Creative Director, Creative Studio

Rivian•Irvine, CA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Creative Studio is responsible for defining and delivering the visual, narrative and experiential expression of Rivian. We are looking for a Senior Creative Director to lead a team of creative directors and multidisciplinary makers across design, photography, film, and experiential for all of Rivian’s customer-facing touchpoints. This leader will work closely with the Studio Head to set the creative standard for Rivian, ensuring the work is elevated, cohesive, and unmistakably Rivian. The ideal candidate is an integrated idea generator, systems-level problem solver and inspirational creative leader. You know how to set a clear vision, give actionable direction and support creative teams, driving work from concept through production and final delivery. You appreciate real experiences, are connected to culture, and know how to capture authentic moments, all while selling products and bringing complex and new technology to life. You are confident operating across many concurrent workstreams, stewarding the brand while creating space for experimentation and new ideas. Above all, you are a positive force that meets ambiguity with optimism and brings a yes first mindset to helping build Rivian. You stand for our mission, love our products, share an appreciation for craft and believe in the power of storytelling and real experiences, expressed in ways that grow our incredible community and make Rivian a magnet.

Requirements

12+ years of progressive experience in creative roles within in-house brand teams, agencies, or studios, including significant experience leading multidisciplinary creative teams.
Proven track record developing and overseeing high-impact brand, campaign, and content work across design, photography, film, and motion.
Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor creative leads and senior ICs, helping them grow their craft, confidence, and leadership skills.
Experience overseeing many concurrent projects and workstreams in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, with strong judgment on where to be hands-on versus delegating.
Excellent organization and adherence to deadlines; able to create structure and prioritization amidst ambiguity.
Deep understanding of storytelling, visual language, and brand systems across digital, social, experiential, and film.
Strong fluency in production and post-production processes, with the ability to give sharp, constructive feedback to specialists in design, photo, video, and motion, even if not a daily operator of the tools.
Exceptional verbal, written, and visual communication skills, with the ability to articulate creative concepts, rationale, and tradeoffs clearly to both creative and non-creative stakeholders.
Passionate about sustainability, electric vehicles, technology, and the outdoors.
Thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments; highly collaborative, flexible, and reliable.
Low-ego, team-first leader who is excited to build, coach, and elevate others while pushing the work to be its best.

Responsibilities

Working with the Studio Head, define and continually elevate the creative bar for Rivian across design, photography, video, motion, and narrative content.
Establish and maintain clear standards, systems and guidelines that ensure all creative work is on-brand and tonally Rivian.
Drive a culture of craft, innovation, and experimentation while maintaining clarity as the brand evolves and grows.
Manage, mentor, and inspire a team of creative directors providing direction, feedback, and opportunities for growth.
Working with Creative Studio Senior Leadership, inform staffing and resource decisions across multiple workstreams, ensuring teams are supported to deliver excellent work on time.
Working with the Studio Head and business leaders across our Customer organization, Vehicle Design, Engineering, Software and Autonomy, delivering ideas that ladder up to brand and business objectives.
Translate complex product features and brand pillars into clear, emotionally resonant stories and experiences.
Ensure a cohesive creative story across all touchpoints and channels, from large integrated campaigns to always-on content.
In partnership with Creative Studio Production Team and external partners, provide directional oversight on casting, locations, look & feel, and on-set/shoot approach—without needing to be the primary hands-on operator.
Partner closely with Marketing, Product, Sales, Engineering, and other stakeholders to align creative work with business, product, and brand goals.
Influence upstream strategy and planning, ensuring creative is integrated early and effectively into roadmaps and go-to-market plans.
Translate feedback from senior leadership into clear, actionable direction for creative teams.
Confidently present creative strategies, concepts, and finished work to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Advocate for the role of world-class creative in driving brand love, differentiation, and business impact.
Provide thoughtful, decisive feedback that moves work forward while protecting the integrity of the idea.