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Creative Design Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Ryan Companies

Project Manager II

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

... and creative design-build approach? If this describes you, we encourage you to apply today. Some ... Prepare and manage project budgets, profit projections, schedules & bid documents. * Negotiate and ...

Ryan Companies

Project Manager II

Des Moines, IA

... and creative design-build approach? If this describes you, we encourage you to apply today. Some ... Prepare and manage project budgets, profit projections, schedules & bid documents. * Negotiate and ...

Ryan Companies

Senior Superintendent

Des Moines, IA

... creative design-build approach? If this describes you, we encourage you to apply today. Some things you can expect to do: * Manage subcontractor performance. * Develop and track CPM schedules.

Ryan Companies

Senior Superintendent

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

... creative design-build approach? If this describes you, we encourage you to apply today. Some things you can expect to do: * Manage subcontractor performance. * Develop and track CPM schedules.

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All JobsCreative Design JobsCreative Design Manager JobsCreative Design Manager Jobs in Iowa

Creative Design Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$39.4K

$107.5K

$189.3K

How much do creative design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative design manager in Iowa is $107,537.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,400.00 and $135,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a creative design manager?

Creative Design Managers are professionals responsible for leading and overseeing creative projects within organizations, such as advertising campaigns, branding, and visual content creation. They manage teams of designers, ensuring creative output aligns with company goals and brand identity. Their role involves project management, creative direction, collaboration with other departments, and maintaining high standards of design quality. Creative Design Managers also stay up-to-date with design trends and often mentor junior staff.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a creative design manager?

To thrive as a Creative Design Manager, you need strong visual design expertise, leadership experience, and a relevant degree in design or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite and project management tools is typically required. Excellent communication, team collaboration, and creative problem-solving are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the delivery of innovative, high-quality design solutions while effectively leading and motivating creative teams.

How does a creative design manager balance creative vision with client or stakeholder requirements?

As a Creative Design Manager, you'll often navigate the challenge of aligning your team's innovative ideas with client or stakeholder expectations. This involves active listening, clear communication, and presenting creative solutions that address both aesthetic goals and practical needs. You'll facilitate brainstorming sessions, provide constructive feedback, and ensure that the design output meets brand guidelines, project timelines, and business objectives. Strong collaboration with marketing, product, and leadership teams is key to achieving successful outcomes while maintaining creative integrity.

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

AspectCreative Design ManagerGraphic Designer
ResponsibilitiesOversees creative projects, manages design teams, develops concepts, and ensures brand consistency.Creates visual content, designs layouts, and produces graphics based on project briefs.
Required SkillsLeadership, project management, advanced design skills, and strategic thinking.Proficiency in design software, creativity, and technical skills.
Work EnvironmentCollaborative teams, client meetings, and project planning.Design studios, freelance work, or in-house departments.
Common CertificationsDesign degrees, Adobe certifications, leadership training.

The main difference is that a Creative Design Manager leads and oversees creative projects and teams, focusing on strategy and management, while a Graphic Designer primarily executes visual designs and creates graphics. Both roles require strong design skills, but the manager role involves more leadership and project coordination.

Is a creative design manager a stressful job?

A creative design manager often faces stress related to tight deadlines, managing multiple projects, and balancing client or stakeholder expectations. The role requires strong organizational skills, leadership, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations, which can contribute to job stress.

What does a creative design manager do?

A creative design manager oversees the development and execution of visual concepts for projects such as branding, advertising, and product design. They lead a team of designers, coordinate with other departments, and ensure that creative work aligns with brand goals and client needs, often using tools like Adobe Creative Suite. Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills are essential in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Creative Design jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Creative Design jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Creative Design Manager jobs in Iowa?

For Creative Design Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Creative Design Manager jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Creative Design Manager jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Creative Design Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Creative Design Manager job openings:

Creative Design Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Design Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,537 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Creative Art Director

Lifted, an Upwork Company™

Des Moines, IA

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Company Description

About Lifted

Lifted partners with enterprise companies to help them scale smarter. We offer a single solution designed to source, contract, manage, and pay contingent talent. For talent in our network, Lifted provides access to enterprise-level projects while handling engagement setup, contracting, compliance, and payments in the background, so you can focus on delivering high-quality work.

Job Description

Why We’re Building a Talent Pool

We’re continuously building our network of experienced talent across Creative Art Directors who are interested in being considered for full or part-time employment engagements with assignments to work with our enterprise partners. While this is not tied to one specific project, selected candidates may be matched to future employment opportunities based on experience, availability, and alignment with project needs.

Qualifications

What We Look For

  • Lead creative vision, concept development, and brand expression across campaigns and channels
  • Translate business strategies and consumer insights into compelling creative platforms
  • Direct multidisciplinary creative teams (design, copy, motion, production) through concepting to execution
  • Review and approve creative work to ensure consistency, quality, and adherence to brand standards
  • Partner with marketing, product, global/regional creative, and leadership to align on strategy and creative direction
  • Manage creative presentations, storytelling, narrative frameworks, and pitch development
  • Mentor and elevate talent; set craft standards and creative culture expectations
  • Make final decisions on creative concepts, visual tone, and brand identity evolution
  • Develop visual concepts, storyboards, and creative territories for campaigns and content
  • Guide designers, photographers, videographers, and copy partners in executing visual direction
  • Oversee composition, typography, color, layout, and brand visual identity application
  • Provide on-set art direction during photo/video shoots
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure brand consistency across deliverables
  • Present creative work internally and incorporate feedback
  • Ensure all assets meet brand style guidelines and quality standards

Additional Qualifications (if relevant)

  • Background in Senior creative leadership overseeing visual direction & concept development.