Senior Creative Director

The Apex Agency; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

401(k) with company matching

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Pet-friendly office

Job summary

The Apex Agency in Irvine, CA is seeking a Senior Creative Director to lead the creative vision behind experiential programs, sponsorship activations, product launches, and brand events.

You will guide breakthrough ideas, mentor a talented creative team, and partner closely with internal teams and clients to bring compelling brand experiences to life. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced agency environment.

Qualifications

• Big-picture thinker with ability to translate strategy into compelling creative ideas and experiences.
• Deep experience concepting and leading creative for experiential marketing, live events, and brand activations.
• Proven ability to lead creative teams, foster collaboration, and inspire excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead concept development and creative strategy for experiential programs, campaigns, and events.
• Pitch and present creative ideas to internal leadership and clients.
• Oversee the creative process from initial concept through final execution.
• Guide and mentor designers, copywriters, and other creative team members.
• Ensure all creative work aligns with brand guidelines and client expectations.
• Collaborate with internal teams, producers, and external partners to bring concepts to life.
• Contribute to the continued evolution of Apex’s creative vision and standards.

Skills

Big-picture thinking

Creative leadership

Experiential marketing

Live events

Brand activations

Pitching concepts

Client presentations

Team collaboration

Trend awareness

Tools

Brand guidelines

Job description

Apex designs world-class marketing, training, and event solutions for some of the most admired brands in the world, including Lexus, McLaren, Acura, Honda, BMW, Toyota, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz.

See more of our work at www.theapexagency.com.

At Apex, we push boundaries and deliver extraordinary results. We’re looking for smart, creative, highly motivated people who want to make a meaningful impact.

About the Role

We’re seeking a Senior Creative Director to lead the creative vision behind a wide range of experiential programs – from sponsorship activations and product launches to media events and integrated marketing campaigns.

This role will guide the development of breakthrough ideas, lead and mentor a talented creative team, and partner closely with internal teams and clients to bring compelling brand experiences to life. The ideal candidate is both a visionary thinker and a hands‑on creative leader who thrives in a fast‑paced agency environment.

You’re our kind of person if you…

• Are a big-picture thinker who can turn strategic objectives into compelling creative ideas and experiences.
• Have deep experience concepting and leading creative for experiential marketing, live events, and brand activations.
• Lead and inspire creative teams while fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
• Thrive in pitch environments, developing creative concepts that help win new business.
• Present creative ideas confidently to clients and executive stakeholders.
• Balance bold creativity with practical execution and client objectives.
• Have a strong portfolio demonstrating innovative, high-impact work.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and bring fresh thinking to every project.
• Communicate clearly and collaborate effectively across teams.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll do…

• Lead concept development and creative strategy for experiential programs, campaigns, and events.
• Pitch and present creative ideas to internal leadership and clients.
• Oversee the creative process from initial concept through final execution.
• Guide and mentor designers, copywriters, and other creative team members.
• Ensure all creative work aligns with brand guidelines and client expectations.
• Collaborate with internal teams, producers, and external partners to bring concepts to life.
• Contribute to the continued evolution of Apex’s creative vision and standards.

Bonus Experience (Not Required)

• Automotive marketing or experiential programs
• Luxury brands or affluent consumer markets

Location

• This position is based in Irvine, CA
• Regular collaboration with internal teams and occasional travel for client meetings or event support may be required.

What we offer

The Apex Agency offers a flexible hybrid work environment with a collaborative, team‑oriented culture that values both independence and in‑person connection. Our office is pet friendly and supports regular team‑building activities and agency outings. Full‑time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including a 401(k) with company matching, medical/dental/vision insurance.