Head of Creative

Something Special Studios · New York City · $200,000–$250,000 (stated in the posting)

Something Special Studios (SSS) is an independent creative agency designing experiences, identities, and campaigns for some of the world's most ambitious brands. Our work spans strategy, immersive experiences, retail design, branding, campaigns, and content.

The Role

The Head of Creative is responsible for leading the development of bold, culturally relevant ideas and visual executions that define Something Special Studios' work.

Working in close partnership with Creative Strategy, Spatial Design, Visual Design, and Production, they transform insight into compelling creative platforms, ensuring every idea is strategically grounded, emotionally resonant, and executable.

As a senior creative leader, they guide multidisciplinary teams from briefing through delivery, shaping integrated experiences that connect brands with people in meaningful ways. They are equally comfortable leading ideation sessions, presenting to senior clients, mentoring creative talent and driving the creative direction of new business opportunities.

This role sits alongside the Heads of Strategy, Design, Spatial, Account and Production, partnering closely across disciplines to create exceptional work.

Responsibilities

Creative Leadership

Lead the creative development of integrated campaigns and brand experiences from brief through execution.
Translate strategic insight into compelling creative platforms, narratives and experience concepts.
Shape the overall creative direction of projects while ensuring ideas remain achievable within budget, timeline and production realities.
Champion work that is culturally relevant, strategically sound and creatively ambitious.
Ensure creative integrity is maintained throughout every stage of project delivery.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

Partner with the Head of Strategy to transform insight, strategic narratives, and big ideas into powerful creative opportunities.
Collaborate with the Head of Design to evolve visual identities and creative expression.
Work closely with the Head of Spatial to ensure ideas are translated into memorable physical experiences.
Partner with Production to ensure concepts are innovative, practical and executable.
Foster a collaborative environment where each discipline contributes its expertise to create stronger work.

Client Leadership

Build trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders.
Lead creative presentations, workshops and concept development sessions.
Clearly articulate creative thinking and respond confidently to feedback.
Act as a senior creative partner throughout the lifecycle of a project.
Help clients identify opportunities beyond the immediate brief.

New Business

Lead the creative development of pitches and business development opportunities.
Collaborate with Strategy and Client Services to develop compelling responses to client briefs.
Present creative work with confidence and clarity.
Contribute to the studio's reputation through ambitious thinking and standout creative ideas.
Support business growth by helping convert opportunities into long-term partnerships.

Team Leadership

Inspire, mentor and support multidisciplinary creative teams throughout projects.
Provide clear, constructive creative feedback that elevates the quality of work.
Encourage curiosity, collaboration and experimentation.
Help develop emerging creative talent through coaching and mentorship.
Foster an inclusive and supportive creative culture.

Creative Excellence

Maintain an awareness of emerging cultural movements, technology, design and experiential trends.
Champion innovative thinking across the studio.
Encourage work that pushes creative boundaries while remaining strategically purposeful.
Promote a culture of continual learning and creative inspiration.

Experience

10+ years in creative leadership roles within experiential, integrated or creative agencies.
Proven experience developing integrated creative concepts from strategy through execution.
Strong portfolio demonstrating original thinking across brand experiences, campaigns and activations.
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and collaborating across strategy, design and production.
Excellent presentation and storytelling skills.
Experience leading pitches and presenting to senior stakeholders.

Salary Range

$200,000 - $250,000 annually. Salary for the prospective employee is determined by a combination of factors that include qualifications, applicable skills, relevant experience and other budgetary considerations such as location/geography.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health coverage– Medical, dental and vision insurance, plus HSA and FSA options.
401(k) with company contribution– 3% Safe Harbor contribution after six months of service, whether or not you contribute yourself.
Company-paid life insurance– Basic Life and AD&D coverage included, with the option to purchase additional coverage.
Generous paid time off– 15 days PTO in addition to Holiday Closures
Summer Fridays – Up to four Fridays off between Memorial Day and Labor Day, subject to workload.
Flexible sick leave
Hybrid working– 4 Days in Office / 1 Remote
Generous Employee Referral bonuses
Yearly profit sharing program
Employee & Company Performance-based bonus

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