Founding Creative Director (Start Up Agency)

Our client, a fast-growing startup creative agency based in Brooklyn, is seeking a Creative Director to lead the development of bold, culturally relevant work across experiential, retail, digital, and brand initiatives. This is an opportunity for a highly creative, entrepreneurial leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and wants to play a key role in shaping both the creative output and the future of the agency.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in startup environments and has deep experience within experiential and/or retail-focused agencies . They should be equally comfortable setting the creative vision, presenting ideas to clients, and rolling up their sleeves to execute alongside the team when needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and define the creative vision across brand, experiential, retail, and integrated marketing projects
• Develop compelling concepts and oversee execution from idea through final delivery
• Partner with internal leadership and clients to pitch creative ideas and shape strategic direction
• Guide the creation of immersive brand experiences, retail activations, and culturally relevant campaigns
• Build and refine creative processes, workflows, and standards within a growing agency environment
• Mentor and lead junior creatives while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture
• Stay closely connected to trends in fashion, lifestyle, culture, and consumer experience

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in creative, art direction, or design roles, with leadership experience preferred
• Background working in a startup, high-growth, or entrepreneurial environment
• Strong agency experience with a focus on experiential, retail, and/or brand activation work
• Ability to lead both concept development and hands-on creative execution
• Strong portfolio demonstrating integrated campaigns, retail storytelling, and experiential thinking
• Excellent presentation and client-facing communication skills
• Deep understanding of visual culture, brand building, and trend-driven creative
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and related creative tools

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Entrepreneurial and energized by building within an emerging business
• Experienced in creating standout work for physical spaces, live experiences, and consumer-facing environments
• Understands how to connect brand storytelling to culture and community
• Comfortable balancing high-level creative leadership with hands-on execution
• Excited by the pace, ambiguity, and opportunity that come with startup agency life in Brooklyn