SVP, Creative Director

ABOUT US

Gatesman is an award winning-rapidly growing, fully integrated advertising agency with offices in Pittsburgh and Chicago. We are bound by the intense desire to succeed with a relentless commitment to results. No matter the challenge, we find a path forward always working to elevate our clients’ brands and push the limits of what’s possible.

Our goal is to leave a lasting legacy by building a business where creativity thrives and curiosity is rewarded. A place that creates stories that are memorable and meaningful, and most importantly, a place where ideas spark meaningful solutions. To help businesses grow and to connect with people in the process—through insights, conversation, provocation, and inspiration.

Our experience spans a wide range of industries, with particularly deep expertise in B2B, higher education, financial services, and retail. We are fiercely independent and proud members of IPREX and AMIN, a global network of leading independent agencies.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We’re searching for an experienced SVP, Creative Director with a minimum 15+ years in the creative industry. B2B experience is a plus. Preference is for candidates with an Art Direction/Design background.

The position is a player/coach—both producing great work of their own and guiding the creative teams to create and produce great work. They must recognize the best ideas when they see them and have the gravitas to present and persuasiveness to sell that work to our internal teams and to our clients alike. They can win over a room. They skillfully oversee the creative through rounds of revision ensuring the integrity of the work. They are modern, forward‑thinking, and endlessly curious about the latest trends, technology, and pop culture. They listen well to their team, agency colleagues, and our clients.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drive creative excellence by guiding the work and continually elevating the level of ideas being developed.
• You possess an entrepreneurial, builder mindset and are excited to shape and guide the Creative Department to a higher level.
• Work with agency operations and other departments to ensure your team and resources are being properly allocated.
• Be a thought leader for our clients and the go‑to person for creative focused conversations, inspiration and advice.
• Direct and motivate teams of directors, designers, visualizers, production artists, strategists, art directors, producers, copywriters, etc. to help them grow and use their talents effectively.
• Revise content and presentations, approve/reject ideas, provide feedback to the team that inspires and coaches them to implement better work and working habits.
• Deliver powerful creative presentations to senior clients and brand teams.
• Train and guide the team to support their growth and development as well as their ability to deliver day‑to‑day work.
• Responsibility for managing a team of 5 writers, designers, art directors, and crafting a goal path for them.
• Organized, meticulous and an excellent time manager, both for themselves and their staff.

REQUIREMENTS

• 15+ years minimum in the creative industry with an art director background.
• Experience creating integrated content across all marketing channels and tech stacks.
• A digital forward mindset, with a deep understanding of how creative concepts exist in the digital space and beyond.
• Experienced being a critical member of new business efforts, with evidence of success.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a broad range of agency and client people at all levels of an organization.
• Contemporary and digitally savvy, including understanding the importance and evolving role that AI must play in the work.
• Be a fully engaged leader for the agency. Work effectively with the agency directors and leadership team and impact the agency effectively.
• A natural builder who is driven, undaunted, inspiring, collaborative and supportive.
• Functional knowledge of the creative toolset (Adobe Creative Suite, Google Suite, AI, Photoshop, InDesign, etc.).
• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Arts, Advertising, Design or other relevant degree required.
• Portfolio that demonstrates a proven track record of successful business building creative solutions.
• Position reports to the CEO with a dotted line to the President.
• Up to 20% travel may be required.

Compensation

Compensation: $145,000-$180,000 base salary range exclusive of fringe benefits. Final base salary compensation will be determined on factors such as geographic location, skills, education and/or experience.

Gatesman Benefits

• Hybrid Work Schedule
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance available on the first day of employment
• FSA/HSA’s
• 401k with an employer match
• Unlimited PTO
• Flex Friday’s
• 13 Holiday’s including time off between Christmas and New Years
• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Sabbatical
• Strong culture and supportive working environment