Creative Director (Contract)

Company: Elevated Campaigns & Public Affairs

Location: Remote (US-based, Central Time hours)

Reports to: Partners

Position Type: Independent contractor (1099)

About Elevated

Elevated Campaigns & Public Affairs is a national political and public affairs advertising firm taking the work to a whole new level. For 25+ years, we've helped our clients jump into the big fights and create lasting change. We work with issue advocacy organizations, trade associations, labor unions, Democratic candidates, caucuses, and ballot measure campaigns to shape public opinion and move votes.

Our work spans digital and social media, strategic consulting and issue management, TV, streaming, radio, direct mail, and print. Our battle-tested team takes on the big fights, using innovative approaches and strategic insights to deliver our clients' messages to the right audiences, in the right mediums, at the right times. We're laser-focused on continually improving and upgrading what we offer. We're not resting on our laurels or satisfied rehashing past efforts.

Job Description

We are seeking a contract Creative Director to lead the strategic and creative direction of all client work across digital video, direct mail, linear TV, audio, and print communications. The Creative Director will have primary responsibility for the look, voice, and quality of every creative deliverable that leaves the firm. They will also manage our creative vendor network and keep creative products on budget. This role also leads Elevated's internal marketing and brand presence. They may work directly with clients to present, defend, and refine creative products. The ideal candidate is a strategic creative leader with political and public affairs experience, hands-on design and writing ability, and the drive to take initiative and excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Setting creative direction across all campaigns based on messaging strategy
• Directing, reviewing, and approving all client creative deliverables across digital advertising, direct mail, linear TV, and print
• Sourcing, hiring, and managing creative vendors, designers, editors, and video/photography crews
• Managing mail budgets, vendor pricing, and project profitability
• Crafting creative briefs, copywriting, and developing concepts for digital and mail programs
• Stepping into design and writing personally as timelines or quality require
• Presenting creative work to clients, taking feedback, and defending the work
• Leading Elevated's internal marketing and brand presence
• Traveling on-set for shoots (up to 10% of the time)
• Maintaining the firm's creative standards across all output

Job Qualifications

• 6+ years of creative direction experience in political and public affairs
• Track record creating and managing multichannel creative campaigns
• Strong storytelling chops and capability of translating campaign strategy into fresh creative
• Modern aesthetic that translates across audiences and age groups
• Adobe Creative Suite fluency with the ability to step into design work when needed
• Strong writing skills with the ability to step into copywriting as needed
• Track record of meeting profitability goals
• Comfortable presenting and defending creative work in front of senior clients
• Comfortable with campaign-cycle hours, fast timelines, and being highly responsive during high season
• Ability to own a project end-to-end across the full life cycle
• Thrives in a remote work setting
• Diplomatic, collaborative, and able to manage across teams
• Commitment to Democratic and progressive politics and willingness to serve a diverse range of clients and issues

Preferred but Not Required

• Video editing and/or graphic design skills
• Photography and videography skills
• Prior agency or in-house senior creative role
• Existing network of creative vendors and contractors

Compensation

This position will be hired and paid as an independent contractor (1099). The number of hours worked is expected to range between approximately 10 and 30 hours per week. The time requirement will vary over the course of year, and year to year throughout election cycles. As a contractor position, this role does not include employee benefits.

To Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to hiring@elevatedcampaigns.com with the subject line “Creative Director.”

Equal Opportunity Statement

Elevated Campaigns & Public Affairs is an Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, citizenship, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local law.