Director, Creative Development & Strategy

Fanatics Collectibles•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

As the Director of Creative Development & Strategy, you will lead the creative vision for the Topps brand, overseeing the development of campaigns, brand narratives, and visual identity across platforms. This strategic role combines brand storytelling, creative leadership, and cross-functional partnership to drive brand resonance, cultural relevance, and collector engagement. This position will be responsible for handling a wide variety of duties, which include, but are not limited to the ones listed below.

Requirements

10+ years of creative leadership experience in brand, agency, or entertainment environments, with 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 multiple disciplines (design, copy, content).
Expertise in working with licensed brands and navigating partner approval processes (experience in sports or entertainment licensing is a plus).
Strong visual sensibility and storytelling skills, with experience across digital, print, packaging, and social.
Comfortable 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—a deep appreciation of 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 is a plus

Responsibilities

Define and drive the long-term creative strategy for the Topps brand, balancing legacy with innovation.
Produce world-class work creative across digital, print, social, and content.
Collaborate with Marketing, Product, and Brand teams to ensure creative execution aligns 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—pushing 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 all consumer touchpoints.
Build and mentor a high-performing creative team, fostering a culture of collaboration, feedback, and growth.