Associate Creative Director

GPJ is hiring an Associate Creative Director to help lead creative ideation and innovative thinking for experiential marketing campaigns.

Responsibilities

Lead creative ideation and innovative thinking while mentoring the creative team through inclusivity and collaboration

Conceptualize captivating multi-touch experiences aligned to clients’ unique brands

Partner closely with the Creative Lead on a given account to bring their vision to life across projects

Manage work and the project team while actively engaging in the creative process to bring ideas to fruition

Provide day-to-day supervision of one to two team members

Travel to shows domestically and internationally (approximately 15% of responsibilities)

Participate in new business development , including the pitch process

Contribute to creative and agency culture by inspiring teams to do their best work

Translate clients’ brands into thoughtful, compelling, interactive experiences; set high standards by leading new thinking and techniques

Understand creative disciplines and collaborate with creative leadership on high-quality, strategic presentations that exceed client expectations using copywriting, sketches, renders, mock-ups, and presentations

Develop and inspire inventive, thoughtful, on-brand work through a hands‑on mentorship approach

Manage workload and hit tight deadlines

Join planning and strategy sessions; lead the project creative design team on assigned projects, oversee designers’ work, and ensure consistent, highest-quality execution

Work with Creative Directors to execute strategic design solutions

Apply thoughtful design decisions with awareness of business impact; deliver multiple concepts and solutions to meet client objectives

Build personal client relationships, inspire trust, and manage expectations

Identify new projects and opportunities with existing clients; support new business and client presentations as an integral team member

Collaborate with IP , graphics production, fabrication, and creative tech to resolve design and budget challenges while protecting design and brand integrity

Manage design, development, and implementation of all event‑related creative supporting defined look and feel and brand objectives

Assess the creative team’s bandwidth and recommend additional resources when needed

Provide clear creative direction at project initiation and coach creative team members (and account teams), while monitoring and guiding efforts to drive successful outcomes

Create a thoughtful, engaging guest journey for all projects

Maintain project budgets and track allocated hours to support profitability for the creative team, in partnership with Creative Project Managers and Account Teams

Assist in the education and development of designers

Lead new idea development and creative design solutions supported by sound strategic rationale across multiple brands and initiatives

Support account‑based creative teams alongside strategy, production, and accounts

Create sketches, mood boards, layouts, 2D and 3D renders, deck design/templates, presentation/content structure, and POS materials

Partner with clients and senior team members across departments to elevate brand significance and performance

Advocate for brand and identity standards by knowing when to adhere closely and when to recommend more creative approaches

Present work clearly and compellingly to internal and external partners

Communicate by example the mechanics and attributes of team strategy and accountability

Work directly with Production to vet ideas and confirm feasibility within budgets; adjust work when needed to maintain strategic integrity within client restrictions

Requirements

Minimum four-year degree in Design, Advertising, Theater, or a related creative discipline

Minimum 7 years of industry experience or related creative process experience combining strategy, content, message, and creative deliverables

Event and Experience Design expertise desirable

Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills required

Ability to lead, motivate, and inspire the creative team while keeping the creative process aligned with GPJ business goals and objectives

Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and Google Suite

Commitment to learning new software and tracking emerging trends, including AI‑based tools (Firefly, Gemini, etc.)

Solutions‑oriented mindset focused on strategically solving challenges

Proven track record leading successful creative teams and delivering high‑impact design solutions for experiential marketing campaigns

Excellent communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to articulate concepts, provide constructive feedback, and inspire teams

Strong strategic thinking and problem‑solving skills with understanding of brand strategy, consumer behavior, and market trends

Work with the Creative Director to develop a project roadmap

Ability to travel 25%

Ability to work irregular hours including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed

Technologies

Adobe Creative Suite

Google Suite

Firefly

Gemini

Benefits

Employee Stock Ownership Plan ( ESOP ) providing an ownership interest

FTO policy (no more “accruing” time off)

Employer matching 401(k) plan (no vesting period)

Low employee contribution healthcare option

Travel & Mobility

Ability to travel 25%

Ability to work irregular hours including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed

Your Competencies

Urgency : decisive, responsive, fast acting; adaptable under pressure without sacrificing quality

Communication : conveys and sells ideas clearly; brief articulation during brainstorms or client presentations

Creative Innovation : idea-driven, big-picture thinking

Flexible : moves to new tasks with little to no notice

Prioritization/Organization : allocates time and resources to complete work within timeframe and budget; manages resources (full-time and freelance) effectively

Salary Range
Salary is dependent on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) experience, skills, and location.

Opportunity Details

Location: Boston, MA (hybrid)

Hybrid requirement: report on‑site to the Boston office minimum 2 days per week

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