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Creative Design Director Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

This role reports to the Director of Content and directly manages the Coordinator, Creative & Design. Key Responsibilities: Creative Leadership & Execution * Lead design execution from brief through ...

Execute design work under the creative direction of the Manager and Director of Content, maintaining brand consistency and quality across all materials * Manage a high volume of design requests from ...

This role reports to the Director of Content and directly manages the Coordinator, Creative & Design. Key Responsibilities: Creative Leadership & Execution * Lead design execution from brief through ...

This role reports to the Director of Content and directly manages the Coordinator, Creative & Design. Key Responsibilities: Creative Leadership & Execution * Lead design execution from brief through ...

Execute design work under the creative direction of the Manager and Director of Content, maintaining brand consistency and quality across all materials * Manage a high volume of design requests from ...

Execute design work under the creative direction of the Manager and Director of Content, maintaining brand consistency and quality across all materials * Manage a high volume of design requests from ...

Associate Design Director

Arlington, VA · On-site

$125K - $160K/yr

Working closely with the Creative Director, you will focus on raising the bar of design across all touchpoints, ensuring that every piece of work is strategically sound, visually compelling, and ...

Associate Design Director

Arlington, VA · On-site

$125K - $160K/yr

Working closely with the Creative Director, you will focus on raising the bar of design across all touchpoints, ensuring that every piece of work is strategically sound, visually compelling, and ...

Working closely with the Creative Director, you will focus on raising the bar of design across all touchpoints, ensuring that every piece of work is strategically sound, visually compelling, and ...

Digital Design Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Aristotle is looking for a Digital Design Director who can lead the creation of professional ... We need someone who has built brands, websites, campaign concepts, and digital creative from the ...

Aristotle is looking for a Digital Design Director who can lead the creation of professional ... We need someone who has built brands, websites, campaign concepts, and digital creative from the ...

Digital Design Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Aristotle is looking for a Digital Design Director who can lead the creation of professional ... We need someone who has built brands, websites, campaign concepts, and digital creative from the ...

Architectural Designer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

... creative design of extraordinary custom residences from initial concept through Design Development. Working closely with the Design Director, this role transforms client aspirations, site ...

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Creative Design Director information

See Washington salary details

$48.7K

$136K

$203.9K

How much do creative design director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative design director in Washington is $135,976.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,100.00 and $168,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much would a creative director get paid?

A Creative Design Director typically earns between $90,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior roles with extensive portfolios and leadership responsibilities can command higher salaries, especially in large organizations or competitive markets.

What is the difference between Creative Design Director vs Graphic Designer?

AspectCreative Design DirectorGraphic Designer
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire creative projects, manages teams, sets design visionCreates visual content, executes design tasks based on briefs
Required SkillsLeadership, strategic thinking, advanced design skillsStrong graphic skills, proficiency in design software
Work EnvironmentCreative agencies, corporate marketing teams, large design firmsDesign studios, marketing departments, freelance work
CredentialsTypically a degree in design, art, or related field; extensive experienceDegree or certification in graphic design or related field

The main difference between a Creative Design Director and a Graphic Designer lies in scope and leadership. The Creative Design Director leads creative teams, sets strategic vision, and manages large projects, while the Graphic Designer focuses on executing specific visual tasks. Both roles require strong design skills, but the director position involves more oversight and strategic planning.

How much is a creative director paid?

Creative Design Directors typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000 to $150,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those in major markets can pay higher, often exceeding $200,000 with bonuses and benefits included.

Is there a demand for creative directors?

The demand for creative directors remains strong across industries such as advertising, media, and technology, driven by the need for innovative branding and visual communication. Employment in this role is expected to grow as companies prioritize creative leadership and digital content development, often requiring skills in design software and strategic thinking.

What is a Creative Design Director?

A Creative Design Director is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the visual and creative direction of projects within an organization. They lead design teams, develop creative strategies, and ensure that all visual communications align with the brand’s identity and business goals. Creative Design Directors often collaborate with marketing, product development, and executive teams to deliver cohesive and innovative designs. They combine artistic vision with leadership skills to inspire teams and deliver impactful results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Creative Design Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Creative Design Director, you need extensive experience in visual design, branding, and project management, typically backed by a degree in design or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and familiarity with digital asset management systems are essential. Exceptional leadership, collaboration, and communication skills help you inspire teams and articulate creative vision to stakeholders. These competencies ensure the delivery of innovative, cohesive design solutions that align with business goals and client needs.

Are creative directors paid well?

Creative Design Directors typically earn high salaries due to their leadership role in overseeing visual and conceptual aspects of projects. Compensation varies based on experience, industry, and location, but they often receive substantial pay and benefits reflecting their seniority and responsibilities.

How does a Creative Design Director typically collaborate with other departments to deliver cohesive brand experiences?

Creative Design Directors frequently work cross-functionally, partnering closely with marketing, product, and development teams to ensure design concepts align with overall business objectives. This collaboration often involves participating in strategy meetings, providing creative direction during project kick-offs, and offering feedback throughout the production process. By fostering open communication and sharing visual guidelines, Creative Design Directors help maintain consistent branding and drive innovative solutions that meet both user needs and business goals.
What are the most commonly searched types of Creative Design jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Creative Design jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Creative Design Director jobs in Washington? For Creative Design Director jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Creative Design Director jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Creative Design Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Creative Design Director job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,976 per year, or $65.4 per hour.
Manager, Creative & Design

Manager, Creative & Design

[solidcore]

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

We are looking for a Manager, Creative & Design to drive creative execution and shape the visual direction of [solidcore] across all channels. You are both a creative leader and a strategic operator. You will help drive the creative content strategy and roadmap, own the brand's visual identity, build the systems that enable speed and consistency, and ensure every asset produced is rooted in a clear content plan that advances the brand. You will partner closely with Content and Brand Marketing team leads to keep creative and content aligned - from brief through delivery.
This role reports to the Director of Content and directly manages the Coordinator, Creative & Design.
Key Responsibilities:
Creative Leadership & Execution
  • Lead design execution from brief through final delivery across all formats and channels: including social, email, digital ads, print and in-studio signage, website, activation materials, and presentation decks
  • Own and evolve the [solidcore] visual identity, serving as the internal authority on brand standards, creative guidelines, and design systems following the "Stronger for it" brand platform launch
  • Execute design work, maintaining brand consistency and quality across all materials
  • In partnership with the Coordinator, drive and execute the creative vision for campaigns, programs and key brand moments
  • Develop and maintain a scalable design process and system that enables speed and brand consistency across all channels and teams

Content Strategy & Planning
  • In partnership with the Director, support the creative content strategy and roadmap across the [solidcore] brand ecosystem: ensuring design and visual assets fuel a cohesive, omnichannel client experience across paid, owned and earned channels
  • Support in development of integrated content matrices in partnership with the Director and channel leads, identifying all content creation needs and translating brand strategy into clear design direction
  • Act as a thought leader within the Content team, sharing learnings and optimizations and conducting competitive landscape research to identify emerging content formats, consumer behaviors, and visual trends, communicating findings
  • Establish and socialize best practices for creative content production, including briefing standards, approval workflows, and output requirements by channel
  • Audit creative output against content objectives and channel performance; iterate and optimize the production process accordingly

Creative Process & Ops Systems
  • Build and manage briefing, intake, and project management systems that create clarity and prioritization across the team and organization
  • Lead the management of creative requests from across the business - tracking, prioritizing, setting deadlines, and communicating proactively with cross-functional partners
  • Serve as the embedded design partner for cross-functional teams
  • In partnership with Brand Marketing, lead creative reviews with senior stakeholders, presenting work confidently and incorporating feedback constructively

Team Leadership
  • Directly manage and mentor the Coordinator, Creative & Design - providing creative direction, ongoing feedback, and a growth structure built to scale as creative needs expand
  • In partnership with the Director, proactively identify and explore new technology solutions, including AI tools, to accelerate design and creative output and keep the team at the leading edge
  • Champion a culture of craft, speed, and continuous improvement within the creative function

Qualifications:
Required
  • 6-9 years of design experience, with at least 2 years in a senior or lead role on an in-house brand or content team
  • Demonstrated experience owning brand identity and creative direction across multiple channels simultaneously
  • Proven ability to operate at the intersection of creative and content strategy - not just executing against a brief, but helping define what needs to exist and why
  • Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects) and Figma
  • Strong motion design and video editing skills - able to independently produce short-form social and paid media content
  • Experience managing creative operations: briefing systems, content calendars, project intake, asset management, and cross-functional workflows
  • Proven ability to manage up and influence without authority - comfortable presenting to senior leaders and navigating stakeholder feedback
  • Data-aware mindset: comfortable using performance insights to inform and evolve creative strategy

Preferred
  • BFA or equivalent in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or related field
  • Experience in a consumer brand, retail, fitness, or lifestyle company
  • Experience managing or mentoring junior talent
  • Familiarity with Canva for template creation and field team enablement
  • Experience working with or exploring AI tools for design and content acceleration

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive salary of $70,961-$74,952, based on experience
  • Bonus eligibility based on performance
  • Monthly cell phone stipend
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid parental leave and parental pay benefits
  • Free telehealth services
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Pre-tax commuter benefits
  • Flexible PTO
  • Free drop-in classes at [solidcore]
  • And more!

[solidcore] is a national boutique fitness company with 100+ studios across the country. Our signature workout is 50 minutes of low-impact, high-intensity strength training: the lights are low and the music is loud. The coach guides the class through a series of slow & controlled movements that are sequenced to work muscles to failure. This class is accessible for all fitness levels and can be amplified or modified to accommodate individual goals. Class is as intense as our reviews suggest, but our instructors go above and beyond to provide a welcoming, supportive, empowering, and challenging experience for all. Please visit our website here to read more about our mission.
[solidcore] is firmly committed to social justice and promoting a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. You can click here to find out more about the actions we are taking to promote a more diverse and inclusive space for both our clients and our internal team.
[solidcore] is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. [solidcore] makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.