POSITION OVERVIEW

The Creative Director is our resident storyteller and keeper of our brand, responsible for elevating and transforming the Institute’s strategies and stories into bold, engaging, and creative, from development to execution.

Working closely under the direction of the Director of Marketing, the Creative Director develops compelling creative that meets the marketing and business objectives of the organization and advances our brand strategy with innovation and consistency.

This position works full time in the Los Angeles, CA area and will be required to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, at key points throughout the year. Domestic travel, to Festivals, other Institute offices, and potentially other events will also be required.

Top priorities include but are not limited to…

• Setting the creative strategy and guidelines for the Institute brand as well as sub-brands including Collab, Membership and others.

• Owning the creative process from brief through production and to delivery.

• Developing overall concept and managing all branding elements for the Sundance Film Festival and sub-brands including New Frontier.

• Overseeing visual, verbal, and editorial messaging both internally and externally.

• Overseeing design, copy, and content production for all Sundance Institute year-round campaigns and collateral.

• Partnering with strategists on the team to deliver creative tied to KPIs, key insights and objectives.

• Managing the look, feel, and experience of all Sundance Institute digital channels.

• Leading racial equity initiatives that focus on equitable communications practices and resources, driving the highest standards of inclusivity and accessibility in all marketing materials.

• Collaborating with the Director of Marketing and Chief Communications Officer and leadership on ongoing Institute branding needs.

• Collaborating with leaders of multiple departments to develop visuals and messaging that drive programmatic objectives.

• Presenting and recommending creative ideas and execution plans across the Institute, ensuring alignment and buy-in with key stakeholders.

• Building a dynamic and engaging department culture in which people are inspired to take risks and achieve creative excellence.

• Mentoring the creative team, ensuring that all team members feel heard and respected.

• Clarifying creative goals, managing production, and workflow from concept through completion of all creative projects, ensuring on-time delivery.

• Managing staff, including selecting and training highly effective individuals, delegating appropriate and meaningful work while providing direction, feedback, and support to ensure employees understand responsibilities and are effective in their roles.

• Overseeing relationships between creative teams and other departments to ensure there is a consistent positive and collaborative experience.

• Reviewing and refining workflows and processes to ensure efficiency and flawless execution.

• Participating in campaign performance assessment, continually learning and evolving based on results.

• Identifying, negotiating, and hiring freelance creative teams, agencies, and individuals.

• Lead sustainability efforts across all production.

You have the following direct or transferable skill sets:

• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

• 8-10 years of agency or in-house creative direction experience, demonstrating breakthrough design, editorial, content development, and production skills across all channels including print, video, digital, social.

• Strong leadership skills with a background that includes 5 or more years experience managing creative teams, resources, and budgets.

• Experience working collaboratively within a cross-functional organization.

• Ability to think strategically and lead creatively to influence, ideate, and execute groundbreaking ideas and build a world-class team focused on passion and innovation.

• A portfolio showcasing impeccable taste and innovative design as well as compelling video content.

• Superlative written and verbal skills to tell stories.

• Ability to be inspired by audience behavior and customer insights and to apply to creative direction.

• Outstanding project management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple deadlines.

• Deep experience mentoring and supervising creative teams.

• Excellent communications and presentation skills.

• Familiarity and passion for independent arts and the Sundance Institute brand.

• Background in entertainment, media, cultural arts, or consumer goods preferred.

You will be successful in this role if you...

• Establish a thoughtful creative vision for the Institute that is modern, inclusive, mindful and future facing.

• Partner with your fellow leaders to create a collaborative, inspiring, positive culture.

• Lead the creative team to produce best in class creative content for both digital and non-digital applications

• Be a partner for key stakeholders in the Institute, supporting their objectives and working together to establish and achieve goals.

• Deliver high quality, compelling creative content that drives brand awareness, brand loyalty and engages our audience year-round.

• Mentor and grow an inspired, optimistic creative team.

• Deliver strategic creative work to support Marketing and Communications initiatives.

In addition to an annual salary of $123,000.00 to $153,000.00*, this position is eligible for our comprehensive benefits package, highlights include:

• Health, vision, and dental insurance

• 25 paid Institute holidays plus accrued vacation time

• Paid sick, family, and medical leave

• Employee Wellness initiatives

• 401(k) with automatic 3% employer contribution after one year of employment

• Sundance Film Festival passes and benefits (varies each year)

*Final rate of pay is determined based on the applicant's geographic location, relevant experience and skills, and internal equity among similar positions within our organization.