Executive Creative Director Job at MKG in New York City

Overview

About MKG: Founded in 2003, MKG is a women-led creative agency specializing in brand experience. From moments to movements, our work breaks through culture by connecting brands with their people. We’re curious problem solvers who humanize brands through creative storytelling, purpose-driven engagement, design and production. Offices in NYC and LA; work for brands including Google, Target, Netflix, Meta, HBO, Delta Air Lines, Béis and Spotify.

Job Type: Full-time

Open to NY and LA candidates.

Working at MKG

We’re in the business of experience. We aim to create incredible experiences for consumers, clients, and teammates. You’ll be working hard to check details, shoulder to shoulder with bright, compassionate and collaborative people. Candidates should be within commuting distance of NYC or LA and be available for in-person collaboration on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Overview Of The Role

MKG is looking for a talented and versatile Executive Creative Director to lead creative excellence across both new and active business. As a hands-on leader, you’ll drive brand experiences from concept to execution, own a large volume of projects, and influence the quality of work and client relationships. You’ll partner with the CCO and VP, Creative to translate the agency’s creative vision into actionable initiatives, mentor creative talent, and push for bold, results-driven work. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you’ll help shape the agency’s strategic direction, departmental goals, and business growth.

How This Role Connects To Creative Leadership

The ECD works alongside the Chief Creative Officer (CCO) and VP, Creative. Key points:

• Partnering with the CCO to translate business goals into creative work; serve as a key creative leader on new business pitches.
• Partnering with the VP, Creative to lead creative output, mentor talent, and maintain high-quality standards across active and pitch work. Shared responsibility for client relationships and creative trust.

What You Will Do In This Role

Creative Leadership & Oversight

• Own a large volume of new business pitches and active projects, leading creative output and/or overseeing project-based teams including strategists, creative directors, copywriters, art directors and designers.
• Develop concepts aligned with client objectives and strategy, measurable by client KPIs; concepts approved within 2–3 rounds.
• Deliver original concepts that are culturally relevant and on-trend, elevating the agency’s reputation.
• Ensure quality execution and delivery of results, driving performance against client goals as measured by client sentiment, audience sentiment, and press/awards.
• Analyze client briefs to uncover insights and strategic direction.
• Lead brainstorms and creative strategy development with Brand Action-driven ideas.
• Craft compelling creative and pitch decks with Art Directors and Designers to ensure strong visual storytelling.
• Provide decisive leadership to drive projects forward with high-quality output.
• Push for innovation and results-driven creativity.
• Deliver milestones on or before deadlines (target 90%+).

Design & Execution Excellence

• Maintain high-caliber talent and output across visual creative disciplines including art direction, branding, motion graphics, and more.
• Maintain high-caliber output across innovative concepts, campaigns, storytelling, and audience experiences.

Client Relationships & Growth

• Lead key client relationships from a creative standpoint and identify growth opportunities.
• Listen to and interpret client feedback; collaborate to build satisfaction and trust.
• Foster trusted relationships with key clients through high-quality output and credible POV; ownership of key relationships to be shared among Creative Leadership.

New Business & Pitches

• Serve as an external-facing creative leader for new client relationships; adjust teams and output for pitches.
• Lead or support pitches with enthusiasm and organization; measure success by idea quality, collaboration, and win rates.
• Shaping MKG’s strategic direction within the Business Growth Team (BGT).
• Represent MKG’s creative capabilities in client presentations and agency capability meetings.

Talent Development, Mentorship & Culture

• Mentor and develop direct reports; provide career guidance and leadership coaching.
• Conduct bi-annual performance reviews and foster accountability.
• Provide mentorship to other team members through project work.

Staffing, Resourcing & Budget

• Assist in determining project team structures, roles, and hour estimates (with Accounts).
• Approve resourcing plans for Creative roles; participate in full-time talent acquisition when necessary.
• Help grow and maintain freelance roster and review performance for future use.
• Advise on departmental budgets with CCO, President, and Finance; advise Executive Team on creative strategy and staffing needs.

Internal Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate across departments to set up projects for success; emphasize active listening and cross-functional collaboration.
• Oversee workloads, timelines, and proposals; participate in hour tracking and forecasting to avoid overservicing.

Awards, Agency Marketing & Recognition

• Support projects with potential for press and awards; oversee award submissions.
• Oversee agency marketing and creative content, guiding social media, case studies, and website updates.

Requirements

What You Will Bring To This Role

Given the nature of experiential work, this role may require occasional travel and flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, as business needs arise.

• 10+ years of experience in creative leadership, ideally within experiential marketing, brand activations, or a related field.
• Proven track record of developing and executing innovative brand experiences that drive engagement and results.
• Cultural curiosity and awareness to connect ideas with audiences.
• Strong strategic thinking; translate business objectives into creative solutions.
• Exceptional leadership and team management experience, including mentoring and developing talent.
• Expertise in storytelling and concept development with a strong portfolio.
• Ability to present ideas to clients, stakeholders, and leadership.
• Experience overseeing multiple projects, balancing hands-on direction with strategy.
• Understanding of design, production, and emerging technologies in experiential marketing.
• Ability to guide cross-functional teams including designers, strategists, producers, and account leads.
• Experience in business development and pitching with a track record of winning new clients.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for alignment across teams.
• Ability to make decisive creative and strategic choices while keeping projects on track.
• Experience managing budgets and resources for efficient, profitable execution.
• Knowledge of social media and digital integration to amplify activations.
• Passion for innovation and staying ahead of industry trends.

Salary Description: $200,000-$250,000 annually. Salary is the minimum to maximum base range at posting; salary commensurate with experience.