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Creative Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Starz

Creative Director

Santa Monica, CA

$160K - $190K/yr

The Creative Director provides creative leadership in the development of integrated marketing campaigns that align with business objectives while advancing the STARZ brand. This role champions ...

New

Fellow

Creative Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Who You Are Fellow is looking for a Creative Director to translate the essence of our brand into a Creative Vision that brings to life our brand identity across every internal and external touchpoint.

Crown + Conquer

Creative Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Job Overview The Creative Director at Crown + Conquer is a visionary leader responsible for shaping the creative voice of the agency and driving bold, culturally relevant work across brand ...

Navan

Creative Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$143K - $318K/yr

Navan's Marketing team is looking for a Creative Director to lead a talented, high-output creative studio that balances the prestige of a world-class brand with the relentless speed of a social-first ...

Vesync

Creative Director

Tustin, CA · On-site

The Creative Director at VeSync is a senior individual contributor who serves as the creative authority for Cosori and the connective tissue between Creative Services and the broader marketing ...

Full Swing Golf Inc

Creative Director

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $190K/yr

We are seeking a visionary Creative Director to lead the strategic and creative development of the Full Swing brand across all touchpoints. This role will drive the creative vision, ensuring all ...

Vesync

Creative Director

Tustin, CA · On-site

The Creative Director at VeSync is a senior individual contributor who serves as the creative authority for Cosori and the connective tissue between Creative Services and the broader marketing ...

Traveltechessentialist

Creative Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$143.10 - $318/hr

Navan's Marketing team is looking for a Creative Director to lead a talented, high-output creative studio that balances the prestige of a world-class brand with the relentless speed of a social-first ...

Full Swing Golf, Inc.

Creative Director

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

We are seeking a visionary Creative Director to lead the strategic and creative development of the Full Swing brand across all touchpoints. This role will drive the creative vision, ensuring all ...

Vesync

Creative Director

Tustin, CA · On-site

$136 - $184/hr

The Creative Director at VeSync is a senior individual contributor who serves as the creative authority for Cosori and the connective tissue between Creative Services and the broader marketing ...

gamma.app

Creative Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$250 - $300/hr

As Creative Director, you will build and lead Gamma's creative function while staying deeply hands‑on as a designer. You will take Gamma's brand from a beloved prosumer tool to a platform trusted ...

attn:

Creative Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

ATTN: is seeking a hands-on Creative Director to lead end-to-end creative ideation, production, and execution for our partners. This role sits at the intersection of big ideas and social-first ...

Gamma

Creative Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As Creative Director, you'll build and lead Gamma's creative function while staying deeply hands-on as a designer yourself. Your mandate is to take Gamma's brand from beloved prosumer tool to a ...

Navan

Creative Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Navan's Marketing team is looking for a Creative Director to lead a talented, high-output creative studio that balances the prestige of a world-class brand with the relentless speed of a social-first ...

attn:

Creative Director

Los Angeles, CA

ATTN: is seeking a hands-on Creative Director to lead end-to-end creative ideation, production, and execution for our partners. This role sits at the intersection of big ideas and social-first ...

Northwood

Creative Director

Torrance, CA · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

Role We are looking for a Creative Director to define how Northwood shows up in the world. You will partner closely with the CEO, founding team, and Head of Communications to build and execute our ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCreative JobsCreative Director JobsCreative Director Jobs in California

Creative Director information

See California salary details

$42.4K

$127.6K

$213.7K

How much do creative director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative director in California is $127,637.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,200.00 and $150,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you get a job as a creative director?

To become a creative director, candidates typically need a strong portfolio demonstrating leadership in creative projects, extensive experience in design, advertising, or related fields, and skills in team management and strategic thinking. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as graphic design, marketing, or communications is often required, and advanced experience or a master's degree can enhance prospects.

What does a creative director do?

A Creative Director is responsible for leading the creative vision and direction of a company, project, or campaign. They oversee the work of designers, copywriters, and other creative professionals to ensure that all creative output aligns with the brand and meets business objectives. Creative Directors often guide brainstorming sessions, approve concepts, and present ideas to clients or stakeholders. Their role requires a combination of leadership, artistic insight, and strategic thinking.

What jobs does a creative director do?

A creative director oversees the visual and conceptual aspects of projects such as advertising campaigns, films, or product designs. They develop creative strategies, lead creative teams, and ensure the final output aligns with the brand or project goals, often using tools like Adobe Creative Suite. Strong leadership, communication skills, and a background in design or marketing are essential for this role.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a creative director?

To thrive as a Creative Director, you need a strong background in visual design, branding, and concept development, often supported by a degree in design, marketing, or related fields. Proficiency with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite, project management software, and familiarity with digital marketing platforms is typically required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and vision are crucial soft skills that help guide creative teams and inspire innovative solutions. These skills ensure cohesive brand storytelling, effective team collaboration, and successful execution of creative projects.

What qualifications do you need to be a creative director?

A creative director typically needs a bachelor's degree in design, marketing, or a related field, along with several years of experience in creative roles such as graphic design, advertising, or branding. Strong leadership, communication skills, and proficiency with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite are also important, and some roles may prefer a master's degree or industry-specific certifications.

Are creative directors paid well?

Creative directors typically earn high salaries due to their leadership role in overseeing creative projects and teams. Salaries vary by industry, experience, and location but generally range from $80,000 to over $200,000 annually, with senior positions and those in large companies earning more.

How does a creative director balance creative vision with client or stakeholder expectations?

A Creative Director often acts as the bridge between the creative team and clients or stakeholders, ensuring that the final output aligns with both artistic vision and business objectives. This involves interpreting briefs, leading brainstorming sessions, and providing clear feedback to maintain consistency with the brand message. Regular communication and presentations help manage expectations and incorporate feedback, while strong leadership ensures that the team remains motivated and focused. Balancing creativity with practicality is a key challenge, but it’s also what makes the role dynamic and rewarding.

What does a creative director do?

A creative director guides, directs, and approves all creative projects for marketing, graphic design, advertising, and other firms. Also, a creative director strategizes a company’s artistic direction, accepts design samples, devises marketing plans, and leads teams in creating unique fashion, art, music, game, or film concepts. A core duty of a creative director is to collaborate with designers, writers, and marketing associates to develop visuals that align with the company brand and mission.

What is the difference between Creative Director vs Graphic Designer?

AspectCreative DirectorGraphic Designer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in design, marketing, or related field; extensive portfolioBachelor's degree in graphic design or related field; strong portfolio
Work EnvironmentLeads creative teams, oversees projects, collaborates with clientsDesigns visual content, works independently or in small teams
Industry UsageUsed across advertising, media, branding agencies, and large corporationsCommon in marketing firms, publishing, advertising, and freelance work

The main difference is that a Creative Director oversees the entire creative process and manages teams, while a Graphic Designer focuses on creating visual content. Creative Directors have broader responsibilities and strategic input, whereas Graphic Designers execute specific design tasks.

More about Creative Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Creative jobs in California? The most popular types of Creative jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Creative Director jobs in California? For Creative Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Creative Director jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Creative Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Creative Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Creative Director job openings:
Creative Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,637 per year, or $61.4 per hour.

Creative Director

Starz

Santa Monica, CA

$160K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Job Description

The STARZ Creative team is the steward of the STARZ brand, developing premium creative that connects audiences with our original series, library content and corporate initiatives. We partner across Marketing, Originals, Brand, Digital Marketing, PR and Corporate Communications to create compelling campaigns and experiences that strengthen the STARZ brand and drive business results.
The Creative Director provides creative leadership in the development of integrated marketing campaigns that align with business objectives while advancing the STARZ brand. This role champions exceptional design, premium visual storytelling and a cinematic aesthetic across every consumer touchpoint while inspiring creative teams to deliver innovative work across print, digital, motion, video and emerging platforms.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead the creative development of integrated marketing campaigns across print, digital, motion, video, social and emerging platforms, ensuring a cohesive and premium STARZ brand experience.
  • Partner with Marketing, Brand, Originals, PR, Digital Marketing and Corporate Communications to translate strategic objectives into compelling creative solutions that strengthen the STARZ brand.
  • Champion STARZ's visual identity, design standards and creative excellence, ensuring consistency while evolving the brand's premium, cinematic aesthetic.
  • Lead the creative direction of key art and campaign photo shoots, partnering closely with Originals Marketing leadership, photographers, talent and production teams to develop compelling visual assets that define each campaign.
  • Lead, mentor and inspire a multidisciplinary creative team, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture that champions innovation, craftsmanship and creative excellence.
  • Guide projects from concept through execution, providing hands-on creative direction, design feedback and art direction throughout the creative process.
  • Present creative concepts and strategic rationale to executive leadership and key stakeholders, building alignment around the creative vision.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Creative Director to establish creative priorities, department goals, operational plans and long-term creative initiatives while ensuring projects are delivered with exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 10+ years of creative experience in entertainment, media, streaming or agency environments.
  • 3+ years leading multidisciplinary creative teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop integrated creative campaigns and translate business objectives into compelling visual solutions.
  • Exceptional portfolio showcasing outstanding design aesthetics, conceptual thinking and visual storytelling.
  • Strong understanding of branding, typography, photography, layout, motion design and visual communication principles.
  • Experience presenting creative work to executive leadership and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and current creative technologies, with an understanding of AI-enabled creative workflows and emerging platforms.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration and leadership skills.

COMPENSATION:

$160,000 - $190,000

About STARZ

STARZ (NASDAQ: STRZ) is the leading premium entertainment destination for women and underrepresented audiences, and home to some of the most popular franchises and series on television. STARZ offers a robust programming mix for discerning adult audiences, including boundary-breaking originals and an expansive lineup of blockbuster movies, and is embodied by its brand positioning "We're All Adults Here." Complementary to any platform or service, STARZ is available across a wide range of digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors and is a bundling partner of choice. STARZ is powered by an industry-leading advanced technology, data analytics and digital infrastructure and the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app.

Our Benefits

  • Full Coverage - Medical, Vision, and Dental

  • Annual discretionary bonus and merit increase

  • Work/Life Balance - generous sick days, vacation days, holidays, and wellness days

  • 401(k) company matching

  • Tuition Reimbursement (up to graduate degree)

EEO Statement

Starz is an equal employment opportunity employer.All employees and applicants are evaluated on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws.In addition, Starz will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Starz will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and federal law.

Starz logo

About Starz

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

1994

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