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Creative Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Cook Systems

Creative Director

Memphis, TN · Hybrid

The Creative Director will provide creative leadership and campaign development expertise in support of enterprise marketing, fundraising, and brand initiatives. The consultant will partner with ...

Tombras

Creative Director

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Tombras, a 600+ person full-service global ad agency with a digital mindset is seeking a Creative Director, Social Media for our Creative Social Team. You'll be joining one of the top independent ...

Cook Systems

Creative Director

Memphis, TN · On-site

The Creative Director will provide creative leadership and campaign development expertise in support of enterprise marketing, fundraising, and brand initiatives. The consultant will partner with ...

Liquid Agency

Creative Director

Nashville, TN · On-site

As a Creative Director, you will own the creative vision across key assigned client accounts. You'll ensure that every idea, every executing, and every experience aligns with strategy, exceeds ...

Soni Resources

Head of Creative

Nashville, TN · On-site

$125K/yr

Head of Creative Soni is partnering with a growing agency seeking a hands-on creative leader to help shape brand messaging, creative strategy, and campaign execution across a diverse client portfolio.

Long Hollow Church

Design Manager

Hendersonville, TN · On-site

Working under the Director of Creative and Communication, this role is responsible for translating creative direction into excellent design work across print, motion, and environmental spaces - while ...

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All JobsCreative JobsCreative Director JobsCreative Director Jobs in Tennessee

Creative Director information

See Tennessee salary details

$39K

$117.4K

$196.5K

How much do creative director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative director in Tennessee is $117,382.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,300.00 and $138,000.00 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Creative jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Creative Director jobs in Tennessee? For Creative Director jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Creative Director jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Creative Director jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Creative Director jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Creative Director job openings:
Creative Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Director job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,382 per year, or $56.4 per hour.

Creative Director

Cook Systems

Memphis, TN • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

COOK SYSTEMS has an immediate need for a Creative Director to work onsite three days per week in Memphis, TN

Creative Director

Memphis, TN (3 days onsite per week)

6 months plus

No direct report or supervisory responsibilities.

Engagement Summary:

The Creative Director will provide creative leadership and campaign development expertise in support of enterprise marketing, fundraising, and brand initiatives.

The consultant will partner with stakeholders to develop creative concepts, provide strategic recommendations, review creative deliverables, and support the execution of integrated marketing campaigns across multiple channels.

Creative Strategy & Campaign Development:

Translate business objectives and audience insights and marketing goals into creative concepts and campaign recommendations.

Develop creative approaches supporting marketing, fundraising, and brand initiatives, shaping and strengthening concepts to ensure strategically grounded.

Provide strategic creative direction throughout project lifecycles.

Ensure creative concepts align with approved brand standards and campaign objectives.

Ensure the campaign story is carried effectively across all channels-social, digital, video, print, experiential, and more.

Creative Review & Quality Assurance:

Review creative materials and provide recommendations to improve effectiveness, consistency, and audience impact/brand alignment.

Evaluate concepts, messaging, visual direction, and campaign execution.

Identify risks, gaps, or opportunities prior to stakeholder review and approval.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Partner with assigned internal/external stakeholders, project teams, agencies, production vendors, and subject matter experts on broader campaigns and business plans.

Lead or participate in multi-team ideation sessions to bring diverse perspectives together and spark innovative creative solutions.

Participate in project planning, creative reviews, and milestone discussions.

Present creative recommendations and rationale to stakeholders.

Production Support:

Provide creative consultation throughout production activities.

Review deliverables during development and production phases.

Support alignment between approved concepts and final execution.

Executive Stakeholder Exposure:

Regular interaction with senior leadership stakeholders.

Expected to present and defend creative recommendations during executive review sessions.

Ability to influence strategic creative decisions through data, audience insights, and creative expertise.

Deliverables:

Campaign concepts

Creative briefs

Brand recommendations

Creative review feedback

Executive presentation materials

Production consultation

Campaign creative assessments

Required Qualifications:

10+ years of creative direction experience.

Portfolio demonstrating integrated campaign leadership.

Experience overseeing multi-channel campaigns.

Experience presenting recommendations to executive stakeholders.

Experience collaborating with agencies, designers, copywriters, and production teams.

Mandatory Candidate Submission Requirements:

Portfolio required. Candidates without a portfolio will not be considered.

Portfolio should demonstrate large-scale integrated campaigns, brand strategy work, creative direction, and cross-channel marketing campaigns. 

Additional Details:

  • Workplace Setting: Hybrid #LI-Hybrid
  • Job Type: Contract
  • Seniority Level: Mid-Senior Level
  • Job Function: Marketing

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