Creative Director

New York or Los Angeles

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 conceptual Creative Director with a passion for storytelling, a strategic mindset, and a strong aesthetic point of view. In this role, you’ll lead key client projects from concept to execution, while mentoring and inspiring a talented team of creative strategists, copywriters and designers. With a knack for inspiring great work and a deep understanding of how to craft memorable experiences that sets brands apart, this role requires strategic marketing thinking, concept development, and art direction. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO IN THIS ROLE: 

Project Leadership: 

• Develop and deliver creative concepts for new and existing business, with an experiential focus and omnichannel integration. Use left brain/right brain thinking to develop innovative and ownable concepts and campaigns that are rooted in strategy and align with the client's objectives. 
• Creatively lead projects from start to finish, while keeping ECD informed. Responsible for leading brainstorming sessions, developing and refining concepts, composing compelling decks through strong storytelling, guiding the project team and giving constructive feedback, ensuring the vision is being met, while always pushing the creative thinking
• Dissect and interpret client briefs and challenge the status quo, steering clients to new territories that drive Brand Action 
• Assemble internal design briefs, pull inspiration, and guide designers with an aesthetic point of view, creating a cohesive strategic narrative throughout the creative work. 
• Sell your creative with crystal clear rationale and passionate energy, both internally to our project teams and externally to clients 
• Identify potential risks or issues related to projects and client relationships, and take proactive steps to mitigate them 

Team Leadership: 

• Mentor and manage direct reports from varied creative disciplines and backgrounds, coaching and mentoring them to develop hard and soft skills around creative output, relationship building and leadership 
• Review direct report’s work, providing guidance and feedback, sharing best practices and recommending next steps 
• Attend briefing meetings and brainstorms for direct report’s project to help guide initial thinking and action planning 
• Push direct reports to strive for strategic, results-driven quality work; find ways to continually improve output 

Business Impact: 

• Think big picture about our agency goals and the work, clients, and pitches that will drive us forward 
• Assume ownership of key client relationships from a creative standpoint, working with internal and external teams to grow MKG’s business and reputation 
• Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and creative practices, sharing knowledge and discoveries with the wider team. 
• Provide support on agency needs like case study creation, awards submissions, agency marketing, etc.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THIS ROLE: 

• Strong writing and verbal communication, ability to develop decks with efficiency and impact 
• A minimum of 10+ years relevant experience in advertising, experiential, marketing agencies or brands 
• A proven track record of executing successful campaigns for top-tier brands 
• A passion for culture seeking and an active connection to creative communities that fuel your ideation prowess 
• Ability to lead teams and drive projects forward by bringing a strong voice, clear direction and decisiveness 
• Ability to foster the careers of direct reports, helping to carve a path to their success and growth 
• 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 
• 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 
• Ability to analyze situations, identify problems, exercise judgment and creativity in making decisions 
• 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 
• Ability and flexibility for travel as required by projects 

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: $120,000 - $180,000

Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position; market considerations; budgetary considerations; tenure and standing with the company (applicable to current employees); as well as the employee’s/applicant’s background, pertinent experience, and qualifications.