Associate Creative Director

The Team: 

As a small-but-mighty Creative team, we touch every corner of the growing Upstart business. We sit within Growth, designing for impact across all channels and verticals, elevating the brand, and seeking to be thought-leaders in our industry and beyond. We are currently working hard and fast to meet the company’s needs while building a culture of creativity that will empower the continued evolution and success of our work. In short, we’re darn good but we’re looking for teammates to help us rise to greatness!

As the Associate Creative Director of Performance Marketing  at Upstart, you will report directly to our ECD, and lead a talented team of designers and Art Directors across direct response initiatives. You’ll collaborate with peers and stakeholders to steer the growth of revenue-driving channels, leading creative strategy, design, and operational excellence for Lifecycle, Paid Social, Direct Mail, App Store, and more. As a  data-driven, creative powerhouse, no job is too big or too small. You’re not afraid to get your hands dirty.  At Upstart, you’ll  hold a high standard for the craft of design, inspire and motivate your team, and introduce new ideas and ways of working.

Position location This role is available in the following locations: Remote

Time zone requirements The team operates on the East/West coast time zones.

Travel requirements As a digital first company, the majority of your work can be accomplished remotely. The majority of our employees can live and work anywhere in the U.S but are encouraged to to still spend high quality time in-person collaborating via regular onsites. The in-person sessions’ cadence varies depending on the team and role; most teams meet once or twice per quarter for 2-4 consecutive days at a time.

How you’ll make an impact

• Guide, mentor, and provide direct project-based  feedback to a growing team of designers and copywriters across our most valuable growth-driving channels
• Consult on briefs, project plans, and strategy to determine how we approach creative execution based on marketing goals and available resources 
• Become a beacon of our evolving brand across channels, to ensure we always put our best foot forward
• Innovate new ideas, campaigns, and initiatives to drive growth through the magic of best-in-class creative
• Collaborate with teams on innovative testing strategies and frameworks to drive our growth and acutely tune our growth-machine

What we’re looking for: 

• Minimum qualifications:
  • 9+  years of professional experience working in design and creative services 
  • 4+ years successfully managing teams and leading Creatives
  • Proven track-record of success  leading Performance Creative in Paid Social, Lifecycle, and beyond
  • Comprehensive knowledge of per-channel creative best practices for conversion and measurement
  • Expert-level proficiency in design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, etc)
  •  A history of conceptual creative ability, judgment, and executional excellence 
• Preferred qualifications:
  • Excellent time-management and communication skills
  • Ability to effectively communicate the creative perspective and point of view to non-creative stakeholders
  • Experience managing outside vendor relationships and negotiating cost-savings opportunities
  • Obsession with the potential of Ai and the ability to deep-dive into related research, bringing those back to the team
  • Can-do attitude and excitement for the role

What you'll love: 

• Competitive Compensation (base + bonus & equity)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart 
• 401(k) with 100% company match up to $4,500 and immediate vesting and after-tax savings
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Life and disability insurance
• Generous holiday, vacation, sick and safety leave  
• Supportive parental, family care, and military leave programs
• Annual wellness, technology & ergonomic reimbursement programs
• Social activities including team events and onsites, all-company updates, employee resource groups (ERGs), and other interest groups such as book clubs, fitness, investing, and volunteering
• Catered lunches + snacks & drinks when working in offices

#LI-REMOTE

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