Associate Creative Director

Description

THIS ROLE IS OPEN TO CANDIDATES IN LOS ANGELES AND NEW YORK

About Mkg

Founded in 2003, MKG is a women-led creative agency specializing in brand experience. From moments to movements, our work breaks through culture by connecting brands with their people. We’re obsessively curious problem solvers who humanize brands through creative storytelling, purpose-driven engagement, beautiful design and impeccable production. We’re proud to be long-standing partners to brands like Google, Target, Netflix, Meta, HBO, Delta Air Lines, Béis and Spotify and have offices in NYC and LA, but work everywhere else, too.

WORKING AT MKG

We're in the business of experience. We aim to create incredible experiences for everyone – that includes consumers, our clients, and our teammates as well. We care deeply about the journey just as much as the final product. So while you’ll be working hard to check all the details (twice) to make sure the work is flawless, you’ll be shoulder to shoulder with some of the brightest, most compassionate and collaborative people in the industry.

We have offices in NYC and LA. Candidates should be within commuting distance of either office and will need to be available for in-person collaboration on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

This position will begin with a four month short term position before converting to full time.

Overview Of The Role

MKG is looking for a versatile Associate Creative Director—someone who brings together strategy, storytelling, and a strong eye for design. This person is equal parts thinker and maker, able to develop big ideas while also helping shape the work as it comes to life.

This role requires someone who can zoom out to think strategically about a brand’s goals, and zoom in to craft compelling narratives and creative solutions. The ACD should feel comfortable leading brainstorms, building strong concept decks, and presenting ideas with clarity and confidence.

WHAT YOU WILL DO IN THIS ROLE:

• Creatively lead some projects from start to finish, while keeping ECD informed. Work under a leading Creative Director on other projects.
• Direct, mentor and guide Senior, Mid and Junior level team members across environmental design, graphic design and creative strategy
• Dissect and interpret client briefs. Ask thoughtful, strategic questions to uncover insights and clarify project goals
• Lead brainstorming sessions that generate innovative ideas.
• Develop and deliver creative concepts for new and existing business, with an experiential focus and opportunities for omnichannel integration, aligning the creative with the client's objectives
• Challenge the status quo, steering clients to new territories that haven’t been seen and done
• Create compelling creative and pitch decks that clearly communicate the strategy, narrative and ideas
• Assemble internal design briefs, pull inspiration, and guide designers with an aesthetic point of view, ensuring a cohesive strategic narrative throughout the creative work
• Present and sell creative concepts confidently to internal stakeholders and clients, providing a strong point of view that is backed by research, data, and strategic insights
• Manage multiple projects at once while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines, ensuring creative deliverables meet our standards and align with client expectations
• Collaborate with creative team members along with team members across Production, Accounts and New Business
• Support creative leadership with department needs including case studies, agency marketing, and strategic initiatives

Requirements

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THIS ROLE:

• 7\+ years of experience in advertising, experiential marketing agencies, or brand environments
• A proven track record of executing successful campaigns for top-tier brands
• Clear, confident and collaborative creative leadership that drives projects forward while respecting and empowering the voices of others
• Ability to own a room and sell an idea - demonstrates a thoughtful POV, supported by insights and powerful rationale; defends work in a tactful and persuasive manner
• A passion for culture seeking and an active connection to creative communities that fuel your ideation prowess
• Ability to foster the careers of direct reports, helping to carve a path to their success and growth
• Strong writing and verbal communication
• Ability to manage a large volume of projects at one time while also championing and mentoring direct reports
• Strong relationship-building skills across internal and external teams, including clients and partners
• Energy and enthusiasm, your own sense of humor and a curious mind for the work, along with respect and empathy for those you work with
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Given the nature of experiential work, this role may require occasional travel and flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, as business needs arise.

Salary Description

$100,000- $140,000