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What does an Executive Creative Director do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 5 min read

An Executive Creative Director is responsible for the overall creative vision of a company or organization. They develop and oversee the execution of creative campaigns and projects, and work with other departments to ensure that the creative vision is executed flawlessly. They also manage a team of creatives, and are responsible for mentoring and developing their skills.

Executive Creative Director job duties include:

  • Overseeing the development and execution of creative concepts for advertising, marketing, and branding initiatives
  • Guiding and mentoring a team of creatives, including Art Directors, Copywriters, and designers
  • Working with clients to understand their business goals and objectives, and developing strategies to achieve them
  • Managing budgets and timelines for creative projects
  • Presenting concepts and campaigns to clients for approval
  • Collaborating with other members of the agency team, including account managers, strategists, and media planners
  • Overseeing the production process for campaigns, from initial concept through final delivery
  • Negotiating contracts with outside vendors for production services
  • Monitoring industry trends and keeping up with current best practices in creative design and execution

Executive Creative Director Job Requirements

An Executive Creative Director typically has a bachelor's degree in advertising, marketing, or a related field. Many have master's degrees or other advanced degrees. Certification is not required, but many Executive Creative Directors are certified through the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's) or the International Academy of Visual Arts (IAVA). Executive Creative Directors must have extensive experience in advertising and marketing, and many have worked their way up through the ranks of an agency. They must be able to lead and inspire a team of creatives, and be able to think outside the box to come up with innovative campaigns that will capture the attention of consumers.

Executive Creative Director Skills

  • Strategic thinker
  • Big-picture oriented
  • Excellent communicator
  • Passionate about their work
  • Great motivator
  • Confident
  • Organized
  • Persistent
  • Resourceful
  • Delegator
  • Visionary

Related: Top Executive Creative Director Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Executive Creative Director

The role of an Executive Creative Director (ECD) is to lead a team of creatives in developing advertising and marketing campaigns. As an ECD, you will be responsible for the overall creative vision and execution of campaigns. To become an ECD, you will need to have a strong portfolio of work that demonstrates your creative abilities. In addition, you will need to have several years of experience working in advertising or marketing. If you are interested in becoming an ECD, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success.

First, it is important to develop a strong portfolio that showcases your creativity. Your portfolio should include a variety of work, such as print ads, television commercials, and digital campaigns. In addition, your portfolio should demonstrate your ability to lead a team and execute a campaign from start to finish.

Second, you should consider pursuing a degree in advertising or marketing. A degree will give you the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field. In addition, many employers prefer candidates who have a degree in advertising or marketing.

Third, you should gain experience working in advertising or marketing. This experience can be gained through internships, entry-level jobs, or by working on freelance projects. By gaining experience, you will learn the ins and outs of the industry and build a network of contacts.

Fourth, you should create a strong personal brand. Your personal brand is what sets you apart from other candidates and makes you more attractive to potential employers. To build your personal brand, create a professional website and social media accounts. Use these platforms to showcase your work and connect with others in the industry.

If you follow these tips, you will be on your way to becoming an Executive Creative Director. Remember that it takes hard work and dedication to succeed in this competitive field. However, if you are passionate about creativity and have the drive to succeed, you can make it as an ECD.

Related: Executive Creative Director Resume Example

Related: Executive Creative Director Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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