Director, Creative Development & Strategy
About The Position
The Director of Creative Development & Strategy will lead the creative vision for the Topps brand, overseeing campaigns, brand narratives, and visual identity across platforms. This strategic position combines brand storytelling, creative leadership, and cross-functional partnership to strengthen brand resonance, cultural relevance, and collector engagement. The role defines long-term creative strategy for Topps, balancing its legacy with innovation, and develops creative work across digital, print, social, and content. It partners with Marketing, Product, and Brand teams to align creative execution with business goals and collector insights, and develops campaign platforms and storytelling strategies for product launches, partnerships, and other brand initiatives. The director also guides creative development for licensed sports, entertainment, and pop-culture properties; presents concepts to executives and licensing partners; and maintains consistency and creative excellence across consumer touchpoints. The position builds and mentors a high-performing creative team and fosters collaboration, feedback, and growth. It also manages external creative partners, agencies, and freelancers. The role is part of a creative-forward team at Topps, backed by Fanatics, that aims to honor the brand’s history while developing its future in an inclusive, collaborative workplace.
Requirements
- 10+ years of creative leadership experience in brand, agency, or entertainment environments.
- A strong portfolio demonstrating strategic thinking and impactful creative work.
- Deep understanding of brand identity, narrative development, and integrated campaign strategy.
- Proven success leading and inspiring creative teams across disciplines such as design, copy, and content.
- Expertise working with licensed brands and navigating partner approval processes.
- Strong visual sensibility and storytelling skills, with experience across digital, print, packaging, and social.
- Comfort leading strategic presentations and creative reviews with senior leadership and stakeholders.
- Experience managing external creative partners, agencies, and freelancers.
- Passion for culture, fandom, and collectibles, with an appreciation for what makes brands meaningful to consumers.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment that values innovation and experimentation.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in sports or entertainment licensing.
Responsibilities
- Define and drive long-term creative strategy for the Topps brand, balancing legacy with innovation.
- Produce creative work across digital, print, social, and content.
- Collaborate with Marketing, Product, and Brand teams to align creative execution with business goals and collector insights.
- Develop campaign platforms and storytelling strategies for major product launches, partnerships, and brand initiatives.
- Guide creative development for licensed properties across sports, entertainment, and pop culture.
- Champion creative experimentation and innovation, taking the brand into new visual and cultural territory.
- Present concepts to executive leadership and licensing partners with clarity, inspiration, and strategic rationale.
- Maintain brand consistency and creative excellence across consumer touchpoints.
- Build and mentor a high-performing creative team, fostering collaboration, feedback, and growth.
- Manage external creative partners, agencies, and freelancers.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
No Education Listed
