Freelance Design Strategist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

For more than 150 years, Zions Bancorporation (ZBC) has built on the dedication and talent of our people, earning recognition as one of the "Best Banks to Work For."

With a $90B market cap, we are a leader in the U.S. banking industry. Throughout seven unique affiliated bank brands who welcome customers at 400 local branches across the West, ZBC is committed to business and commercial banking because we believe that businesses are the cornerstone of thriving communities. Together with consumer banking, wealth services, and robust banking products and services, we are known for our exceptional service and deep local roots.

Today, we are shaping the future of banking-leveraging innovation, strengthening local relationships, sharpening sector expertise, and delivering exceptional value across our family of great banks.

Our newly founded enterprise Marketing team is a transformative organization that puts an in-house Creative Studio arm-in-arm with data, insights, strategy, tech, and governance teams to evolve and elevate how we tell our story and connect with customers. This is a collaborative hub for meaningful and holistic brand building, bold ideas, and breakthrough campaigns.

We are adding a key role: A Creative Director for a new digital banking platform designed to move nimbly into the future and transcend our footprint while leveraging the ZBC foundation of strength and stability. The platform will require an equally dynamic creative leader with bright, modern ideas and deep chops in brand design. This is your opportunity to help build the identity of one of the fastest-growing areas of the organization and join us in setting a new standard for performance-driven design and marketing experiences.

The Creative Director - Design (Enterprise Marketing) will deliver innovative design and creative direction that prioritize innovation while balancing business goals with brand integrity. They will be a culturally savvy self-starter and systems-thinker who uses data and insights to create compelling, conversion-focused work that positions us as a leader in digital-forward business banking.

Initially, this position will lead and execute design and creative leadership within a small, discreet startup team, working directly with leadership, and aligning with Creative Studio executive leaders at regular intervals to ensure holistic brand alignment. 

Primary Function

• Act as a leader in the creative visioning, stewardship, and hands-on design of the platform's brand and its marketing approach.
• Deliver creative strategy and design of brand assets, guidelines, and marketing campaigns that will strengthen customer trust and drive measurable results across digital, print, physical, and in-person experiences.
• Collaborate with performance marketing teams and other organizations to optimize creative for ROI, conversion, and sustainment.

Leadership and Team Development

• Work inside a multidisciplinary team and act as the key creative, guiding the work of a designer and writer (more may be added).
• Regularly connect with and seek direction from Creative Studio.
• Act as an evangelist for the platform's brand and its application throughout the enterprise.
• Demonstrate expert level skills in design tools, methodologies, and production processes, and coach junior members toward the same, fostering a culture of excellence.
• Establish creative workflows that enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Maintain an extensive network of creative resources for freelance and recruiting.

Brand Building and Stewardship

• Establish robust brand identity systems that work across many channels, ensuring quality and brand integrity across all touchpoints.
• Balance innovative approaches with regulatory requirements and financial industry standards.
• Apply cultural curiosity and cultivate knowledge of current trends in culture, advertising, and the financial sector.

Data-Driven Innovation

• Use performance data and testing insights to refine creative strategies.
• Track and forecast marketing trends, technologies, and best practices.

Vendor and Partner Collaboration

• Manage relationships with internal stakeholders, external agencies, and production vendors to ensure quality and cost efficiency.
• Maintain a knowledge of regulatory requirements and ensure application of best practices to avoid risk for the organization and ensure clarity for customers.
• Operate with organizational savvy in a collaborative, productive manner.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or master's degree in design and minimum 8 years of experience in graphic design, interactive, advertising, media, UX, and/or related fields.
• Strong visual, written, and oral presentation skills
• Bonus skills: experience with banking services, regulatory environments, transactional design, identity design and/or startups
• A combination of education and experience may meet job requirements

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $115,000 - $175,000 annually depending on job-related factors such as level of experience and location.

This opportunity can be located across the Zions Bancorporation Footprint or 100% remote within the United States.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance start day one  
• Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance 
• Health Savings (HSA), Flexible Spending (FSA), and dependent care accounts
• Paid Training, Paid Time Off (PTO) and 11 Paid Federal Holidays, and any applicable state holidays
• 401(k) plan with company match, Profit Sharing, competitive compensation in line with work experience 
• Mental health benefits including coaching and therapy sessions
• Tuition Reimbursement for qualifying employees enrolled in an accredited degree program related to the needs of the business, maximum of $5,250 per calendar year, employees are eligible for the program upon hire
• Employee Ambassador preferred banking products

Ready to bring your vision to life? Share your application and portfolio today.