Creative Director Job at Girl Scouts of Northern California in San Jose

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Job Summary

The Creative Director provides visionary leadership for visual storytelling and video strategy across Girl Scouts of Northern California. This senior role defines how the Girl Scout mission is experienced through video, imagery, and design to advance belonging, connection, and brand consistency across every touchpoint. Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing & Communications, the Creative Director serves as the council’s lead storytelling strategist, developing concepts, campaigns, and multimedia narratives that inspire membership, philanthropy, and community engagement. The position is hybrid and requires regular travel around the Northern California area, ideally with proximity to the Alameda or San Jose office. Reliable transportation is essential.

Accountabilities

Creative Direction & Brand Strategy

• Lead the creative vision and storytelling strategy for all major campaigns, signature events and initiatives, aligning with council goals and GSUSA brand standards.
• Translate strategic objectives into powerful, mission-aligned creative concepts across video, digital, print, and environmental design.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on brand evolution, visual identity, and message tone.
• Ensure all creative work reflects the diversity, languages, and lived experiences of Northern California communities.
• Uphold the highest standards of inclusion, accessibility, and authenticity in all materials.
• Guide social‑first creative strategy and content standards across platforms, ensuring campaign concepts are adapted for each channel and audience.

Video & Multimedia Production

• Lead GSNorCal’s video and multimedia strategy, shaping how Girl Scouts’ mission and impact are shared across platforms.
• Oversee the full video ecosystem from high‑production campaign films and donor features to nimble lo‑fi social storytelling frameworks.
• Produce select videos hands‑on, leading concept development, scripting, storyboarding, filming, and post‑production for flagship projects.
• Provide creative direction and brand alignment for all video content produced by internal staff, including the Social Media Coordinator, and external partners.
• Mentor and equip staff, members, and volunteers to tell authentic Girl Scout stories through video by creating templates, training, and feedback sessions to support content quality and confidence.
• Establish best practices for storytelling, accessibility, and visual consistency across all video formats.
• Collaborate with the Brand & Design Manager and Social Media Coordinator to plan, script, and edit short‑form, platform‑native video that aligns with campaign concepts, social best practices, and accessibility standards.
• Develop reusable social templates and design packages to speed production while maintaining brand consistency.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with the Brand & Design Manager and Social Media Coordinator to ensure a unified creative vision across all campaign assets and video content.
• Provide art direction and creative guidance to internal stakeholders, freelance talent, and agencies to translate strategic goals into emotionally resonant creative deliverables.
• Manage creative production budgets, vendor relationships, and timelines to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Set standards and develop creative toolkits, facilitating learning sessions that build video storytelling skills and brand alignment across departments, volunteer communities, and Media Squad.
• Advise on social content calendars, storytelling angles, and optimization based on performance insights to improve reach and engagement.

Execution & Quality Control

• Define the creative vision and storytelling approach for flagship materials—including the Annual Program Guide, Impact Report, and donor campaign collateral—in partnership with the Brand & Design Manager and cross‑departmental teams.
• Ensure the overall visual direction, tone, and message consistency align with council strategy and the Girl Scout brand.
• Direct photoshoots and video sessions that authentically capture the Girl Scout experience in NorCal.
• Maintain and evolve the digital asset management system for consistency, accessibility, and long‑term use.
• Review all creative deliverables for brand alignment, message clarity, and technical accuracy.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the goals of the Marketing & Communications team and the mission of Girl Scouts of Northern California.

Essential Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive experience in creative direction, video production, or multimedia storytelling, ideally within a mission‑driven or youth‑focused organization.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating integrated campaigns, visual storytelling, and leadership in both hi‑fi and lo‑fi video production.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and video editing software (Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or equivalent).
• Exceptional storytelling, art direction, and communication skills.
• Experience managing complex creative projects, budgets, and vendors.
• Collaborative approach and ability to influence across teams and leadership levels.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Passion for empowering girls and commitment to the Girl Scout mission and values.
• Reliable transportation for travel across Northern California.

Desired Qualifications

• Bilingual (Spanish), knowledge of other languages, and cultural awareness.
• Experience in nonprofit, education, or social‑impact organizations.
• Familiarity with Girl Scouts of the USA brand guidelines.
• Knowledge of Canva, Asana, and digital asset management systems.
• Photography or motion graphics experience.
• Knowledge of the Girl Scout mission, programs, and movement.
• Experience working with volunteers.