Creative Director

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Motion is seeking a strategic, hands-on Creative Director to establish and grow Motion’s creative presence in Cincinnati. This role will partner with Chicago-based teams to guide branding, campaigns, digital experiences and multi-disciplinary projects that drive client success.

The candidate will lead with exceptional design instincts, strategic thinking and strong communication, building meaningful work across branding, print, digital and environmental channels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications or a related field.
• 8-10+ years of agency or integrated marketing experience with a strong emphasis on design and creative leadership.
• Exceptional hands-on design skills supported by an outstanding portfolio.
• Demonstrated experience leading branding, print, digital and integrated creative initiatives from concept through execution.
• Proven ability to lead client presentations, facilitate workshops and confidently communicate creative strategy to executive-level stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative vision behind brands, campaigns, communications, digital experiences and visual storytelling.
• Guide projects from discovery through execution, ensuring every solution is strategically grounded, creatively compelling and flawlessly executed.
• Set and maintain the highest standards of creative quality across every client engagement.
• Direct the conceptual development and creative workflow across multiple accounts and initiatives.
• Be flexible enough to both take direction and provide it, reporting to a team of group creative directors in Chicago.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications or a related field

Job description

• Compensation: USD 100,000 - USD 120,000 - yearly

Company Description

Motion is an integrated marketing agency with a broad range of clients and services. We're independently owned and results-driven, proudly pushing our clients further than they could ever go alone - building multi-channel brand ecosystems that are distinctive, inspiring, and connected at every touchpoint.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We do not provide visa sponsorship.

To explore our benefits and Core Values, visit our career page: https://themotionagency.com/careers/

Job Description

Build Something Bigger.

We’re looking for a strategic, hands‑on Creative Director to establish and grow Motion’s creative presence in Cincinnati. This is an opportunity to shape the future of our office while partnering with one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing, woman-owned, fully integrated independent marketing agencies.

At Motion, independence isn’t just our ownership structure, it’s how we think. We believe the best ideas come from curious people, honest collaboration, fearless creativity and an unwavering commitment to our clients’ success.

Backed by the resources of an 84-person integrated agency headquartered in Chicago, you’ll serve as Motion’s creative leader in the Cincinnati market … guiding clients, inspiring great work, contributing to agency growth and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across the organization to deliver work that is strategically smart, beautifully crafted and built to perform.

This role is ideal for someone who combines exceptional design instincts with strategic thinking, entrepreneurial energy and outstanding communication skills. You’re energized by variety, thrive in a player‑coach role, enjoy building something meaningful and aspire to become a trusted creative partner to both clients and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative vision behind brands, campaigns, communications, digital experiences and visual storytelling.
• Guide projects from discovery through execution, ensuring every solution is strategically grounded, creatively compelling and flawlessly executed.
• Set and maintain the highest standards of creative quality across every client engagement.
• Direct the conceptual development and creative workflow across multiple accounts and initiatives.
• Be flexible enough to both take direction and provide it.This position will work with and report up to a team of talented group creative directors in Chicago, of varying disciplines, who may assume the lead role on specific initiatives based on background, bandwidth and expertise.

Client Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients by facilitating workshops, leading discovery sessions and translating complex business challenges into compelling creative solutions.
• Confidently present and defend creative work, clearly articulating the strategic thinking behind every recommendation.
• Build lasting client relationships through thoughtful counsel, collaboration and exceptional service.
• Actively participate in strategic planning sessions and contribute to the long‑term success of client partnerships.
• Personally create exceptional creative work across branding, print, digital, environmental and emerging channels when appropriate.
• Art direct multidisciplinary teams—including designers, copywriters, UX specialists, developers, production partners and outside vendors—to ensure consistently outstanding creative execution.
• Bring an exceptional portfolio demonstrating versatility across identity systems, integrated campaigns, digital experiences and brand storytelling.
• Apply strong knowledge of typography, brand systems, production and modern digital experiences to every project.

Agency Growth

• Serve as Motion’s creative leader in the Cincinnati market, representing the agency with clients, prospects, partners and the local creative community.
• Partner with account teams to grow existing relationships while contributing to new business opportunities and agency marketing efforts.
• Help identify opportunities where Motion’s broader capabilities can create additional value for clients.
• Collaborate closely with Motion’s creative teams across offices, assembling and directing the right talent for every engagement.
• Estimate creative scope, allocate resources and help ensure projects are delivered successfully.
• Operate with integrity, curiosity, adaptability and resilience while embodying Motion’s core values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications or a related field.
• 8-10+ years of agency or integrated marketing experience with a strong emphasis on design and creative leadership.
• Exceptional hands‑on design skills supported by an outstanding portfolio. (Portfolio link required.)
• Demonstrated experience leading branding, print, digital and integrated creative initiatives from concept through execution.
• Proven ability to lead client presentations, facilitate workshops and confidently communicate creative strategy to executive‑level stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of branding, typography, print production and modern digital experiences.

Additional Information

We are an EEOC employer. All qualified candidates will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.