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Managing Creative Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Creative Director

Culver City, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

While an CD can rely on the support of their Creative Director for deeper strategic direction, it ... Ability to manage teams with empathy * Positive, motivating leadership skills * High level of ...

Creative Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $190/hr

As Creative Director, you will lead a talented team of designers and creatives while partnering ... Manage and mentor a high-performing creative team, fostering creativity, growth, and accountability.

New

Creative Director

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$180 - $260/hr

Be Our First Creative Director We have the market authority, the inventory, and the growth now we ... Manage the Creative Ecosystem: Lead, mentor, and collaborate with a lean, high-performing squad of ...

New

... M workflows. By combining data, technology, and strategy, we deliver predictable and sustainable ... As we continue to expand, we are seeking an experienced Creative Director to lead the creative ...

Manage functional budget including annual budget planning, spend tracking, and end of month close ... Creative Director. * A natural conceiver of ideas. You can originate a campaign concept, push a ...

Creative Director

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... manage internal collaborators and external partner agencies Balance business needs with creative ... Direct and collaborate with agency partners to execute on behalf of the brand Be flexible and ...

Creative Director POSITION SUMMARY The Creative Director leads the visual and conceptual direction ... Collaborates with management and the executive team to provide input into the overall creative ...

Creative Director Los Angeles, CA or New York, NY We're a full-service creative shop born out of ... Manage complex productions from pre-production through post, including editing, motion, VFX, and ...

Creative Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site +1

$130K - $170K/yr

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will build and lead a high-performing creative team, ensuring every deliverable is expressive, dynamic, and reflects consistent agency excellence. Location:

Creative Director

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $190K/yr

As Creative Director , you will lead a team of designers, videographers, and brand storytellers to ... Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary creative team, fostering innovation, accountability, and ...

Creative Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will build and lead a high-performing creative team, ensuring every deliverable is expressive, dynamic, and reflects consistent agency excellence. Location:

... management team, and leading the team in carrying out post-production activities like video ... the creative quality of the project, directing constant improvement in creative quality, and ...

Creative Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Job Overview The Creative Director at Crown + Conquer is a visionary leader responsible for shaping ... Managing external agents like photographers, printers, freelancers, web developers, etc., and ...

Creative Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125 - $140/hr

As the Creative Director you will be both a concepting partner to a copy-side ECD, and a leader who ... project managers to develop workback schedules for both design and copy projects. * Conduct ...

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Managing Creative Director information

How does a managing creative director typically balance creative vision with business objectives in daily operations?

A Managing Creative Director often faces the challenge of aligning innovative concepts with the company’s strategic goals and client expectations. This involves leading creative teams through brainstorming and development while ensuring projects adhere to timelines, budgets, and brand guidelines. Regular collaboration with project managers, marketing leads, and executive leadership is essential to maintain both creative integrity and commercial viability. Successful Managing Creative Directors foster open communication, provide constructive feedback, and prioritize adaptability to balance creativity with business needs.

What is a managing creative director?

A Managing Creative Director is a senior leader responsible for overseeing the creative vision and direction of a company or agency. They manage creative teams, guide the development of concepts, and ensure that all creative work aligns with the brand’s objectives and standards. In addition to leading brainstorming sessions and approving final designs, they often collaborate closely with other departments and clients. Their role combines creative expertise with strong leadership and project management skills to deliver impactful campaigns and projects.

What is the difference between Managing Creative Director vs Creative Director?

AspectManaging Creative DirectorCreative Director
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects, manages teams, and aligns creative strategies with business goalsFocuses on leading specific creative projects, developing concepts, and guiding creative teams
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in design, marketing, or related fields, with extensive experienceRequires similar educational background and experience, often with a focus on creative execution
Work EnvironmentSenior leadership in agencies or corporate marketing departmentsCreative teams within agencies, studios, or corporate settings

The Managing Creative Director holds a broader leadership role, overseeing multiple projects and teams, while the Creative Director concentrates on the creative vision and execution of specific projects. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but the Managing Creative Director has greater strategic and managerial responsibilities.

Is a managing creative director a high paying job?

A managing creative director typically earns a high salary due to their leadership role in overseeing creative teams and projects. Compensation varies based on industry, experience, and company size, but it is generally considered a well-paying executive position. Advanced skills in design, leadership, and strategic planning are often required.

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

To thrive as a Managing Creative Director, you need a strong background in visual design, creative strategy, and leadership, often supported by a degree in design, marketing, or a related field. Expertise with industry-standard design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite), project management tools, and sometimes certifications in creative leadership are highly valued. Exceptional communication, team management, and the ability to inspire and guide creative teams are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure the delivery of innovative, cohesive creative work that aligns with strategic business goals and fosters a productive, motivated team.
What are popular job titles related to Managing Creative Director jobs in California? For Managing Creative Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Managing Creative Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Managing Creative Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Managing Creative Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Hi there! We're Razorfish. We've been leading the marketing industry with our digital expertise since the start of the internet. But in 2020, we did a full reboot. What's different? It all starts with people. Weird, wonderful, complex people - with diverse backgrounds in strategy, creative and technology. But no matter how different we are, we all have one thing in common. We believe our differences are our strength. So we push for inclusion, challenge convention and bring in new perspectives, to inspire new ideas. Because when we connect by understanding what makes people different, we can create unforgettable experiences that enrich lives. Join us at razorfish.com.

Overview

As the Creative Director you'll lead the overall creative vision, guiding and inspiring teams to develop compelling campaigns that align with client goals and brand strategy. You will report into the VP, Group Creative Director. Responsibilities include creating and communicating concepts, implementing marketing strategies and developing creative solutions. Your role is crucial in understanding strategic business goals, while having a strong eye for craft. As a creative leader, you inspire and empower teams to do their best work. You create visually compelling work, grounded in strategy, and focused on the long-term goal.

This is a hybrid role, requiring three days in-office each week. If you are contacted for an interview, your recruiter will discuss specifics with you, inclusive of any necessary reasonable accommodations

Responsibilities

You will lead a team of professionals tasked with developing cohesive, persuasive campaigns that effectively align with brand strategy and effectively communicate the intended message, engaging the target audience. The role will allow you to be client-facing and assist with the nurturing and growth of our client relationship on the creative end.

  • Leading the creative strategy and vision for campaigns across multiple channels
  • Overseeing and mentoring creative teams, including art directors, copywriters, and designers
  • Collaborating with account and strategy teams to align creative work with client objectives
  • Pitching and presenting concepts to clients with clarity and confidence
  • Ensuring high-quality, original, and on-brand creative output
  • Reviewing and approving all creative deliverables before they go to clients
  • Staying current with industry trends and inspiring innovation within the team
  • Managing timelines, and resources for creative projects
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in Fine Arts, graphic design, advertising, visual communications, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in a creative role in an agency or creative environment (e.g., art director, designer.
  • Experience managing creative teams 
  • Strong portfolio showcasing successful digital (social, mobile, web) and 360 campaign work along with creative leadership
  • Work must show strong conceptual thinking with a keen sense of craft
  • Expertise in branding, storytelling, and visual communication
  • Proficiency with creative tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Figma)
  • Proven leadership and team management skills
  • Excellent communication and presentation abilities
  • Stablished ability to understand and discuss business & brand strategy
  • Strategic thinking and client-facing experience
  • Able to work effectively in a kind team environment that is entrepreneurial, collaborative, and creatively progressive

*Please provide portfolio link and resume when applying*

Additional Information

The Power of One starts with our people! To do powerful things, we offer powerful resources. Our best-in-class wellness and benefits offerings include:

  • Paid Family Care for parents and caregivers for 12 weeks or more
  • Monetary assistance and support for Adoption, Surrogacy and Fertility
  • Monetary assistance and support for pet adoption
  • Employee Assistance Programs and Health/Wellness/Comfort reimbursements to help you invest in your future and work/life balance
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Paid time off that includes Flexible Time off Vacation, Annual Sick Days, Volunteer Days, Holiday and Identity days, and more
  • Matching Gifts programs
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • 'Work Your World' Program encouraging employees to work from anywhere Publicis Groupe has an office for up to 6 weeks a year (based upon eligibility)
  • Business Resource Groups that support multiple affinities and alliances

The benefits offerings listed are available to eligible U.S. Based employees, are reviewed on an annual basis, and are governed by the terms of the applicable plan documents.

Razorfish is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employment decisions are made without regard to actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, medical condition as defined by applicable state law, genetic information, marital status, military service and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.

If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact USMSTACompliance@publicis.com.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Compensation Range: $147,730-180,000 annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 9/15/2025.

 Compensation Range: USD $127,585.00 - USD $192,060.00/Annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 11/15/2025.Employment Type: OTHER