Creative Director (Hands on)

About the role

This role is designed for a hands-on leader who will oversee and manage the creative delivery for two distinct brands within a US-based investment firm. You will act as the main point of contact for stakeholders, ensuring smooth communication and coordination across project teams. Your responsibilities will include guiding the creative process from conception through execution, maintaining high standards of quality, and ensuring all deliverables are completed on time. This position requires a proactive individual who can operate independently, support strategic initiatives, and drive creative excellence. You will also be instrumental in implementing AI solutions to streamline workflows and improve overall productivity. The role offers an opportunity to lead in a dynamic environment, working closely with senior management and external vendors, while managing multiple priorities effectively.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Serve as the primary liaison for both brand principals, managing all requests, timelines, and updates to ensure alignment and satisfaction.
• Lead the entire creative process, from initial strategy development and briefing to execution, review, and final delivery, ensuring consistency and quality across all materials.
• Oversee the creation of various marketing collateral, including digital assets, website updates, webinars, presentations, and other promotional materials.
• Maintain rigorous quality control standards, reviewing all deliverables to ensure they are error-free, on-brand, and meet the company's standards.
• Manage the customer relationship management (CRM) system, monitor lead statuses, and analyze lead quality in collaboration with the fund principal to optimize marketing efforts.
• Implement AI-driven workflows and solutions to enhance production efficiency, automate repetitive tasks, and increase overall output beyond basic prompting.
• Provide regular updates on project progress, assist in strategic planning, and support the EVP in departmental initiatives to ensure alignment with broader organizational goals.
• Oversee external paid media vendors, including Meta Ads and Google Ads, ensuring lead quality and translating campaign performance data into actionable insights for continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure timely delivery of creative assets and marketing campaigns.
• Support the development of new creative strategies and initiatives to grow brand presence and engagement across target audiences.
• Maintain a proactive approach to problem-solving, troubleshooting issues as they arise, and adapting workflows to meet evolving project needs.
• Ensure compliance with all marketing regulations and approval processes, especially within regulated industries, maintaining documentation and audit trails.
• Foster a collaborative environment within the creative team, encouraging innovation, quality, and accountability.
• Support the onboarding and training of new team members or vendors as needed, sharing best practices and operational standards.
• Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to continuously improve creative output and operational efficiency.

Requirements

• Over 5 years of experience in a marketing agency leadership role, with a proven track record of managing client relationships and delivering complex, multi-disciplinary projects on schedule.
• Demonstrated ownership mentality, showing dedication, versatility, and a proactive approach to achieving results in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to design and implement practical AI workflows and systems that significantly increase personal and team productivity beyond basic prompting.
• At least 10 years of experience as a self-sufficient operator, capable of independent problem-solving, managing multiple priorities, and mastering relevant tools and platforms.
• A strong obsession with execution, with meticulous testing of processes to ensure agency-level quality and achievement of KPIs.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to provide regular, transparent updates, exercise discretion, and be available for occasional off-hours communication when necessary.
• Proficiency with CRM systems for status tracking, dashboards, pipeline management, and familiarity with regulated marketing approval processes.
• Valid passport allowing for up to 4 trips annually to the US, with the first trip scheduled for the first week of September.
• Reliable remote work setup, including high-speed internet, a suitable workspace, and necessary hardware.
• Strong command of written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate effectively with international stakeholders and vendors.

Nice to have

• Experience as an owner-operator of your own agency, which reflects the pace, scope, and entrepreneurial mindset required for this role.
• Background in marketing within regulated industries such as financial services, investment, real estate, or similar sectors.
• Ability to manage and coordinate two distinct brands and target different audiences simultaneously, demonstrating versatility and strategic thinking.
• Proficiency with HubSpot and/or Close CRM platforms, with practical experience running webinars or group programs via Zoom and Calendly.
• A calm, long-term perspective, maintaining composure under pressure, and avoiding drama or unnecessary conflict.
• Familiarity with compliance standards and approval processes relevant to regulated marketing environments.

Skills & tools

• CRM systems for tracking and managing leads and campaigns
• Zoom for virtual meetings and webinars
• Calendly for scheduling appointments and events
• HubSpot (preferred) for marketing automation and CRM management
• Close (preferred) for sales and customer relationship management
• Meta Ads for overseeing paid social media campaigns
• Google Ads for managing search engine marketing efforts

Practical notes

Travel to the US up to 4 times per year is required, with the initial trip scheduled for the first week of September. You will need a valid passport to facilitate these trips. A reliable remote work setup is essential, including high-speed internet, a dedicated workspace, and necessary hardware. The role operates on-site in Costa Rica, and the working hours are aligned with CST time zone. The position involves managing multiple projects simultaneously, requiring excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities. You will be expected to collaborate closely with internal teams, external vendors, and stakeholders across different regions. The role offers an exciting opportunity to lead creative initiatives within a dynamic environment, leveraging your expertise to drive growth and operational excellence.