Manager, Creative & Design

[solidcore] • Arlington, VA

1d • $70,961 - $78,944

About The Position

We are looking for a Manager, Creative & Design to drive creative execution and shape the visual direction of [solidcore] across all channels. You are both a creative leader and a strategic operator. You will help drive the creative content strategy and roadmap, own the brand's visual identity, build the systems that enable speed and consistency, and ensure every asset produced is rooted in a clear content plan that advances the brand. You will partner closely with Content and Brand Marketing team leads to keep creative and content aligned - from brief through delivery.
This role reports to the Director of Content and directly manages the Coordinator, Creative & Design.

Requirements

• 6-9 years of design experience, with at least 2 years in a senior or lead role on an in-house brand or content team
• Demonstrated experience owning brand identity and creative direction across multiple channels simultaneously
• Proven ability to operate at the intersection of creative and content strategy — not just executing against a brief, but helping define what needs to exist and why
• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects) and Figma
• Strong motion design and video editing skills — able to independently produce short-form social and paid media content
• Experience managing creative operations: briefing systems, content calendars, project intake, asset management, and cross-functional workflows
• Proven ability to manage up and influence without authority — comfortable presenting to senior leaders and navigating stakeholder feedback
• Data-aware mindset: comfortable using performance insights to inform and evolve creative strategy

Nice To Haves

• BFA or equivalent in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or related field
• Experience in a consumer brand, retail, fitness, or lifestyle company
• Experience managing or mentoring junior talent
• Familiarity with Canva for template creation and field team enablement
• Experience working with or exploring AI tools for design and content acceleration

Responsibilities

• Lead design execution from brief through final delivery across all formats and channels: including social, email, digital ads, print and in-studio signage, website, activation materials, and presentation decks
• Own and evolve the [solidcore] visual identity, serving as the internal authority on brand standards, creative guidelines, and design systems following the "Stronger for it" brand platform launch
• Execute design work, maintaining brand consistency and quality across all materials
• In partnership with the Coordinator, drive and execute the creative vision for campaigns, programs and key brand moments
• Develop and maintain a scalable design process and system that enables speed and brand consistency across all channels and teams
• In partnership with the Director, support the creative content strategy and roadmap across the [solidcore] brand ecosystem: ensuring design and visual assets fuel a cohesive, omnichannel client experience across paid, owned and earned channels
• Support in development of integrated content matrices in partnership with the Director and channel leads, identifying all content creation needs and translating brand strategy into clear design direction
• Act as a thought leader within the Content team, sharing learnings and optimizations and conducting competitive landscape research to identify emerging content formats, consumer behaviors, and visual trends, communicating findings
• Establish and socialize best practices for creative content production, including briefing standards, approval workflows, and output requirements by channel
• Audit creative output against content objectives and channel performance; iterate and optimize the production process accordingly
• Build and manage briefing, intake, and project management systems that create clarity and prioritization across the team and organization
• Lead the management of creative requests from across the business - tracking, prioritizing, setting deadlines, and communicating proactively with cross-functional partners
• Serve as the embedded design partner for cross-functional teams
• In partnership with Brand Marketing, lead creative reviews with senior stakeholders, presenting work confidently and incorporating feedback constructively
• Directly manage and mentor the Coordinator, Creative & Design - providing creative direction, ongoing feedback, and a growth structure built to scale as creative needs expand
• In partnership with the Director, proactively identify and explore new technology solutions, including AI tools, to accelerate design and creative output and keep the team at the leading edge
• Champion a culture of craft, speed, and continuous improvement within the creative function

Benefits

• Bonus eligibility based on performance
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• 401(k) with employer match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid parental leave and parental pay benefits
• Free telehealth services
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Flexible PTO
• Free drop-in classes at [solidcore]

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree