Director of Creative Operations

Overview

Marketing and creative development is exciting when you see the work going viral across social, or on broadcast during huge media events, or from the stage when the team gathers to collect shiny objects at award shows. But to get to that great work there has to be a great foundation. A platform of process, grit, creative and strategic problem-solving, budget, efficiency and team management, and even some informal therapy sessions. We’re talking about Creative Operations, and it’s the backbone of any successful creative agency.

We need someone to lead this team. Operations is part of the NEXT Creative Studio, a 150+ team of award-winning creative zealots, gurus and pirates committed to delivering best-in-class work for our public-sector clients. You’ll be inspired by the team and love the culture, but we need your help making sure we meet the changing markets with fidelity, speed, quality and striking execution. On an enterprise level you’ll make sure we build not just a great portfolio, but a strong business geared for growth and scale.

If this sounds good, we’d love to chat. Show us how you’ve done this before at a large marketing or advertising agency. Talk about the problems you’ve solved that are specific to large teams, big clients and budgets, and a crazy amount of deliverables. Demonstrate how you and your team are the “glue” sitting at the center of it all – getting the best out the account, creative and client's teams as a kind of show-runner. Looking forward to the conversation!

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning and Execution: Develop and implement operational plans that align with the NEXT/client strategic goals, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness. You can see down the road and strategize solving problems before they become critical.
• Financial Management: Oversee budgets, financial reports, and cost-cutting measures to maintain financial efficiency and profitability.
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement improvements to internal processes and workflows to optimize productivity and reduce costs. AI will factor heavily into your toolbox. Additionally, intake is a huge lift here, Studio processes 7000 creative task requests annually.
• Client Service: Ensure client satisfaction and build strong relationships with key stakeholders. You will be client-facing for internal and external clients.
• Staff Management: Lead and mentor team members, set performance expectations, and provide feedback to improve team performance. Your reach in this goes beyond your teams, you’re coaching everyone to their best work.
• Operations Leadership: Oversee the smooth running of day-to-day operations, ensuring all departments are functioning effectively. You will directly supervise a core team of 20+ people.
• Data Analysis: Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement and measure the success of initiatives.
• Policy and Procedure Development: Develop and implement policies and procedures that promote efficiency, quality-control, and compliance.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential risks to the agency's operations. The DAM, AI use, copyright and trademark use, version control and licensing are all areas you should be familiar with and help navigate.

Required Qualifications:

• 15+ years of experience leading Operations at a large marketing or Advertising agency.
• 15+ years of experience producing creative across media – social, print, digital, OOH, experiential.
• 15+ years of experience in finance - utilization, budgeting, forecasting, and profitability.

Professional Skills:

Strong Leadership and Management Skills

• The ability to motivate and guide a team, delegate tasks effectively, and foster a positive work environment.

Excellent communication and Interpersonal Skills

• The ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all levels of the organization, including clients and partners.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills:

• The ability to analyze data, identify problems, and develop solutions.

Proficiency in financial management and budgeting:

• The ability to develop and manage budgets, track financial performance, and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Experience in process improvement and automation:

• The ability to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions to optimize workflows.

Knowledge of agency operations:

• Understanding of the various functions and processes within a branding agency.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Software Knowledge: Experience with Microsoft Office, Mural, and other agency comms applications, as well as the modern tech stack for creative teams like Adobe Creative Suite and emerging AI apps
• Command Metrics and Standards: Establish quantitative and qualitative metrics to evaluate efficiency and effectiveness.
• Be able to implement Process Improvement: Review and analyze business procedures, implementing changes to improve daily operations.
• Command Budgets and Cost Management: Plan, direct, control, implement, evaluate, and forecast budgets and cost of sales.
• Be excellent at Communication: Communicate new directives, policies, or procedures to managers and staff.
• Be excellent at Client Service: Improve customer service and satisfaction through policy and procedural changes.
• Be able to lead Coordination: Lead coordination and integration of efforts among different departments to create smoother workflows.
• Excel at Employee Relations and teambuilding: Ensure a positive work environment and project a positive image of the organization.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

 

 

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$130,603.00 - $222,024.00

Nationwide Remote Office (US99)