Design, and Executive stakeholders.
Deliver relevant, effective, and innovative creative work.
Elevate the craft of design teams and the strategic point of view of the agency.
Lead and execute work as needed.
Champion the craft of design.
Mentor and grow the creative team.
Push conceptual thinking forward to drive innovation and excellence.
Build trust with senior clients.
Align teams around a clear creative North Star.
Ensure the work is consistently moving, focused, and impressing the client.
Set the creative and visual direction for digital experiences.
Ensure work is distinctive, relevant, own-able, and aligned to client goals.
Partner with Copy, Strategy, UX, and other disciplines to develop integrated digital ideas and experiences.
Set the design bar across the account.
Mentor Designers and Art Directors at every level.
Help team members chart their career paths.
Create opportunities for teams to do their best work.
Present work with confidence.
Challenge needs where appropriate.
Align stakeholders around a clear creative North Star.
Ensure ideas are thoughtfully designed and beautifully crafted.
Stay ahead of design culture, emerging technologies, and new ways of working.
Bring relevant opportunities into the work.
Help the team evolve with new technologies and methods.