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Active Theory is seeking an Executive / Creative Director (ECD) to lead creative vision and execution across high-profile client work and new business initiatives. This is a senior, highly visible role that sits at the intersection of hands-on creative leadership, strategic thinking, and studio-wide design excellence.
The ECD partners closely with other Executive / Creative Directors to uphold and evolve Active Theory’s creative standards across interactive, experiential, and digital projects.
This role requires experience with deep digital craft, comfort with software and technology, and the ability to move fluidly between strategy, concept, execution, and client partnership.
What This Role Looks Like
Company-Level Responsibilities
Partner with the other ECD to shape and evolve Active Theory’s design culture
Maintain a high bar for creative quality across all projects you oversee
Provide creative oversight and feedback to designers across multiple teams
Participate in internal reviews, critiques, and creative forums
Contribute to studio-wide creative initiatives, experimentation, and thought leadership
Project-Level Responsibilities
Serve as Executive/Creative Director and project lead on assigned client work, from concept through launch
Own creative vision, narrative, and execution across projects, ensuring work is visually striking, conceptually rigorous, and technically sound
Lead creative discovery, ideation, design direction, and reviews
Be hands-on when needed, contributing directly to design, motion, or visual systems
Present work and creative rationale clearly and confidently to senior client stakeholders
Partner closely with production and development to balance creative ambition with scope, timelines, and budget
Client & Account Leadership
Act as Creative Lead for Clients, developing deep understanding of the brand, creative standards, and long-term vision
Establish trusted client relationships through strong creative leadership and consistent delivery
Lead pitches, concept presentations, and creative strategy discussions
Provide creative leadership and client management in partnership with production and account leads
Leadership, Mentorship & Growth
Mentor mid-level and junior designers through project feedback, creative guidance, and career development
Support the growth and elevation of senior creatives ensuring they have the opportunity to grow in their craft and as leaders
Participate in hiring by reviewing portfolios, interviewing candidates, and helping define role expectations
Manage the North American Creative Team
Represent Active Theory externally through public speaking, events, talks, and industry presence
Required Experience & Skills
8+ years of experience in digital design/creative production, ideally within a creative or digital agency
Proven experience leading large-scale, highly interactive projects from concept to launch
Strong conceptual thinking paired with excellent visual and design craft
Deep familiarity with tools such as Figma, Adobe Suite, After Effects, C4D, and related creative workflows
Strong understanding of interactive and WebGL-driven experiences (hands-on or through close collaboration)
Excellent presentation, communication, and storytelling skills
Ability to lead teams with clarity, empathy, and confidence
Comfortable balancing creative ambition with practical constraints
What Success Looks Like
New business efforts are elevated through clear, compelling creative vision
Clients trust your leadership and see you as a long-term creative partner
Projects consistently launch at a high creative bar
Designers feel supported, challenged, and inspired by your feedback
Active Theory’s design culture continues to mature, evolve, and strengthen
Senior creatives, especially emerging leaders, grow alongside you
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