Creative Director, Interactive

Sparks is a live + digital brand experience agency. We specialize in creating connection–-real human connection–-onsite, online or anywhere. Through a mix of sound strategy, breakthrough creative and flawless execution, we create memorable trade show exhibits, live and virtual events, brand activations, retail stores, corporate environments and other immersive experiences that deepen relationships, inspire action, and build trust--and we do it all over the world.

We operate an open and inclusive culture where all recognize, respect, appreciate and encourage individuality regardless of race, gender, age, religion, culture, ideology, economic status, disability or sexual orientation. We believe that everyone at all levels of our organization is accountable for building this culture and we are challenging ourselves daily to seek and build diversity and equality in any way that we can–and we welcome your ideas to do so.

We are looking for an Interactive Creative Director to join our Interactive Technology team that has extensive experience in digital design and creative technology for live events, and brings demonstrated success and a strong portfolio of distinguished, built projects. A successful candidate has deep knowledge of UI/UX best practices, design trends, interactive technologies, and demonstrative knowledge of the intricacies of designing for the physically built environment. Are you a top notch interactive creative leader with a passion for translating brand essence into stunning experiences?

Position Overview:

The Sparks Creative Director, Interactive leads projects within the Creative Technology team, working with Interactive Producers and Developers, as well as 3D Creative Directors account teams to realize and direct cutting-edge digital experiences that connect audiences with our client brands at live events.

Responsibilities:

• Guide design teams by developing concise creative direction from client and account team inputs
• Lead projects, provide direction, and manage and mentor designers to help them develop their skills and deliver their best work
• Oversee creative ideation, design development, QA and onsite deployment, with support from the Interactive Producer
• Create and prepare various presentation documents and deliver concepts to clients
• Research, specify and advise on equipment and technology, consulting with key partners and internal project managers
• Deliver design solutions that meet client briefs and satisfy budgetary and schedule constraints
• Support the growth of the Creative Technology team through recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new design talent
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• BA/BFA in Graphic design or related field required
• 10+ years professional experience at a creative agency or in house creative team
• Outstanding design sensibility demonstrated through design portfolio with a focus on physical built environments
• Experience with building, managing, mentoring, and guiding creative design teams
• Strong working knowledge of diverse creative and technical disciplines from interactive designers to technology and development to 3D and 2D designers
• Expertise in creating live interactive experiences
• Possess deep knowledge of UI/UX best practices, design trends, and interactive technologies
• Expertise in Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD) and Figma
• Experience with Prototyping tools within XD and Figma
• Familiarity leveraging generative AI tools in creative process (Midjourney, Firefly, ChatGPT)
• Experience with HTML, CSS, Processing, Unity 3d, Sketch-up, or After Effects a plus
• Proficiency in Google docs and Microsoft Office
• Strong attention to detail, a positive attitude, and a team player
• Ability to operate within a fast-paced, deadline driven environment
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills

Think you’ve got what it takes to hang with us?

We’ve built our reputation on creating awesome experiences for our clients, but equally important is the experience we create for our people. Yes, we work hard. But we also make it a point to have fun. And we find our people work that much harder when work doesn’t feel so much like, well, work. If you share our mindset, we should chat.

We’ve always got our eyes peeled for smart, hungry people who think that what we do isn’t so much a job as it is a way of life. And while any company can supply stuff like benefits (and, of course we do too!) our greatest benefit comes from the amazing people you’ll interact with daily, who will challenge and push you to think harder, be more creative and love what you do.

Sparks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.