Associate Director, Creative

Purpose of Role
Generate visual assets and design layouts on time that deliver on the creative brief, brand tone of voice while meeting creative standards to become a brand of choice.

Key Accountabilities Include
* Ensure all creative assignments are completed on-time and visually articulate the creative brief and the brand tone of voice
* Ensure achievement of department goals & KPIs
* Ensure resolution of critical matters that impact the department
* Ensure alignment and collaboration across in-house agency functional teams (i.e. Account and Operations teams) and internal stakeholders
* Ensure a collaborative climate that attracts, engages, inspires and develops creative team members
* Ensure the department is a center of excellence

Primary Responsibilities Include
* Design visual assets for integrated campaigns that deliver on the creative brief, brand tone of voice and optimize the creative process
* Designs, reviews, and optimizes creative process to ensure content represents the brand strategy and style guides (both in copy and in visuals) accurately and consistently in every touchpoint
* Oversee and Q/A all work completed by the creative department
* Present trends and opportunities that drive best practices with key stakeholders
* Connect with customers by applying and demonstrating proper use of the Brand Tone of Voice (copy and in visuals) in every touchpoint
* Develop and drive best practices with internal stakeholders

Core Functional Competencies
* Brand Ambassador: Serve as a representative for the Yamaha brand and its partner brands to customers in direct person-to-person(s) experiences
* Copy Editing/Writing - Creative SME: Create and review written marketing content
* Creative Strategy: Determine a course of action to develop creative assets
* Design: Create visual content to effectively share product and brand attributes with target audience
* Production: Produce a print or video asset
* Project Communication Management: Link people (including team members and stakeholders), ideas, and information throughout the project life cycle; include timely generation and collection of information along with its proper dissemination and archival process
* Digital Media: Use social media channels to attract and engage customers, and to promote the brand and products
* Storytelling: Communicate the Brand Promise in an emotional manner

Core Behavioral Competencies
* Yamaha Way (Will, Integrity, Initiative, Challenge, Commitment)
* Customer Focus
* Instills Trust
* Drives Results
* Manages Conflict
* Develops Talent
* Ensures Accountability

Qualifications
Ideal
* Budget Management
* Expert technical skills: Web design, social design, Typography and Design software
* Advanced knowledge of marketing, brand, and design principles and development
* Considered an expert in communication art direction or in graphic design, or similar
* Demonstrated success creating integrated content across all marketing channels from digital (social, paid, mobile), video, print and collateral

Preferred
* 8+ years of related experience with 5+ years of creative direction in ad agency setting
* Degree or advanced certifications in marketing, graphic design or related field
* 7+ years proven work experience as an art director, graphic designer, or similar
* People management
* Expert with Adobe Suite
* Expert knowledge of marketing, brand, and design principles and development
* Experience leading and managing creative teams

Here's What We'll Bring

• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Vision, Dental, LTD, Life-Insurance and 401k with match AND automatic contributions
• Performance based bonus program
• Robust employee wellness programs including free music lessons
• Generous Wellness reimbursement program
• Tobacco cessation reward program
• Private concerts from award winning artists
• Discounted hotel, travel, entertainment, and other attractions
• Employee product purchase program
• Flexible work options (including hybrid and 9/80 schedule)
• Casual dress
• Vacation, sick-time and personal floating holidays
• Monthly events, for example -- Bring Your Dog to Work Day, Employee Singing Competitions, Spirit Week and other fun events
• Inclusive and passionate culture
• We foster a culture in which everyone feels welcomed, included, and valued; and recognize that diversity contributes to the success of Yamaha

Compensation
* The hiring range for this position is $120,000 - $135,000 annually + bonus. This is the hiring range and does not include the value of benefits. The hiring range does not reflect total earning potential over time.
* Final offers within the posted compensation range are based on qualifications, skills and experience required for the role.