The Role
The Role: visual innovator / data guzzler / art & design driver—the Art Director, Equity, Performance Creative, is a highly motivated, enthusiastic person with a background in graphic design who is driven by innovation, data, creativity, and design who works as well independently as they do as part of a team. They will be able to succeed in a deadline driven atmosphere with constantly shifting priorities. Working closely with our BEAT, Innovation & Non-Dispensary teams' leadership, this role requires is a self-starter who will lead their own projects, collaborate within the design team, delegate and manage designers and freelancers as needed. They will be able to take a project from concept to final delivery across a range of project types—primarily performance creative campaigns (driven by data-gleaned insights), but may also include photo/video shoots, promotional campaigns, launch materials (sales, collateral, field, event), digital (social, websites). The Art Director must be proficient in presenting (creation/optimization of creative presentations) to obtain cross-functional buy-in, and in turn, graciously take direction from various inputs, including working with external vendors. A keen attention detail, contributions to continuous process improvements, and a willingness to understand the ever-evolving cannabis landscape (and how we operate within) are required.
Responsibilities
- Lead the creation of new (or evolution of existing) creative executions for Performance Creative initiatives across various channels (paid social, packaging, photo/video shoots, campaigns, collateral, POS, merch/swag), for multiple States, while ensuring Brand standards are maintained across multiple brands
- Provide brand / design / creative insights & feedback to external vendor partners
- Collaborate with fellow designers & Creative leaders to initiate creative concepts from start to finish, utilizing new or existing resources to provide innovative, in-budget approaches to given briefs and project requests
- Ability to clearly communicate design vision and creative intent via storyboards / moodboards and other tools while delegating to other creatives
- Actively participate in the creative process by asking questions, voicing opinions, and effectively collaborating with stakeholders to determine project needs
- Lead & multiple projects and work with multiple disciplines at one time
- Lead art direction for photo/video shoots based on brand-provided creative briefs in collaboration with the creative producer
- Manage and provide direction for internal designers, outside vendors / freelancers / contractors as needed
- Organize and maintain digital files via shared storage, DAM and project management system (Monday.com)
- Work closely with BEAT, Innovation & Non-Dispensary teams to ensure materials are produced accurately and on-time
- Ensure that project outputs meet technical requirements for delivery across multiple digital channels while ensuring brand consistency throughout
- Ensure project objectives are successfully met through effective collaboration with leadership, internal, cross-functional, and external partners as projects require
- Ensure state guidelines and requirements are being met
Qualifications
- Minimum of 7+ years of experience in Graphic Design, either within a design firm, advertising agency, or an internal creative marketing team; Experience working within a high-growth company would be highly beneficial (Performance Marketing experience preferred)
- Experience managing a team of 2+ creatives preferred
- An exceptional digital portfolio showcasing innovative concepts and creative solutions (please include a link or attachment with your application)
- Experience in making performance-focused ads for Facebook/ Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and other paid media channels
- Expertise in Figma, Web (UI/UX basics) design, Adobe Creative suite, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign (After Effects, Sketch, a plus); strong proficiency w/ Microsoft Office suite & project management systems
- The ability to pre-build and create templated graphic packages for video editors
- Knowledge of AI design tools and how they can be harnessed to increase production efficiencies without sacrificing quality is a plus
- Excellent at maintaining composure through interpersonal communication (written & verbal) and time-management skills
- Strong project management & organizational skills; ability to prioritize, delegate & manage the execution of multiple projects across multiple brands
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment with keen judgement, common sense and resourcefulness; performs under minimal daily supervision, receiving guidance from Design Director
- Possess a high level of critical thinking, continuously open to constructive, developmental feedback
- Strong attention to detail, time management skills, and willingness to learn existing/new workflows preferred
- Excellent interpersonal skills in terms of communication, both written and verbal
- Operates with a high level of professionalism and integrity, including dealing with confidential information. High degree of professionalism when interacting with celebrity talent.
- Willing and able to attend and/or work events on evenings and weekends, as needed.
- Interacts regularly with entirety of Creative team, brand team, events & experience team& retail-related cross-functional teams as needed for completion of assigned projects
- Bachelor's degree, preferred
Additional Requirements
- Must pass any and all required background checks
- Must be and remain compliant with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry
- Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
- Must be approved by state badging agency to work in cannabis industry
