Creative Director

We are seeking an experienced Creative Director to join our team in a hands‑on, individual contributor capacity. This is not a people‑management role. Instead, this position is focused on leading creative excellence through strategy, design, storytelling, and execution across integrated marketing, fundraising, and awareness initiatives. The ideal candidate is a highly skilled creative professional who can develop compelling concepts, elevate brand storytelling, and collaborate effectively across cross‑functional teams while managing multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment. What You’ll Do Creative Leadership & Design Excellence Lead the development of innovative, audience-focused creative concepts across digital, print, video, and marketing channels. Provide strategic creative direction while remaining actively involved in the design and execution process. Ensure all creative deliverables maintain brand consistency, quality, and effectiveness. Guide creative problem‑solving and help teams navigate complex project challenges. Storytelling & Campaign Development Create and refine compelling multi‑channel campaigns that drive engagement, awareness, and fundraising outcomes. Translate business objectives into impactful creative solutions and visual storytelling. Develop cohesive narratives across marketing touchpoints and audience segments. Project Execution & Workflow Management Manage multiple creative projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines. Collaborate with stakeholders to move projects efficiently through established workflows and approval processes. Identify risks, remove roadblocks, and keep initiatives progressing on schedule. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Partner closely with marketing, content, design, video, photography, strategy, and operations teams. Provide clear creative feedback and direction without direct people‑management responsibilities. Influence creative outcomes through expertise, collaboration, and strong communication. Innovation & Continuous Improvement Stay current on design trends, creative best practices, and emerging storytelling techniques. Recommend new approaches to improve campaign effectiveness and audience engagement. Contribute ideas that enhance both creative quality and workflow efficiency. Qualifications Required 10+ years of experience in creative leadership, design, brand marketing, or integrated marketing roles. Strong portfolio showcasing: Multi‑channel marketing campaigns Creative concept development Strategic storytelling Brand stewardship across diverse initiatives Advanced proficiency with: Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat) PowerPoint and/or Keynote Exceptional visual design, presentation, and communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline‑driven environment. Demonstrated success influencing creative decisions and outcomes without formal authority. Strong collaboration and stakeholder‑management skills. Preferred Experience supporting fundraising, donor engagement, nonprofit, healthcare, or mission‑driven organizations. Experience working in large, matrixed organizations. Familiarity with project management and workflow platforms such as Jira, Smartsheet, or similar tools. Experience leading integrated campaigns across digital, print, social media, and video channels. Benefits Salary range for this role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries respect your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual's skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses. #J-18808-Ljbffr