1

Creative Lead Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

The Disease Biophysics Group at Harvard University is seeking a Creative Lead to join the lab in a part-time, embedded capacity. This is a transdisciplinary role sitting at the intersection of ...

Creative Director

Boston, MA · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Lead by doing: Carry the creative vision with confidence while staying deeply embedded in the work itself--designing, reviewing, and raising the bar through your own output. * Shape the brand: Drive ...

Senior Graphic Designer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$70K - $96K/yr

Collaborate with the Creative Lead and web partners on digital execution. Video & motion * Produce light video editing and motion graphics (e.g., social clips, animated presentations, short-form ...

Creative Director

Boston, MA · On-site

$125 - $160/hr

Lead by doing: Carry the creative vision with confidence while staying deeply embedded in the work itself -- designing, reviewing, and raising the bar through your own output. * Shape the brand:

Creative Director

Boston, MA · On-site

$125 - $160/hr

Lead by doing: Carry the creative vision with confidence while staying deeply embedded in the work itself -- designing, reviewing, and raising the bar through your own output. * Shape the brand:

This is high-level B2B lead gen, not e-com, and you've done it before at real scale. You own the ... Creative strategy and copy. You develop the concepts, write the hooks, and script the funnel: ads ...

This is high-level B2B lead gen, not e-com, and you've done it before at real scale. You own the ... Creative strategy and copy. You develop the concepts, write the hooks, and script the funnel: ads ...

Lead junior creatives and freelance talent on a project-by-project basis, maintaining creative consistency and quality across a globally distributed team. * Present ideas with authority and ...

Lead and inspire a talented team of designers and creative professionals, ensuring best-in-class creative execution across all U.S. marketing initiatives * Drive compelling storytelling and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Creative Lead information

See Boston, MA salary details

$51.1K

$113.6K

$171.7K

How much do creative lead jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative lead in Boston, MA is $113,630.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,700.00 and $159,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a creative lead?

Creative leads are responsible for driving the design and creative aspects of a project. You find creative leads in a variety of industries, such as film, television, music, advertising, and video game development. As a creative lead, your job duties include developing the overall design elements of a project, overseeing the creation of art elements, and ensuring that the final product matches the original design concept. The become a creative lead on a project, you need a bachelor’s degree in art, graphic design, or a related field and several years of industry experience.

How does a creative lead typically collaborate with other departments to ensure cohesive project outcomes?

A Creative Lead works closely with cross-functional teams, such as marketing, product management, and development, to align creative vision with business objectives. They facilitate regular meetings to gather input, provide feedback, and ensure that creative concepts are integrated seamlessly into broader campaigns or product launches. This role often involves translating complex ideas between creative and non-creative stakeholders to maintain both brand consistency and project timelines. Effective communication and adaptability are key to managing these collaborations and delivering successful results.

What is the difference between Creative Lead vs Graphic Designer?

AspectCreative LeadGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in design, marketing, or related field; experience in leadership rolesBachelor's degree in graphic design or related field; strong portfolio
Work EnvironmentLeads creative teams, collaborates with clients, oversees projectsDesigns visual content, works independently or in small teams
Employer & Industry UsageAdvertising agencies, marketing departments, media companiesDesign studios, marketing teams, corporate branding
Common Search & ComparisonCreative Lead vs Graphic Designer

The main difference between a Creative Lead and a Graphic Designer lies in their responsibilities and experience level. A Creative Lead oversees creative projects and manages teams, requiring leadership skills and strategic vision. In contrast, a Graphic Designer focuses on creating visual content, often working independently or within a team. Both roles require design skills and relevant education, but the Creative Lead typically has more experience and a broader scope of responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Creative Lead jobs in Boston, MA?

For Creative Lead jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Creative Lead job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,630 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Harvard University rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences?

At the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), we work within and beyond the disciplines of engineering and foundational science to address the most pressing issues of our time. Through teaching and collaborative research, SEAS discovers, designs, and creates novel technologies and approaches to societal challenges - in service to the world, the nation, and our community. We collaborate across academic areas at SEAS and the larger university, and with colleagues in academia, industry, government and public service organizations beyond Harvard. By joining SEAS, you will be part of an inclusive community of dedicated problem-solvers who hold themselves - and one another - to the highest academic and professional standards. To learn more about us, please visit https://seas.harvard.edu/.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Disease Biophysics Group at Harvard University is seeking a Creative Lead to join the lab in a part-time, embedded capacity. This is a transdisciplinary role sitting at the intersection of scientific research, creative practice, and communications. The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator and research team to support the lab's public-facing creative output, oversee the visual and communicative identity of the group's external programs, and contribute original artistic work informed by the lab's research environment.

This is a one-year term position with the possibility of renewal.


Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Creative Leadership

  • Establish and maintain the creative direction and visual identity of the lab's external-facing programs and outputs by working with trainees in support of sponsored programs.
  • Oversee the development of creative concepts from inception through to completion.
  • Ensure consistency of tone, identity, and aesthetic standards across all public-facing materials and publications.
  • Contribute original artistic work as part of the lab's ongoing creative program.

Program Management

  • Manage and coordinate potential creative collaborations.
  • Oversee production timelines, budgets, and external vendor relationships for creative projects.
  • Coordinate logistics for public-facing events, presentations, and program activities

Brand & Communications

  • Serve as brand guardian for all external-facing materials and communications; ensuring nothing is released without creative sign-off and stakeholder interests are met.
  • Write and oversee all public-facing narrative, copy, and communications materials.
  • Translate complex scientific subject matter into accessible language for non-specialist audiences.

External Relations

  • Manage relationships with external partners, collaborators, and stakeholders relevant to the lab's creative program.
  • Identify and develop funding opportunities relevant to the creative and communications work of the group.
  • Represent the lab's creative program in relevant professional contexts.


Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office environment. 


Physical Requirements:

There are no significant physical requirements of this role. 

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

College degree in related field required, or an equivalent of education plus relevant experience.


Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Master's degree in design engineering preferred.
  • Five or more years of related experience preferred.
  • An established creative practice with a portfolio of original work.
  • Demonstrated experience in a creative direction, art direction, or equivalent leadership role.
  • Strong written communication skills; ability to write clearly and precisely for a range of audiences.
  • Experience managing creative projects from concept through to delivery.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, research-led environment.
  • Genuine interest in science and the ability to engage with complex research subject matter.
  • Experience working within or alongside academic or research institutions.
  • Experience managing visiting artists, collaborators, or creative residency programs.
  • Familiarity with grant writing or arts funding applications.
  • Existing networks within creative industries; arts, design, fashion, film, or photography.
Additional Information
  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 20 standard hours per week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9:00 AM-3:30 PM, Thursdays 9:00 AM-4:00 PM.
  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education

Required:

  • A current CV or resume.
  • A cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest in the role.
  • A portfolio or link to examples of creative work.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

  • Generous paid time off including parental leave 
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
  • Retirement plans with university contributions 
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources 
  • Support for families and caregivers 
  • Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
  • Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.


What Harvard University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom