Art Director, Paid Media

The Role

The Role : visual innovator / data guzzler / art & design driver -the Art Director, Equity, Performance Creative, is a highly motivated, enthusiastic person with a background in graphic design who is driven by innovation, data, creativity, and design who works as well independently as they do as part of a team. They will be able to succeed in a deadline driven atmosphere with constantly shifting priorities. Working closely with our BEAT, Innovation & Non-Dispensary teams' leadership, this role requires is a self-starter who will lead their own projects, collaborate within the design team, delegate and manage designers and freelancers as needed. They will be able to take a project from concept to final delivery across a range of project types-primarily performance creative campaigns (driven by data-gleaned insights), but may also include photo / video shoots, promotional campaigns, launch materials (sales, collateral, field, event), digital (social, websites). The Art Director must be proficient in presenting (creation / optimization of creative presentations) to obtain cross-functional buy-in, and in turn, graciously take direction from various inputs, including working with external vendors. A keen attention detail, contributions to continuous process improvements, and a willingness to understand the ever-evolving cannabis landscape (and how we operate within) are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of new (or evolution of existing) creative executions for Performance Creative initiatives across various channels (paid social, packaging, photo / video shoots, campaigns, collateral, POS, merch / swag), for multiple States, while ensuring Brand standards are maintained across multiple brands
• Provide brand / design / creative insights & feedback to external vendor partners
• Collaborate with fellow designers & Creative leaders to initiate creative concepts from start to finish, utilizing new or existing resources to provide innovative, in-budget approaches to given briefs and project requests
• Ability to clearly communicate design vision and creative intent via storyboards / moodboards and other tools while delegating to other creatives
• Actively participate in the creative process by asking questions, voicing opinions, and effectively collaborating with stakeholders to determine project needs
• Lead & multiple projects and work with multiple disciplines at one time
• Lead art direction for photo / video shoots based on brand-provided creative briefs in collaboration with the creative producer
• Manage and provide direction for internal designers, outside vendors / freelancers / contractors as needed
• Organize and maintain digital files via shared storage, DAM and project management system (Monday.com)
• Work closely with BEAT, Innovation & Non-Dispensary teams to ensure materials are produced accurately and on-time
• Ensure that project outputs meet technical requirements for delivery across multiple digital channels while ensuring brand consistency throughout
• Ensure project objectives are successfully met through effective collaboration with leadership, internal, cross-functional, and external partners as projects require
• Ensure state guidelines and requirements are being met

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in Graphic Design, either within a design firm, advertising agency, or an internal creative marketing team; Experience working within a high-growth company would be highly beneficial (Performance Marketing experience preferred)
• Experience managing a team of 2 creatives preferred
• An exceptional digital portfolio showcasing innovative concepts and creative solutions (please include a link or attachment with your application)
• Experience in making performance-focused ads for Facebook / Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and other paid media channels
• Expertise in Figma, Web (UI / UX basics) design, Adobe Creative suite, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign (After Effects, Sketch, a plus); strong proficiency w / Microsoft Office suite & project management systems
• The ability to pre-build and create templated graphic packages for video editors
• Knowledge of AI design tools and how they can be harnessed to increase production efficiencies without sacrificing quality is a plus
• Excellent at maintaining composure through interpersonal communication (written & verbal) and time-management skills
• Strong project management & organizational skills; ability to prioritize, delegate & manage the execution of multiple projects across multiple brands
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment with keen judgement, common sense and resourcefulness; performs under minimal daily supervision, receiving guidance from Design Director
• Possess a high level of critical thinking, continuously open to constructive, developmental feedback
• Strong attention to detail, time management skills, and willingness to learn existing / new workflows preferred
• Excellent interpersonal skills in terms of communication, both written and verbal
• Operates with a high level of professionalism and integrity, including dealing with confidential information. High degree of professionalism when interacting with celebrity talent.
• Willing and able to attend and / or work events on evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Interacts regularly with entirety of Creative team, brand team, events & experience team& retail-related cross-functional teams as needed for completion of assigned projects
• Bachelor's degree, preferred

Additional Requirements

• Must pass any and all required background checks
• Must be and remain compliant with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
• Must be approved by state badging agency to work in cannabis industry