Creative Director, Experiential

Creative Director, ExperientialNYC - FT | NYC / LA - FreelanceThe Creative Director, Experiential at Something Special Studios leads the creative vision and execution of immersive brand experiences that connect audiences through culture, design, and storytelling. They combine creative direction, experiential design, and concept development to transform abstract ideas into memorable physical expressions of a brand.This role sits at the intersection of concept development, environment design, and cultural production – shaping ideas that extend beyond campaigns into real-world experiences. Partnering closely across disciplines including Creative Strategy, Creative, Visual and Spatial Design, and Production, the Experiential Creative Director develops and delivers work that is both visually expressive and culturally resonant.ResponsibilitiesDefine and execute the creative vision for experiential activations, stunts, pop-ups, installations, events, and experiential expressions of integrated campaigns.Lead multidisciplinary teams through ideation, visual storytelling, and spatial concept development.Ensure every experience reflects the agency's creative standards, brand strategy, and cultural point of view.Present ideas to clients and partners with clarity from concept through final execution.Concept Development & Visual StorytellingTranslate Creative Strategy's brand insights and strategic foundations into experiential storytelling concepts, guest journeys, and sensorial moments.Develop creative territories, moods, and visual worlds to life across mediums.Guide teams in crafting experiences that integrate physical and digital dimensions.CollaborationPartner with Creative Strategy, Design (Visual & Spatial), and Production teams to align creative direction with strategic and creative operational goals.Collaborate with Visual and Spatial Design Directors to ensure continuity of look, tone, and brand systems across environments.Work closely with Production to ensure creative ideas are both ambitious and executable with the highest quality standards.Serve as the creative lead in client-facing discussions, bridging creative vision with practical execution.Creative Oversight & ExecutionOversee the creative process from concept through on-site execution, ensuring fidelity and excellence at every stage.Review and approve creative outputs across design, art direction, and spatial storytelling.Partner with Spatial Design to guide pre-visualization, experience mapping, and processes.Provide on-site creative direction during builds, installations, and live events as needed.Mentorship & CultureFoster a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and creative experimentation.Identify and manage relationships with external creative partners–e.g. experiential art directors, designers, fabricators, and collaborators.Contribute to agency-wide creative growth through new business opportunities and workshops.Qualifications8-10+ years of experience in a creative leadership role within an experiential, brand, or integrated agency environment.Proven record of delivering concept-driven, multidisciplinary brand experiences.Strong portfolio demonstrating spatial storytelling, creative innovation, and cultural fluency.Expertise in experiential ideation, creative direction, and design development.Strong client presentation, communication, and leadership skills.Hands-on familiarity with production and fabrication processes.Ability to inspire, direct, and manage teams with empathy, vision, and creative rigor.Salary Range$165,000 - $220,000 annually. Salary for the prospective employee is determined by a combination of factors that include qualifications, applicable skills, relevant experience and other budgetary considerations such as location/geography.Benefits IncludeComprehensive health coverage – Medical, dental and vision insurance, plus HSA and FSA options.401(k) with company contribution – 3% Safe Harbor contribution after six months of service, whether or not you contribute yourself.Company-paid life insurance – Basic Life and AD&D coverage included, with the option to purchase additional coverage.Generous paid time off – 15 days PTO in addition to Holiday ClosuresSummer Fridays – Up to four Fridays off between Memorial Day and Labor Day, subject to workload.Flexible sick leaveHybrid working – 4 Days in Office / 1 RemoteGenerous Employee Referral bonusesYearly profit sharing programEmployee & Company Performance-based bonus