Job Description

Overview

As Major League Soccer continues to accelerate fast-pace growth and harness transformational opportunities (such as Messi, Apple, World Cup), differentiating itself through brand purpose, creative thinking and expression will be critical drivers of success. The Creative Director will craft how the brand comes to life through design, language, and more, leading an exceptionally versatile team of in-house designers and working with creative agencies and other outside partners. The Creative Director will also lead all aspects of creative services for all other enterprise needs, including any Soccer United Marketing (SUM) properties (such as Leagues Cup, MexTour, and more). 

Responsibilities

• Translate the MLS Brand Strategy into a creative vision and design system for the League
• Lead creative development process, including concept building for campaigns and activations, working with agencies and in-house teams as needed
• Oversee and manage in-house design team inclusive of graphic design, motion graphics, and copywriting across web, social, signage, advertising, and third-party for MLS and SUM
• Ensure all creative needs are met and delivered, supervising the process for job prioritization, assignment, and review
• Working with the Creative Operations Senior Director, examine and evolve the formal intake process for all creative job requests where needed, and establish codified guidelines for the business
• Lead the development of brand identities for new platforms, products, ventures, and partnerships
• Provide creative leadership for Brand Marketing and MLS advertising campaigns, including development and visual identity, positioning, tone, assets (Toolkits, TVC), and production working with internal teams, agencies, and vendors
• Bridge gaps for channels not directly managed by Brand & Creative Services teams in order to unify brand voice and expression, creating channel-level brand guidelines
• Spark inspiration for creative work and thinking
• Examine, assess, and manage brand architecture for MLS
• Keep MLS on the cutting edge of AI integration to enhance design and creative capabilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 10+ years of creative experience, with 5+ as a creative director and managing a team of creatives

Required Skills

• Proven ability for idea generation and to develop creative concepts, stunts, activations, and programs
• Outstanding mentor, with the ability to be a player-coach when needed
• Can toggle strategic lens between the business, the fan & consumer, and competitive environment
• Knows when to hold firm and when to be flexible
• Creative expertise beyond graphic design (TV, advertising, spatial / environmental, entertainment), instilling confidence in others as a creative authority
• Ability to navigate through ambiguity and create strong process
• Ability to conduct and lead productive and structured brainstorms
• Knowledgeable and comfortable using data to inform creative development through creative testing
• Highly collaborative and able to work cross-functionally
• High-level of commitment to a quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance
• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, team environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of the Spanish Language (business proficiency)
• Knowledge of the sport of soccer
• Ability to travel and to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Total Rewards

Starting Base Salary $145,000 - $185,000. MLS/SUM base salaries are contingent upon several factors including individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs.

We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent through the following:

• Benefits – comprehensive and competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as a suite of programs to promote well-being including a $500 Wellness Reimbursement. A generous PTO offering, and hybrid Office/Remote Work Schedule are also offered to promote Work-Life balance.
• Career & Professional Development – on the job training, feedback, and on-going educational opportunities to continue your personal and professional development.
• Employee Engagement – office perks, discounts and employee events that go “beyond the traditional paycheck” to make you feel a part of the team and inspire you to elevate the Game!

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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