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

Nirva

Visual & Motion Designer

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

You'll help bring Nirva's brand to life across web, social, campaigns, and product launches, working closely with our Creative Director and Marketing team. WHAT YOU'LL OWN Create digital visuals ...

Nirva

Visual & Motion Designer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

You'll help bring Nirva's brand to life across web, social, campaigns, and product launches, working closely with our Creative Director and Marketing team. WHAT YOU'LL OWN Create digital visuals ...

Recreation

Brand Designer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

Creative Director Recreation is a leading brand strategy, marketing, and creative agency dedicated to elevating healthcare, MedTech, and wellness brands that change what's possible for humanity. We ...

Recreation

Brand Designer

Sonoma, CA · On-site

Creative Director Recreation is a leading brand strategy, marketing, and creative agency dedicated to elevating healthcare, MedTech, and wellness brands that change what's possible for humanity. We ...

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.

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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 Sep 13, 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 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 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.

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 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.

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.

Is a creative director a good career?

A creative director is a senior role responsible for overseeing the visual and conceptual aspects of projects in advertising, media, or design industries. It often requires strong leadership, creative skills, and experience, with opportunities for high-level influence and compensation. Career growth depends on industry demand, portfolio quality, and networking.

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 require a portfolio demonstrating previous work.
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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $141,401 per year, or $68 per hour.

Associate Creative Director

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

Jackson Family Wines
Beverage Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Jackson Family Winesexternal

$110K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Jackson Family Wines rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
Position at Jackson Family Wines
POSITION SUMMARY:
Jackson Family Wines is seeking an experienced Associate Creative Director to help lead and elevate creative work across our portfolio of wine brands. This role is ideal for a highly conceptual, hands-on creative leader who combines strong design expertise with strategic thinking, campaign development, and content creation.
The Associate Creative Director will oversee a multidisciplinary team of creatives, ensuring the delivery of world-class work that supports business goals, maintains brand consistency, and elevates our storytelling across every channel. Working closely with marketing and other internal stakeholders, the Associate Creative Director will develop compelling creative concepts, guide brand storytelling, direct photo and video shoots, and ensure exceptional execution across print, packaging, digital, advertising, and experiential channels. They should be confident leading and mentoring creatives while also remaining close to the work itself.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:
  • Develop and lead creative concepts for campaigns, product launches, brand initiatives, and marketing programs
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to develop creative strategy and briefs and deliver high-quality creative solutions that meet strategic goals
  • Provide creative direction and feedback across design, copywriting, photography, and video
  • Create and execute senior-level design work across print, packaging, digital, advertising, and presentation materials
  • Art direct, execute, and produce photo and video shoots from concept through final delivery
  • Champion brand consistency while helping evolve visual identity systems and creative standards
  • Leverage emerging technologies and AI tools to enhance creative development, efficiency, and innovation
  • Actively train and mentor direct reports, hold regular check-ins, write/conduct performance evaluations, and provide overall career guidance and direction

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Essential Skills, Experience, and Education
  • 10+ years of experience in creative, art direction, or design roles, preferably within an agency, in-house creative team, or premium consumer brand environment
  • 3+ years in a creative management role with direct reports
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating excellence in branding, campaign development, packaging, design, and visual storytelling
  • Experience leading creative development across multiple channels and touchpoints
  • Proven experience directing and producing photography and video shoots
  • Strong understanding of brand strategy, campaign development, and consumer-facing communications
  • Flexible, adaptable, and able to maintain composure in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent presentation, communication, and collaboration skills
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite; experience with Figma, After Effects, or related tools is a plus
  • Experience utilizing AI-driven creative tools and workflows is highly desired.

WAGE TRANSPARENCY:
The annual salary for this role ranges from $110,000 - $135,000. Compensation will be determined by candidate experience, skills, and location.
BENEFITS:
  • Health Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability & Life insurance
  • 401k with employer match
  • Generous time off including vacation, holidays, and paid health time
  • Paid volunteer time
  • Learning & Development opportunities
  • Modern Health virtual mental health & coaching visits
  • Wine discounts!

Jackson Family Wines is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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