Executive Creative Director

Active Theory is seeking an outward-facing, growth-minded Executive Creative Director (ECD) to help drive the business into its next chapter. The role is an entrepreneurial storyteller, natural pitcher, and relationship-builder driven to win high-level US clients. Location: The Americas (Remote). Timezone: West coast is preferred; East coast acceptable if west coast hours can be observed when needed and travel is feasible. Reports to: CEO.

Responsibilities

Partner with peer leadership to shape and evolve Active Theory's creative vision and market positioning; Maintain a high bar for creative quality across all projects you pitch and win; Provide creative oversight and feedback to designers across multiple teams; Participate in internal reviews, critiques, and creative forums; Ensure pitch visions are translated smoothly to production; Contribute to studio-wide creative initiatives, experimentation, and thought leadership; Serve as Executive Creative Director and project lead on assigned client work, from concept through pitch to launch; Own the overarching creative vision, narrative, and strategic direction across projects; Lead creative discovery, ideation, initial design direction, and reviews; Be hands-on when needed during critical pitch phases; Present work and creative rationale to senior client stakeholders; Partner closely with internal production and development leads to balance creative ambition with scope, timelines, and budget; Act as the primary outward-facing Creative Lead for clients; Establish trusted client relationships; Lead pitches, concept presentations, and creative strategy discussions to win high-level US accounts; Provide creative leadership and client management in partnership with production and account leads; Mentor Creative department members; Participate in hiring by reviewing portfolios, interviewing candidates, and defining role expectations; Inspire and align the North American Creative Team around growth and bold creative standards; Represent Active Theory externally through public speaking, events, talks, and industry presence

Requirements

15+ years of experience in digital design/creative production, ideally within a creative or digital agency or as an independent studio founder/consultant; Proven experience leading large-scale, highly interactive projects from concept to launch; Strong conceptual thinking paired with excellent visual and design craft; Strong design sensibility to direct the work; familiarity with modern design tools (like Figma) is expected for tactical agility; Strong understanding of IRL brand experiences, their value to clients and how they live within marketing ecosystems; Excellent presentation, communication, and storytelling skills, with a proven track record of commanding a room and winning new business; Ability to lead teams with clarity, empathy, and confidence; Comfortable balancing creative ambition with practical constraints