Associate Creative Director

Recess Studios is a brand agency built to challenge the expected. With offices in Portland and New York, we deliver end-to-end brand solutions, foundational development, consistent application across every touchpoint, and strategic amplification that drives impact. Our multidisciplinary team imagines worlds, crafts honest narratives, and creates experiences at the intersection of culture and commerce. We prize Good Honest Work by Good Honest People, building lasting partnerships through clear standards, tidy operations, and results that exceed expectations.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Associate Creative Director at Recess Studios will play a pivotal role in bridging creative vision with strategic insight across various projects. Working in both content and design this position will lead conceptual development and ensure creative approaches.. This role demands a professional with a solid strategic foundation, adept in synthesizing design, art direction, and narrative development into compelling brand stories. Your creative expertise will guide the conceptualization and execution of projects while ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the design and execution of visual and narrative elements across various media, including digital, print, and experiential.
• Collaborate closely with the Creative Director to conceive and implement creative strategies that resonate with target audiences and fulfill client goals.
• Lead creative sessions for project kick-offs, steering conceptual development and aligning team efforts with strategic insights.
• Manage and mentor a talented team of designers and creatives, encouraging a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Maintain hands-on involvement in the design process, ensuring that all creative outputs adhere to brand guidelines and exceed client expectations.
• Work alongside account managers and strategy teams to ensure a seamless integration of artistic and strategic components in all client projects.
• Evaluate creative trends and consumer insights to enhance project outcomes and keep the agency at the forefront of the industry.
• Create direction 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficient in design software and technologies relevant to various forms of media production.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating complex creative concepts and strategies clearly.
• Familiarity with full funnel production processes 
• Proven track record of managing creative teams and projects to successful completion.
• A strategic thinker with an acute awareness of how creativity impacts business outcomes.
• Experience in directing comprehensive marketing campaigns from a narrative, visual and experiential perspective.

WHAT YOU BRING

• 5-7 years of experience in a creative role within a dynamic agency environment, with at least 2 years in a leadership position.
• 4+ years of agency experience is mandatory
• Background working in at least two of the three disciplines: content, design and experiential projects 
• A strong portfolio that demonstrates expertise in strategic creative development across multiple platforms and disciplines.  

BENEFITS

• Salary: $100,000 - $120,000
• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• Life Insurance
• Competitive company Holidays
• Unlimited PTO
• WFH Flexibility
• 401K w/ Company match