Creative Director

The Ad Council is a nonprofit that brings together creative storytellers to educate, unite and uplift audiences. For over 80 years, it and its partners in advertising, media, marketing and tech have produced major social impact campaigns, including Smokey Bear, "Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk" and Tear the Paper Ceiling.

The Creative Director will lead concept development and creative execution across design, copy and video for the Ad Council's internal Creative Studio. You'll work with designers, editors, copywriters, producers and account teams on 360 campaigns, branded content and internal initiatives – developing and presenting concepts, writing copy and scripts, guiding cross-disciplinary teams and maintaining brand consistency alongside the CMO, the SVP of the Creative Studio and the VP of Brand & Communications. The Creative Director directly manages two Senior Graphic Designers and reports to the Executive Producer. It's a hands-on role in a high-volume studio that uses a low-bono/pro-bono pricing model, with a focus on delivering top creative quality aligned with the Ad Council's mission.

What you'll be doing

Creative leadership (across design, video and branded content)

• Lead concept development across design, video, social, broadcast, digital and branded content
• Develop and present concept decks, explaining ideas clearly to stakeholders at every level
• Write copy and scripts for print, digital, video, broadcast, social, internal and trade assets
• Turn strategies into clear creative briefs and guide teams to successful execution
• Work with Studio leadership to define scope and high-level timelines for requests
• Identify and manage external creative, design and production partners as needed
• Act as brand steward, keeping all Studio outputs excellent and consistent
• Foster a collaborative, innovative environment, including researching and testing AI tools

Creative Studio: design team

• Guide development of campaign assets such as social graphics, banner ads, OOH, print and web assets
• Oversee design for internal and branded materials, including presentations, case studies, annual reports and Annual Fundraising Dinner assets

Creative Services: video and production team

• Concept and support production of video content, including broadcast PSAs, long- and short-form content, social videos, sizzle reels, branded content and internal assets

Branded and internal content team

• Oversee development of materials, in partnership with the SVP, Creative Studio & Distribution, including meeting assets, event content, website assets, case studies and sizzle reels

What we're looking for

• 8+ years of creative experience, including leading teams across design, copy, video and integrated campaigns
• Experience at advertising or design agencies, film/production studios, broadcast or entertainment companies
• A strong portfolio covering full 360 campaign work (design, print, copy, social, video, broadcast, digital, branded and internal)
• Experience producing social/digital and branded creative, both internal and campaign-facing
• A collaborative leader who can motivate design teams to produce exceptional work
• Able to present ideas and concepts clearly and persuasively
• Deep connections within the creative community
• Highly organised and solution-oriented while managing multiple projects
• Strong written and verbal communication, working well both independently and in teams

The ideal candidate is an exceptional collaborator who breaks down silos and builds trust, is comfortable across video, brand and design, thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and is skilled at managing and partnering with many stakeholders.

What's on offer

• Full-time role paying US$145,000 – US$155,000 per year depending on experience, plus an annual incentive, comprehensive benefits and generous paid time off
• Fully remote work arrangements, flexible and generous time off, parental/caregiver leave and "Health" days
• Medical, dental and vision plans, a health and flexible savings benefit, reimbursement for health and wellness expenses, and additional insurance coverage for spouses, children and pets
• Participation in the 403(b) Retirement Plan, with generous annual company contributions
• Professional and skill-based development opportunities and tuition reimbursement
• The role may be performed remotely within the Tri-State New York Area and requires occasional in-office attendance; only applicants based in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Connecticut will be considered

Equal opportunities

The Ad Council values diverse perspectives and is committed to a representative workforce. It is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers qualified applicants regardless of legally protected status. Applicants with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process can request one through the contact methods below.

How to apply

Apply online with your résumé/CV (cover letter optional), or by email to [email protected], by fax to (212) 922-1676, or by mail to Ad Council, Attn: People Operations Team, 815 2nd Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10017.