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Creative Director Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

The Creative Director oversees overall portfolio output, establishing the creative direction and directing senior talent on high-stakes, multi-platform briefs-from global luxury video campaigns to ...

Creative Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$140 - $170/hr

Creative Director | Bring the Next Chapter of B&D's Brand to Life This is a unique opportunity to help introduce the next chapter of B&D's brand. We're looking for a hands‑on creative leader who ...

As a Creative Director , you'll be an influential creative leader, building powerful multichannel direct response fundraising campaigns for our nonprofit clients. You will develop digital-forward ...

Our Client in Washington, DC is seeking an experienced Creative Director with a wide-ranging set of skills to lead and mentor our multidisciplinary, bicultural and bilingual team. We are looking for ...

Our Client in Washington, DC is seeking an experienced Creative Director with a wide-ranging set of skills to lead and mentor our multidisciplinary, bicultural and bilingual team. We are looking for ...

The Creative Director is responsible for making those ideas the standard--not the exception. With a copywriter's instinct for language, voice, and story, this leader develops breakthrough ideas that ...

Manager, Creative Director Capital One Brand Creative is looking for an experienced, innovative, strategic creative leader who has managed and led creative teams. You will inspire and drive change ...

Manager, Creative Director

Mclean, VA · On-site

$152 - $173/hr

Manager, Creative Director Capital One Brand Creative is looking for an experienced, innovative, strategic creative leader who has managed and led creative teams. You will inspire and drive change ...

Manager, Creative Director Capital One Brand Creative is looking for an experienced, innovative, strategic creative leader who has managed and led creative teams. You will inspire and drive change ...

Support the Creative Director as a hands‑on leader for each project, collaborating with cross‑functional leaders to ensure work is strategic and best‑in‑class. * Partner with art directors ...

Associate Creative Director

Arlington, VA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Support the Creative Director as a hands-on leader for each project, collaborating with cross-functional leaders to ensure work is strategic and best-in-class. * Partner with art directors, designers ...

Associate Creative Director

Arlington, VA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Support the Creative Director as a hands-on leader for each project, collaborating with cross-functional leaders to ensure work is strategic and best-in-class. * Partner with art directors, designers ...

Support the Creative Director as a hands-on leader for each project, collaborating with cross-functional leaders to ensure work is strategic and best-in-class. * Partner with art directors, designers ...

Associate Creative Director

Arlington, VA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Support the Creative Director as a hands-on leader for each project, collaborating with cross-functional leaders to ensure work is strategic and best-in-class. * Partner with art directors, designers ...

The Associate Creative Director, Copy is responsible for inspiring, shaping, and championing those ideas through storytelling, conceptual development, and creative leadership. This role transforms ...

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Showing results 1-20

Creative Director information

See Washington, DC salary details

$48.7K

$146.5K

$245.2K

How much do creative director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative director in Washington, DC is $146,479.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,700.00 and $172,200.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Creative jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Creative jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Creative Director jobs in Washington, DC?

For Creative Director jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Creative Director jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Creative Director jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Creative Director job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,479 per year, or $70.4 per hour.

Creative Director

Condé Nast

Adelphi, MD • Hybrid

Full-time

PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Conde Nast is one of the world's most renowned media publishing companies, creating and distributing every type of media today, spanning print and digital publishing in all formats. With a portfolio of some of today's most influential brands, the company continues to grow its audience through a global operational and content infrastructure across its 12 owned and operated markets. Headquartered in New York City, the company's owned and operated markets include China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico & Latin America, Spain, Taiwan, UAE/Dubai, the U.K., and the U.S., with additional local license partners in over twenty additional markets across the globe. Lead brands include Vogue, The New Yorker, GQ, Architectural Digest, Conde Nast Traveler, Vanity Fair, Wired, Allure, Ars Technica, Bon Appetit, House & Garden, Pitchfork, Tatler, and Vogue Business.Job Description

Location:

London, GB

Conde Nast is a global media company, home to iconic brands including Vogue, GQ, Glamour, CN Traveller, Vanity Fair, Wired, The World of Interiors, House & Garden and Tatler, among many others.

We are headquartered in New York and London and operate in 32 markets worldwide, with a footprint of more than 1 billion consumers across print, digital, video and social platforms.

Conde Nast thrives on collaboration, and our teams come together in the office four days a week (Monday - Thursday).

We value diversity of background, views and cultures. We celebrate people for their personal qualities, skills and contributions, recognising the power our brands have to influence and shape culture.

Conde Nast is a global media company producing the highest quality content with a footprint of more than 1 billion consumers in 32 territories through print, digital, video and social platforms. The company's portfolio includes many of the world's most respected and influential media properties including Vogue, Vanity Fair, Glamour, Self, GQ, The New Yorker, Conde Nast Traveler/Traveller, Allure, AD, Bon Appetit and Wired, among others.

Based in our London office, this role helps to set the creative vision and leads the overarching delivery of global and UK branded content, advertiser partnerships, and brand marketing across Conde Nast's editorial portfolio. As a culturally attuned, conceptual leader, you will drive 360 creative strategy that connects brands to culture at scale. You bring a track record of editorially inspired work, natural mentorship, and the capability to deputise for the Executive Creative Director-aiding in guiding the department vision, setting creative standards, and inspiring the wider team.

Reporting to the Executive Creative Director, you will partner with senior marketing, strategy, and sales leaders to shape major commercial opportunities, pitch transformative partnership ideas, and oversee cross-departmental execution with editorial teams. Success requires visionary storytelling, deep commercial strategy, and a sharp cultural perspective. The Creative Director oversees overall portfolio output, establishing the creative direction and directing senior talent on high-stakes, multi-platform briefs-from global luxury video campaigns to multi-market event sponsorships.

You excel at guiding cross-functional teams through complex, fast-paced workflows, bringing executive-level problem-solving and strategic clarity to every meeting. The ideal candidate ensures creative excellence while safeguarding Conde Nast's brand authority, creative standards, and journalistic integrity across all commercial initiatives.

Individual & Team Responsibilities

  • Develop bold multi-channel creative work that reflects the voice and ethos of all Conde Nast titles for advertisers across categories.

  • Assign, collaborate with and direct the work of multi-disciplinary creatives suitable for each project (art directors, designers, etc).

  • Apply strategic insights in order to craft inventive content, experiential solutions, and partnership ideas that align with audience data, brand ethos, and client objectives.

  • Direct video and photo shoots with a focus on performance and editorial quality.

  • Serve as the primary creative client liaison on campaigns-presenting work, managing feedback, and guiding creative integrity across production.

  • Drive brainstorms and work hands-on when crafting proposals and presentations.

  • Propose creative solutions that fit within the provided budgets.

  • Ensure all commercial ideas authentically balance the voices and perspectives of our editorial brands with those of our advertising partners.

  • Help build a thriving creative department; nurture talent, establish workflow efficiencies, and champion inclusive, forward-thinking creative culture.

  • Deputise for the Executive Creative Director across key business forums, internal leadership meetings, and executive client pitches.

Essential Skills & Requirements

  • 10+ years of experience as a creative lead in premium media or agency environments.

  • A demonstrated appreciation for the subject matter and creativity of the brands you'll represent at Conde Nast.

  • Confidence working with and directing artists, experts, celebrities and creators as talent on commercial projects.

  • Strong portfolio showcasing work across print, digital, video and events.

  • Passion for brand marketing, with a sharp cultural perspective that informs consumer-facing campaigns.

  • Skilled storyteller with excellent written, visual, and verbal presentation abilities.

  • Extensive on-set experience and deep knowledge of video and photography production, from pre- to post-production (for digital and print).

  • Demonstrated success managing creative teams and working within established systems to improve output and efficiency.

  • A creative aesthetic emphasizing current standards in entertainment, fashion, luxury and design.

  • Highly organized, adaptable and adept at prioritizing workloads in fast-paced environments.

  • Ability to work fluently with collaborators in production - writers, DPs, photographers, editors, animators, and designers.

  • Proficiency in Google Slides and treatment deck creation. Bonus: familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and editing software.

Desired Qualities:

  • Culturally informed - Current on music and entertainment, luxury and fashion, as well as knowledgeable about Conde Nast brands and culture. Additionally, have awareness of relevant artists, and creative vendors.

  • Highly imaginative - You're a conceptual creative with innovative ideas that challenge outdated approaches to content and the definition of "experiential."

  • Detail-oriented - Equally obsessed with creating memorable work and impactful campaigns that solve our client's challenges.

  • Agile and adaptable - Open to taking input from others and willing to take on essential tasks needed to get the job done.

  • Think critically - You strive to come up with ideas that solve brand challenges, can manage multiple projects at once, and know when to pivot if something isn't working.

  • Have an ego-less attitude - You give credit where credit is due, bring a positive attitude to work and support your teammates in gaining visibility and opportunities.

  • A natural mentor - You prioritize diversity, inclusivity, and representation in every stage of the creative process and empathy in team collaboration.

What benefits do we offer?

  • 25 daysholiday (plus bank holidays) and extra days of annual leave if you move house or want to volunteer.

  • You'll have access to a competitivepension scheme,Bupa Private Healthcare,Season ticket loansand eye tests.

  • We offer a range of tools to support your wellbeing, includingcore hours,10 remote days(from home or a country with a Conde Nast office location), access to ourEmployee Assistance Programme, corporategym membershipand cycle to work scheme.

  • We're adog-friendly office, plus you'll enjoy discounts andmagazine subscriptions, keeping you up to date with all things Conde Nast.

  • We encourage personal and professional growth through the Conde Nast Learning Hub, where you'll find an extensive portfolio of learning courses and training available in local languages.

  • OurEmployee Resource Groupsprovide a platform for employees to identify shared objectives, exchange ideas, and work on community priorities for our global workforce.

What happens next?

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply below, and we will review your application as soon as possible. You can update your resume or upload a cover letter at any time by accessing your candidate profile.

Conde Nast 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, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics.