Executive Creative Director

We are marketing strategists, communications specialists, graphic designers, event coordinators, digital analysts, copywriters, multimedia producers, and more. But above all, we are Athena.

Do you enjoy working with a top-notch team and being part of a growing, passionate, and forward-thinking company? Athena is on its way to becoming the best and most intensive high-touch consulting group in the country. Our exceptionally high standards and whole-brain, full spectrum approach has earned us an enviable reputation across multiple industries and fueled our impressive growth. Athena brings an artful mix of creativity and facts-based insight to make even complex matters engaging, memorable, and impactful.

Athena is looking for an ECD to lead our in-house Creative Agency.

We are seeking a skilled and visionary ECD with expertise in cutting edge content to lead our creative team. As the Executive Creative Director you will be responsible for setting the overall direction, tone, and style of our agency's content projects. You will work closely with our clients, project managers, and creative team members to ensure that all editorial deliverables meet high standards of quality, creativity, and effectiveness.

The Design team produces thoughtful and elevated creative designs. We create compelling graphics for different mediums that include but are not limited to the corporate website, branding, reports and fact sheets, press materials, presentations, and social media assets. Our work has a digital focus, but print projects are a part of the mix.

We operate in a fast paced, hands-on environment and thrive on collaboration.

If you have a passion for design and a keen eye for detail and craft, we would love to know more about you.

Requirements

Our ideal candidate has the following:

Editorial Leadership:

• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in content creation.
• Collaboration with Design Team to develop cohesive and integrated creative solutions that combine compelling written content with visually stunning design elements.
• Creative Team Management: Lead, mentor, and inspire the editorial team, including copywriters, editors, and content strategists. Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment to enhance creativity and productivity.
• Project Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, marketing, and account management, to develop integrated creative solutions that effectively communicate clients' messages.
• Content Ideation and Development: Spearhead brainstorming sessions and content ideation processes to generate compelling and engaging content ideas. Oversee content development from concept to execution.
• Editorial Quality Control: Maintain high editorial standards by reviewing and providing constructive feedback on written content, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to brand guidelines.
• Client Relations: Work closely with clients to understand their content needs, preferences, and target audience. Present and articulate creative ideas and concepts effectively during client meetings.
• Performance Analysis: Understand the analysis of the performance of editorial content and campaigns, using data-driven insights to optimize future content strategies and improve overall results.
• Budget Management: Ensure projects are completed within budget and on schedule, making resource allocation decisions to maximize efficiency and quality.
• Coordinate with project managers to establish project timelines and ensure that all team members are aware of their roles and responsibilities throughout the project's lifecycle.
• Conduct regular status meetings with creative teams to assess project progress, identify potential roadblocks, and proactively address any issues to keep projects on track.
• Verify that all creative requests are thoroughly documented and aligned with client briefs, taking into account specific project requirements and any updates or changes requested by clients.
• Implement quality control measures to guarantee the accuracy, consistency, and compliance of all creative deliverables with the agency's standards and clients' expectations.
• Collaborate closely with the Design Team and other team members to ensure seamless integration of content and design elements within the project timeline.
• Uphold efficient communication channels among project stakeholders, ensuring that feedback loops are closed promptly, and any revisions or amendments are adequately captured and executed.
• Maintain comprehensive records of project statuses, resource allocation, and project-specific details to facilitate historical reference and data-driven process improvement.
• Proactively identify opportunities for workflow optimization and implement best practices to streamline the traffic management process for increased productivity and efficiency.

Traffic and Account Management: Oversee the agency's traffic management process to ensure efficient workflow and timely project delivery. Work closely with project managers to track project progress, deadlines, and resource allocation. Ensure that all components of a creative request have been met before final project approval, including creative briefs, design assets, and editorial content.

• Coordinate with project managers to establish project timelines and ensure that all team members are aware of their roles and responsibilities throughout the project's lifecycle.
• Conduct regular status meetings with creative teams to assess project progress, identify potential roadblocks, and proactively address any issues to keep projects on track.
• Verify that all creative requests are thoroughly documented and aligned with client briefs, taking into account specific project requirements and any updates or changes requested by clients.
• Implement quality control measures to guarantee the accuracy, consistency, and compliance of all creative deliverables with the agency's standards and clients' expectations.
• Collaborate closely with the Design Team and other team members to ensure seamless integration of content and design elements within the project timeline.
• Uphold efficient communication channels among project stakeholders, ensuring that feedback loops are closed promptly, and any revisions or amendments are adequately captured and executed.
• Maintain comprehensive records of project statuses, resource allocation, and project-specific details to facilitate historical reference and data-driven process improvement.
• Proactively identify opportunities for workflow optimization and implement best practices to streamline the traffic management process for increased productivity and efficiency.

The ECD's involvement in traffic management ensures that each project progresses smoothly from inception to completion, adhering to established timelines and fulfilling all the necessary requirements for a successful creative output.

And should have the following experience and skills:

• Minimum 6-8 years of experience progressive career experience with similar or same title, with a focus on editorial content creation and strategy.
• Editorial Expertise: Strong background in copy, content marketing, or related fields. Deep understanding of storytelling, messaging, and audience engagement.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate creative teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Client-Focused Skills: Excellent client-facing and communication skills, with the ability to understand clients' needs and deliver exceptional service.
• Strategic Thinking: A strategic mindset with the ability to align editorial content with broader marketing and business goals.
• Collaborative Approaches: Experience partnering with other creative disciplines, particularly with Design Team, to create cohesive and impactful campaigns.
• Adaptability: Thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, embracing new challenges and adapting to changing priorities.
• Portfolio: A portfolio showcasing successful editorial projects and a diverse range of content formats.

It's a plus if you have:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or a related field (advanced degrees are a plus).

Join our dynamic team as a ECD and play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of our clients' brands through captivating and impactful content. Apply now to lead our team in creating inspiring stories that connect with audiences and drive results.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental benefits including of 1K Health Reimbursement Account
• Matching 401K
• Generous PTO policy
• Substantial Parental Leave Policy
• Hybrid Work Environment

Curious about your career path at Athena? This role is within a rapidly growing creative department and the right candidate can excel, produce great work, have an immediate impact on Athena's creative product culture and growth.

Oh, and our application process is open, easy, as transparent as we can make it, and painless. We need team members like you to join us! Let's get started.

Athena is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance in applying for a position, please contact us at 866.299.6040.