Creative Director

Idea Peddler•Austin, TX

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Idea Peddler (IP) is a boutique agency that does “Good Work For Nice People.” We believe ideas move across the agency, meaning our strategy and creative teams work closely together. Strategists remain involved throughout the process, leading and participating in brainstorms with the creative team. The Creative Director acts as a conductor, ensuring various teams collaborate effectively, client deliverables are met on time, and positive energy is maintained during challenging projects. This is a hands-on role, not just a leadership position, requiring a dual threat: a strategic thinker capable of developing integrated campaigns and a designer who can help execute them. IP specializes in emerging tourism and hospitality brands, requiring a service-first mindset and the ability to help the agency improve without introducing bureaucracy. An entrepreneurial mindset is essential.

Requirements

At least 10 years of creative agency experience, including leading integrated campaigns across multiple clients.
A portfolio showcasing strong ideas across digital, social, print, outdoor, presentations, and experiential work.
Background in design or art direction, with the ability to write, edit, and improve work across disciplines.
Experience leading staff and freelance creatives from concept to final delivery.
Confidence in presenting ideas, handling feedback, and working directly with senior clients.
Strong working knowledge of Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Ability to manage scope, timelines, budgets, and resources while prioritizing the work.
An entrepreneurial mindset.
Service-first mindset.
Ability to help improve agency operations without introducing bureaucracy.

Nice To Haves

Experience with tourism, hospitality, hotels, resorts, attractions, or travel brands.
Experience helping emerging brands define their voice and build integrated campaigns.
Practical fluency with AI tools and modern creative workflows.

Responsibilities

Set the creative direction across client accounts, from the first brief through final delivery.
Turn strategy into clear concepts and integrated campaigns across digital, social, print, outdoor, presentations and experiences.
Invest real time in developing creative talent through mentorship and hands-on guidance.
Inspire the team and present to prospective clients during the RFP process.
Write, design, edit and/or art direct to strengthen the work.
Give team members clear direction and practical feedback.
Set and maintain high standards for concept, craft, and execution, even under pressure.
Manage multiple projects, deadlines, and shifting priorities effectively.
Collaborate with account and project management to balance creative ambition with timelines, budgets, and team capacity.
Help improve agency workflows from briefing to delivery.
Make clear decisions, raise issues early, and keep the team focused.
Advocate for ideas, the team, and necessary resources.
Step up during peak agency periods like pitches, launches, and tight deadlines.
Lead and develop a team of staff and freelance creatives.
Create accountability without fostering fear or unnecessary drama.
Build a culture of curiosity, ownership, collaboration, and direct communication.
Protect the team and maintain constructive energy during challenging projects.