Grizzly is hiring: Creative Director, Art in San Diego

Job description

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants
This range is provided by Grizzly.

Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range $165,000.00/yr - $175,000.00/yr
Creative Director, Art
Reports to: Executive Creative Director
About Us
Grizzly is an independent creative agency.

We guide brands onward to challenge convention and impact culture.

We work at the convergence of branding and advertising — blending strategy, design, and storytelling to build deeper connections between brands and people.
We partner with brands pioneering new futures.

The trailblazers.

The visionaries.

The courageous.

The businesses of tomorrow who believe in a better world and are hell-bent on building it.

Adventurous Brands create and lead categories, secure the world’s work, and change how we live.

We put creativity to work for business because we believe the most innovative brands have the power to affect just about anything.

They challenge convention, impact culture, and forge connections.

We help them navigate an increasingly complex and challenging world.

This is how we guide brands onward.
Position Summary:
Grizzly is seeking a Creative Director, Art to lead concept development, art direction, and design execution across a portfolio of ambitious, future-focused clients.

As a senior creative leader, you will guide cross-disciplinary teams, develop strategic and visual direction, and champion creative excellence across branding and campaign initiatives.
Creative Directors at Grizzly play a pivotal role in elevating the agency’s work and culture.

You will oversee and coach creative team members, manage resources across projects, and engage directly with clients to drive outcomes that are both creatively bold and strategically sound.

You are equal parts mentor, maker, and motivator—someone who can shape ideas at the whiteboard, present them with passion, and coach a team to bring them to life.
Candidates must have deep experience in creative direction, design systems, and storytelling across channels.

The ideal candidate is highly collaborative, strategically sharp, visually fluent, and deeply comfortable working with B2B and technology brands.

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma is essential.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Development
Attract, develop, and retain high-performing creative talent
Provide clear creative direction, timely feedback, and growth opportunities for team members
Guide staffing plans, reporting structure, and team resourcing for projects and pitches
Identify and train future creative leaders within the team
Creative Direction & Execution
Lead visual direction and design execution across brand and campaign work
Translate complex client challenges into clear, compelling design solutions
Ensure every creative output meets the highest standard of craft, clarity, and impact
Partner closely with strategy and copy leads to ensure cohesive, insight-driven work
Build strong relationships with senior clients; serve as a trusted creative advisor
Present and sell creative concepts with clarity and strategic rationale
Champion a collaborative, problem-solving approach to client feedback
Guide new business creative development and pitch execution
Process & Operational Excellence
Oversee creative workflow, resourcing, and timelines across multiple engagements
Collaborate with the CCO on creative operations, tools, and systems
Continuously improve internal processes to support creative excellence and efficiency
Maintain clarity and consistency in the creative team’s expectations and deliverables
Brand Building & Thought Leadership
Promote work internally and externally to strengthen Grizzly’s creative reputation
Ensure top work is submitted for awards and industry recognition
Partner with marketing to support agency storytelling and brand positioning
Serve as a mentor and thought leader across the creative department
Qualifications:
7+ years in a creative leadership role within an agency environment
3+ years working directly with B2B and technology brands
Demonstrated success growing and mentoring high-performing teams
Proven skills in brand design, art direction, and system-based creative work
Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma
Strong business acumen and client-facing communication skills
Proven ability to sell work and lead presentations with clarity and impact
Ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives in a fast-paced environment
Collaborative, constructive, and comfortable leading cross-functional teams
Work Requirements:
Must be located within a one-hour drive of San Diego, CA
Flexibility with schedule to meet client needs
Domestic and international travel may be required
Disclaimer:
This job description outlines the general scope of responsibilities and is not exhaustive.

Grizzly is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds.

Employment remains at-will and may be modified to align with business needs and legal requirements.
Seniority level Seniority level Director
Employment type Employment type Full-time
Job function Job function Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
Industries Advertising Services
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Required Skill Profession

Art And Design Workers