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Creative Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Ita-Group-Inc

Events Creative Director

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Events Creative Director Full Time Professional West Des Moines, IA, US 4 days ago Requisition ID ... Collaborate with strategists, event managers, and sales teams to develop innovative communications ...

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All JobsCreative JobsCreative Manager JobsCreative Manager Jobs in Iowa

Creative Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$21.6K

$81.1K

$138.1K

How much do creative manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative manager in Iowa is $81,106.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,400.00 and $102,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a creative manager?

Creative Managers are professionals who oversee the creative direction and output of a company or team, often within advertising, marketing, or design environments. They lead creative projects from concept to completion, manage creative teams, and ensure that visual, written, and multimedia content aligns with brand strategy and goals. Creative Managers collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and other departments to deliver effective and innovative campaigns. They are responsible for maintaining high-quality standards and meeting deadlines, often juggling multiple projects at once.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a creative manager?

To thrive as a Creative Manager, you need a strong background in design principles, project management, and marketing strategy, often supported by a degree in design, marketing, or a related field. Proficiency in creative software like Adobe Creative Suite, project management tools, and familiarity with digital marketing platforms is typically required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help Creative Managers inspire teams and articulate a clear vision. These skills are crucial for delivering innovative campaigns on time and ensuring the creative output aligns with business objectives.

How does a creative manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams on large projects?

Creative Managers often serve as the bridge between creative teams and other departments, such as marketing, product development, and sales. They are responsible for translating project goals into actionable creative strategies, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines, and facilitating clear communication across teams. This involves regular meetings, feedback sessions, and collaborative planning to deliver cohesive campaigns or products. Effective Creative Managers are skilled at balancing creative vision with business objectives, making adaptability and strong interpersonal skills essential for success.

What is the difference between Creative Manager vs Graphic Designer?

AspectCreative ManagerGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, or related field; experience in project managementBachelor's degree in graphic design, visual arts, or related field; portfolio showcasing design work
Work EnvironmentOversees creative teams, manages projects, collaborates with clientsCreates visual content, works independently or in small teams, often in design studios or agencies
Employer & Industry UsageAdvertising agencies, marketing departments, media companiesDesign firms, advertising agencies, in-house marketing teams

The main difference is that a Creative Manager oversees creative projects and teams, focusing on strategy and coordination, while a Graphic Designer primarily creates visual content. Both roles require relevant education and experience, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

How much does a creative manager earn?

A creative manager's average salary varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually. Factors such as industry, company size, and skill level in project management and creative tools influence earnings.
More about Creative Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Creative jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Creative jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Creative Manager jobs in Iowa?

For Creative Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Creative Manager jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Creative Manager jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Creative Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Creative Manager job openings:

Creative Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,106 per year, or $39 per hour.

Creative Art Director

Lifted, an Upwork Company™

Des Moines, IA

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Company Description

About Lifted

Lifted partners with enterprise companies to help them scale smarter. We offer a single solution designed to source, contract, manage, and pay contingent talent. For talent in our network, Lifted provides access to enterprise-level projects while handling engagement setup, contracting, compliance, and payments in the background, so you can focus on delivering high-quality work.

Job Description

Why We’re Building a Talent Pool

We’re continuously building our network of experienced talent across Creative Art Directors who are interested in being considered for full or part-time employment engagements with assignments to work with our enterprise partners. While this is not tied to one specific project, selected candidates may be matched to future employment opportunities based on experience, availability, and alignment with project needs.

Qualifications

What We Look For

  • Lead creative vision, concept development, and brand expression across campaigns and channels
  • Translate business strategies and consumer insights into compelling creative platforms
  • Direct multidisciplinary creative teams (design, copy, motion, production) through concepting to execution
  • Review and approve creative work to ensure consistency, quality, and adherence to brand standards
  • Partner with marketing, product, global/regional creative, and leadership to align on strategy and creative direction
  • Manage creative presentations, storytelling, narrative frameworks, and pitch development
  • Mentor and elevate talent; set craft standards and creative culture expectations
  • Make final decisions on creative concepts, visual tone, and brand identity evolution
  • Develop visual concepts, storyboards, and creative territories for campaigns and content
  • Guide designers, photographers, videographers, and copy partners in executing visual direction
  • Oversee composition, typography, color, layout, and brand visual identity application
  • Provide on-set art direction during photo/video shoots
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure brand consistency across deliverables
  • Present creative work internally and incorporate feedback
  • Ensure all assets meet brand style guidelines and quality standards

Additional Qualifications (if relevant)

  • Background in Senior creative leadership overseeing visual direction & concept development.