ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Creative Director Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Aquent

Associate Creative Director (211726)

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$62 - $67/hr

Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Associate Creative Director (ACD) to provide maternity leave coverage on our Skincare Design team . This role will lead the creative vision and execution ...

Aquent

Associate Creative Director (211726)

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$62 - $67/hr

Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Associate Creative Director (ACD) to provide maternity leave coverage on our Skincare Design team . This role will lead the creative vision and execution ...

2K

Associate Art Director

Novato, CA · On-site

As an Associate Art Director at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ... Support the Art Direction of external development teams; translating and upholding the creative ...

Cloud Chamber

Associate Art Director

Novato, CA · On-site

As an Associate Art Director at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ... Support the Art Direction of external development teams; translating and upholding the creative ...

2K

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119K - $128K/yr

In this combat design capacity, you will support the Creative Director's vision, ensuring creative intent is translated into a performant reality while taking ownership of complex design challenges.

2K

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119K - $128K/yr

In this combat design capacity, you will support the Creative Director's vision, ensuring creative intent is translated into a performant reality while taking ownership of complex design challenges.

Sköna

Motion Designer

Sonoma, CA · On-site

As our first motion designer, you'll collaborate closely with designers, writers, creative directors, and clients on a wide range of projects, from brand motion identities to campaign assets to ...

Sköna

Motion Designer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

As our first motion designer, you'll collaborate closely with designers, writers, creative directors, and clients on a wide range of projects, from brand motion identities to campaign assets to ...

City of Cotati

Summer Camp Director

Cotati, CA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Description The City of Cotati is seeking an experienced and creative Camp Director for Camp Cotati with strong leadership and communication skills. This position is ideal for students obtaining a ...

Tapestry, Inc.

Sales Associate III

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $20/hr

Inspired by the vision of Creative Director Stuart Vevers and the inclusive and courageous spirit of our hometown, we make beautiful things, crafted to last-for you to be yourself in. Coach is part ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCreative JobsCreative Director JobsCreative Director Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Creative Director information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$47K

$141.4K

$236.7K

How much do creative director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative director in Santa Rosa, CA is $141,401.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,800.00 and $166,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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, advertising, marketing, or a related field, along with several years of experience in creative roles such as graphic design, art direction, or copywriting. Strong leadership, communication skills, and proficiency with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite are also essential.

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 art-related jobs are about $80,000 a year?

Creative Directors often earn around $80,000 annually, especially in larger organizations or with extensive experience. Other art-related roles such as senior graphic designers, art managers, or brand managers can also reach this salary level, particularly with specialized skills and leadership responsibilities.

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.

What does a creative director actually do?

A creative director oversees the visual and conceptual aspects of a project or brand, guiding creative teams to develop ideas, designs, and campaigns that align with strategic goals. They coordinate with designers, copywriters, and clients, often using tools like Adobe Creative Suite, and typically require strong leadership and communication skills. The role involves managing deadlines, budgets, and ensuring the final product meets quality standards.

What jobs do creative directors do?

Creative directors oversee the development and execution of visual and conceptual elements for advertising, marketing, media, or entertainment projects. They lead creative teams, set project vision, and ensure brand consistency, often working with designers, writers, and producers. Strong leadership, communication skills, and proficiency with design tools are essential in this role.
More about Creative Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Creative jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? The most popular types of Creative jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Creative Director jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Creative Director jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Creative Director jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Creative Director job openings:
Creative Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Director job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,401 per year, or $68 per hour.
Associate Creative Director (211726)

Associate Creative Director (211726)

Aquent

Sonoma, CA • On-site

$62 - $67/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Our SF-based Global Beauty company’s Skincare Marketing team is a fast-paced, collaborative group of creatives and strategists focused on growing the skincare category through innovative, client-centric campaigns. We translate business goals and category priorities into compelling creative that spans paid media, social, digital, in-store, and brand partnerships. We champion inclusive storytelling, visual excellence, and strategic thinking to deepen client connection and reinforce our authority in skincare. Our team thrives on agility, curiosity, and partnership—and we’re always pushing to deliver bold ideas that drive engagement and results.


Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Associate Creative Director (ACD) to provide maternity leave coverage on our Skincare Design team. This role will lead the creative vision and execution of 360 marketing campaigns across digital, social, paid media, and in-store channels. The ideal candidate is both a strategic thinker and hands-on creative leader who excels in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.


The ACD will oversee a team of art directors and designers, guiding concept development, campaign execution, and on-set direction. Partnering closely with cross-functional teams and executive stakeholders, the ACD will ensure creative work meets the highest standards while aligning with business goals and brand strategy.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the creative strategy, concepting, and execution of skincare campaigns across paid media, social, digital, and in-store channels.
  • Partner cross-functionally to align campaign strategy, presenting creative work to senior and executive stakeholders.
  • Mentor and manage a team of art directors and designers, providing clear direction, actionable feedback, and career development support.
  • Oversee photo and video shoots, providing strong on-set creative direction to ensure alignment with campaign vision.
  • Review and approve work across all phases of the campaign process to maintain creative excellence and brand standards.
  • Collaborate with Editorial, Production, Visual Merchandising, and Marketing teams to deliver best-in-class 360 campaigns.
  • Manage team capacity, delegate assignments effectively, and balance workload based on project needs and team strengths.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, curiosity, and creative problem solving, driving fresh ideas and collaborative approaches.
  • Translate business goals into thoughtful, strategic creative solutions that drive measurable impact.

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of creative direction experience, preferably in beauty, fashion, or lifestyle.
  • Proven success leading large-scale, 360° campaigns and directing high-profile photo/video shoots.
  • Strong portfolio showcasing strategic thinking and compelling creative execution.
  • Demonstrated people management experience with the ability to mentor and grow creative talent.
  • Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite; experience with Figma is a plus.
  • Exceptional communicator with strong presentation and feedback skills.
  • Background working in fast-paced, matrixed organizations, with the agility to adapt quickly.
  • A collaborative leader who thrives on problem solving and creative innovation.


The target hiring compensation range for this role is $62.00 - 67.00/hr an hour. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.


About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.


Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits!


Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.


#LI-CB1



Apply