Manager of Creative Services

Who we are: 

At ABCD & Company, we believe that our clients are more than what they do; we only partner with brands who have the courage to show the world who they are. We create meaningful, deeply impactful marketing campaigns and events to grow our partners’ brands and help them connect with their audiences on a deeper level—with soul. Soul is the missing ingredient in stale and formulaic campaigns and events. Soul is at the core of who we are - it’s the energy that drives us and the magic that helps us innovate. We pride ourselves on being able to infuse soul into every aspect of our work.

As a minority-owned company, we are dedicated to empowering marginalized voices. We view diversity through a soulful lens, delving beyond surface-level attributes to embrace the invisible dimensions of identity. By challenging unconscious biases and stereotypes, we champion cultural appreciation over appropriation and prioritize equity over equality. Our belief in empathy through proximity ensures that diverse faces and voices shine in all our campaigns.

With decades of experience across various industries, including banking, non-profit, health, and government, we have a proven track record of creating transformative experiences. We work with clients focused on delivering ROI, increasing positive sentiment, and making a significant impact.

We take company culture seriously because we know that where we work directly influences the quality and soul of our work. Our office is more than just a workplace; it's a second home where warmth, support, and a steadfast commitment to well-being are at the heart of everything we do. This dedication to nurturing a unique and inviting environment has earned us gold Muse Creative Awards for Small Agency of the Year and Best Agency Culture. Recognized as one of The Daily Record’s 2023 Best Companies to Work for in Maryland, we are proud of our positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Join us at ABCD & Company, where creativity meets soul, and where our vibrant culture and commitment to excellence make us a truly special place to work.

We are looking for excellent talent to join our expanding team. If this sounds like a good fit for you, apply now!

What is ABCD looking for in a Manager of Creative Services:

Uphold Ethics. Serve with Integrity. Champion Excellence. Foster Creativity. 

The Manager of Creative Services will play a pivotal role in leading a team of talented designers, while managing the creative direction and execution of all internal and external projects – including the ABCD brand. This individual will ensure that all creative outputs meet the highest standards of quality and align with the strategic goals of the agency and our clients.

OUR EXPECTATIONS:

Winning skills and behaviors for success. Essential job duties included but not limited to:

• Leadership & Team Management
  • Lead, mentor, and manage a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
  • Oversee the recruitment, training, and professional development of the creative team.
  • Set clear goals and expectations, providing regular feedback and performance evaluations.
• Creative Direction
  • Develop and implement creative strategies that align with client objectives and agency goals.
  • Provide creative direction and oversight for all design projects, ensuring consistency and adherence to brand guidelines.
  • Drive the creative vision for marketing materials, digital content, event designs, and more.
• Project Management
  • Manage the end-to-end creative process, from concept to final delivery.
  • Coordinate with account managers, clients, and other stakeholders to ensure timely and effective project execution.
  • Maintain project schedules, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Client Engagement
  • Act as the primary point of contact for clients on creative projects, ensuring their vision and goals are met.
  • Present creative concepts and designs to clients, incorporating their feedback into final deliverables.
  • Build and maintain strong client relationships, anticipating their needs and delivering exceptional service.
• Innovation & Quality Control
  • Stay current with industry trends and best practices, incorporating new ideas and technologies into creative processes.
  • Ensure all creative outputs are of the highest quality, reflecting the agency’s standards and exceeding client expectations.
  • Continuously seek opportunities to improve efficiency, creativity, and the overall quality of the work
• Strategic Planning
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and execute the agency’s creative strategy.
  • Contribute to business development efforts, including pitching creative ideas to potential clients.
  • Support the agency’s growth by identifying new creative opportunities and services.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED: 
Required and preferred knowledge and experiences to succeed. 

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, or a related field.
• Work Experience 
  • Minimum of 5-7 years in graphic design for diverse clients.
  • Proven experience in a creative leadership role within a creative agency.
  • Experience in illustration, photography, and activation conceptualization preferred.
• Critical Components for Success in Your Role at ABCD:
  • Proven experience in a creative leadership role within a creative agency.
  • Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Cloud Applications, etc.)
  • Project management system experience such as Wrike, Asana, Notion, Adobe Workfront or their equivalents.
  • Proficiency in verbal and written professional communication. 
  • Mastery in time, budget, and team management
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in visual identity, branding, and digital design.
  • Experience in project management and client engagement.
  • Application of current design trends, industry innovation, and technologies.
  • Familiarity with UI/UX design and motion graphics is a plus.