Associate Creative Director, Experiential (On-Site, New York)

Associate Creative Director, Experiential

New York, New York

MATTE is a 360° creative studio at the convergence of hype, storytelling and design. We bring people together to inspire new ways of engaging, to provoke long term progress, and to entertain audiences around the world, while helping forward-thinking brands and institutions nimbly and truly do the same. Our studio capabilities range from strategic ideation and insights, creative development, branding and identity, experiential, web design and development, campaigns and content creation, all the way through full-scale production and execution.

About This Role

MATTE is seeking an Associate Creative Director with expertise in experiential and event design to join our fast-growing Creative team in New York. This is a hands-on creative leadership role for someone who can both concept and design—leading big ideas while also bringing them to life visually in 3D.

The ideal candidate is a fast, flexible creative leader who thrives in a collaborative environment. You bring strong client presence, are confident in building and delivering pitch presentations, and have a passion for developing talent while contributing to an evolving creative culture. You're highly conceptual, grounded in strong art direction, and equally capable of executing design—translating ideas into tangible environments and experiences.

This role reports to the Head of Creative and will be responsible for:

• Lead the ideation and design of experiential brand and campaign concepts
• Develop spatial concepts and bring them to life through 3D design and visualization
• Collaborate with Copywriters, Experience Designers, Architects, and Art Directors
• Guide creative from concept through production in partnership with Producers and Project Managers
• Support new business efforts, including pitch development and presentations
• Partner with Creative and Account teams on client management and relationship building
• Present work clearly and confidently, articulating both concept and design rationale
• Contribute to MATTE's evolving creative vision, tone of voice, and brand expression
• Support recruitment and development of creative talent

Quality Control

• Partner with Creative Directors to deliver thoughtful, high-impact creative solutions
• Ensure alignment with brand guidelines while pushing creative boundaries
• Maintain consistently high standards across both concept and design execution
• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve workflows and processes

Qualifications and Requirements:

• 7+ years of experience in a creative agency
• 4+ years leading creative projects and teams
• A strong portfolio demonstrating both conceptual thinking and hands-on design, particularly within experiential environments
• Proficiency in Rhino and Enscape (or comparable 3D modeling and rendering tools)
• Experience developing spatial design, environments, and experiential builds
• Understanding of both online and offline production
• Strong communication, presentation, and leadership skills
• Ability to work from our New York office as this role is 4x days per week in office

Salary Range:

$150,000 – $170,000 annually, commensurate with experience

Benefits Include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401k with a 4% company contribution max match
• Fully covered yearly Citibike membership wellness perk
• Talkspace membership wellness perk
• Competitive PTO package
• End of Year Recharge paid time off
• Sabbatical Program option after three years of employment with us
• Parental Leave for all new parents

Everyone is welcome at MATTE - we're passionate about building a team that reflects the diversity of our community and creating an environment where our differences are celebrated. MATTE provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, MATTE will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.