Director of Creative Strategy & Brand Development

Fanatics; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 174,000 - 216,000; Full time

Job summary

Topps, part of Fanatics, seeks a Director of Creative Development & Strategy to lead the brand vision across campaigns, narratives, and licensing partnerships in a fast-paced entertainment setting.

You will shape platforms for product launches, mentor a growing creative team, collaborate with Marketing, Product, and Brand, and ensure consistency across digital and physical touchpoints while driving collector engagement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of creative leadership experience in brand, agency, or entertainment environments.
• Strong portfolio showing strategic thinking and impactful creative work.
• Deep understanding of brand identity, narrative development, and integrated campaign strategy.
• Proven success leading and inspiring creative teams across disciplines (design, copy, content).
• Experience with licensed brands and navigating partner approvals (sports/entertainment licensing a plus).
• Strong visual storytelling skills across digital, print, packaging, and social.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead long-term creative strategy for the Topps brand, balancing legacy and innovation.
• Produce world-class creative across digital, print, social, and content.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Product, and Brand to align with business goals and insights.
• Develop campaign platforms and storytelling strategies for launches, partnerships, and initiatives.
• Guide creative development for licensed properties across sports, entertainment, and pop culture.
• Champion experimentation and push the brand into new visual territory.
• Present concepts to executives and licensing partners with clarity and rationale.
• Maintain brand consistency across all consumer touchpoints.
• Build and mentor a high-performing creative team with a collaborative culture.

Skills

Creative leadership

Brand storytelling

Campaign strategy

Design leadership

Licensing experience

Executive presentations

Cross-functional collaboration

Partner/vendor management

Fandom culture understanding

Adaptability

Job description

Topps, part of Fanatics, seeks a Director of Creative Development & Strategy to lead the brand vision across campaigns, narratives, and licensing partnerships in a fast-paced entertainment setting.

You will shape platforms for product launches, mentor a growing creative team, collaborate with Marketing, Product, and Brand, and ensure consistency across digital and physical touchpoints while driving collector engagement.