Position: Executive Creative Director
Department: Creative Services
Reporting to: Chief Marketing Officer
Location: Topeka, KS - Onsite
Overview:
We're
Advisors Excel - and our in-house creative team is where innovation, strategy, and storytelling collide to power the success of independent financial advisors across the country. Our work isn't just creative for creativity's sake - it's purposeful, people-focused, and results-driven. From brand identities and video to digital experiences and national campaigns, we build meaningful connections between our advisors and their audiences.
We're looking for an
Executive Creative Director to lead that charge.
This is a high-impact leadership role - ideal for a visionary with creative firepower and a sharp eye for strategy. You'll guide a talented team of 50+ creatives across design, video, and strategic communications. You'll serve as a champion of big ideas, an advocate for bold thinking, and a mentor who brings out the best in others. This role reports directly to our CMO and partners closely with leaders across marketing, sales, and client service.
You'll shape the future of our creative work - and in turn, shape the future of our advisors' businesses.
What you'll do:
Creative Leadership & Team Development
- Lead the creative direction across design, video and strategic communications teams to produce targeted, high-impact marketing work.
- Mentor and develop a multidisciplinary team - including Art Directors, Designers, Copywriters, and Video Producers - with a focus on growth, collaboration, and career progression.
- Partner with Art Directors to implement scalable creative structures and workflows that support efficiency without sacrificing originality.
- Champion a collaborative, feedback-rich environment where breakthrough ideas can thrive.
- Identify and grow creative talent while keeping a pulse on emerging trends in design, tech, and culture.
- Be a consistent presence in creative reviews, brainstorms, team moments, and major milestones.
Creative Strategy
- Guide and evolve the AE brand voice and visual identity to remain fresh, relevant, and impactful.
- Ensure every touchpoint reflects the heart of AE's mission: helping financial advisors build extraordinary businesses and lives.
- Elevate the work by asking the right questions, challenging assumptions, and helping shape the best possible version of an idea.
- Collaborate across AE divisions to ensure creative solutions are not only visually impactful but strategically aligned and results-driven.
- Proactively identify and resolve challenges with a solutions-first mindset that supports the best outcomes for clients, the company, and our team.
Client Relationships & Strategy
- Champion the development of original, compelling creative concepts that reflect each client's unique brand and story.
- Build trusted relationships with internal partners and our financial advisors, bringing strategic insight and creative solutions to the table.
- Translate complex business goals into simple, meaningful creative strategies that move audiences to action.
- Confidently present and pitch creative work at all levels - from internal stakeholders to top advisors and their teams.
- Partner with strategy, account management, and project coordination leads to create briefs, timelines, and plans that support outstanding work.
Experience you'll bring:
- 10+ years of experience in a marketing or creative role, either in an ad agency or corporate environment
- 5+ years of proven experience leading and developing high-performing creative teams
- Solid understanding of customer experience strategy, brand management, marketing, advertising, and e-commerce
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to turn data into actionable creative insights
- A strong portfolio of cross-platform work that reflects your ability to lead conceptually and execute flawlessly
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead discussions, influence stakeholders, and guide teams through complex projects
- Passion for mentoring creative talent and building teams that thrive on collaboration and shared purpose
- Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while maintaining a high standard of quality and composure under pressure
Bonus Points:
- Bachelor's degree in a creative field, marketing, or related discipline
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong understanding of design tools and workflows
- Experience working within the financial services industry
What you'll get:
- Amazing benefits including medical, dental, vision and 401k (with matching options)
- Generous PTO package from your start date
- Access to an on-site cafe, gym and primary care
- Continuous personal and professional development opportunities
- Recognition for hard work & exemplary performance
- Employee sponsored events...and more!
Who We Are:
Advisors Excel is a fast paced, innovative company that seeks to service independent financial advisors in a multitude of areas within their business. From operational functions to sales and marketing, our end goal is to help continually grow advisors' businesses nationwide. We thrive on watching them succeed. Not only does AE want to see the success of our advisors, but also our employees. We have high expectations from them to continually move our business forward. We are on the hunt for positive people who thrive on hard work and in a collaborative team environment. If this sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? We want you to join our team!
Advisors Excel is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Everyone is welcome here - as an inclusive workplace, our employees are always comfortable bringing their true selves to our offices daily.
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Advisors Excel
401(k)
Jun 03, 2025