Creative Director

About the Project:  

Enhancing the DFS information flow through innovative channels, is a three-year Bill and Melinda Gates foundation funded project aiming to increase the understanding and usage of digital financial services (DFS) in Ethiopia, with an ultimate objective to facilitate financial inclusion, particularly in underserved rural areas, by harnessing digital technologies. The project focuses on developing a unified knowledge base, supporting the provision of relevant DFS to end users, and fostering trust in the use of DFS in rural and semi-rural populations. 

The project has three workstreams:

1. Create a comprehensive knowledge base for DFS institutions, decision makers, enablers, and end users: The project will construct a reliable data portal about the financial sector and digital financial ecosystem in Ethiopia. This will provide easy access for finance professionals, investors, media, and others to make informed decisions about the sector. The initiative will also work on defining and popularizing key sector concepts and terms in local languages to increase trust and usage of DFS platforms.
2.   Support adequate provision of relevant digital financial services to end users: The project aims to fill gaps, synthesize recommendations, and share findings that highlight market opportunities. This involves creating content and insights that include studies, infographics, gap assessments, and use cases, with a particular emphasis on including underserved demographics, particularly women and those with low income in rural and semi-rural areas.
3. Build trust in the rural and semi-rural population about using digital financial services: The project will work on dispelling misunderstandings, mistrusts, and cultural aversions to DFS by providing consumer education. This involves highlighting the process, demonstrating how digital finance can benefit end users, and providing guidance on how they can use DFS. The focus will be on semi-rural areas or those close to them to reach a more congregated section of the population integrated into commerce.

Job Summary:  

A Creative Director is an advertising professional who is in charge of a company’s advertising and marketing efforts. They position holder plans out advertisements, monitor campaigns that use their company’s assets for promotion purposes and revise presentations as needed along with shaping brand standards.

Mission

The mission of the Creative Director at the company is to drive the vision and execution of immersive and impactful brand experiences through the seamless integration of creativity, strategy, and innovation. By leading the creative team and collaborating closely with clients, the Creative Director will inspire, guide, and elevate the development of innovative marketing campaigns, brand identities, and communication strategies that captivate audiences and push the boundaries of storytelling in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing and communication.

Outcomes:

1. Strategic Creative Leadership: Provide visionary leadership to the creative team, fostering an environment that encourages bold thinking, innovation, and the development of cutting-edge ideas.

2. Innovative Branding and Communication: Spearhead the creation of compelling brand identities, promotional campaigns, and marketing communications that resonate with audiences, drive recognition, and differentiate clients in their respective markets.

3. Market Insights and Trends: Stay at the forefront of industry trends, emerging technologies, and new marketing techniques, leveraging insights to inform creative strategies and elevate brand experiences.

4. Exceptional Client Support: Collaborate closely with clients to understand their unique requirements, respond to questions, resolve issues, and create tailored marketing plans that exceed expectations.

5. Efficient Project Management: Oversee the daily workflow of the creative department, assigning project workloads, monitoring deadlines, and ensuring projects stay within budget while maintaining the highest standards of quality.

6. Strategic Brand Development: Shape and maintain brand standards, ensuring all products and campaigns align with the established brand identity and communicate a consistent message.

7. Compelling Copy and Visuals: Develop exceptional copywriting and produce visually stimulating proposals, utilizing design software and creative techniques to produce captivating and engaging materials.

8. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including designers, marketers, and data analysts, to ensure seamless execution of integrated campaigns and strategies.

9. Workflow Optimization: Design and implement efficient workflow processes for animation, graphics, and other deliverables, streamlining creative production and enhancing productivity.

Competencies:

1. Creative Vision: Demonstrated ability to envision and translate abstract concepts into captivating visual and written narratives that resonate with audiences.

2. Brand Expertise: Profound understanding of branding principles, visual identity, and messaging, with a track record of creating and evolving successful brand strategies.

3. Multimedia Proficiency: Expertise in design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and multimedia tools, enabling the creation of impactful visual and written content.

4. Strategic Leadership: Outstanding leadership skills, with the capacity to inspire and guide creative teams, cultivate innovation, and drive the development of breakthrough ideas.

5. Client-Centric Approach: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish and nurture client relationships, understand their needs, and deliver exceptional solutions.

6. Project Management: Skill in managing complex projects, allocating resources effectively, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.

7. Innovation and Adaptability: Willingness to embrace and drive change, explore new technologies, and adapt strategies to evolving market trends and client needs.

8. Collaborative Spirit: Capacity to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, facilitating a harmonious work environment and driving the successful execution of integrated campaigns.

9. Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze data, insights, and market trends to inform creative strategies and make data-driven decisions.

10. Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail when overseeing creative projects, ensuring quality, accuracy, and alignment with brand standards

Main duties and responsibilities:  

• Working with the brand team to produce new ideas for company branding, promotional campaigns, and marketing communications. 
• Evaluating trends, assessing new data, and keeping up to date with the latest marketing techniques. 

• Assisting clients in resolving issues by responding to questions in a timely and professional manner. 
• Creating and implementing tailored marketing plans based on individual client requirements. 
• Directing brainstorming meetings and creative sessions. 
• Shaping brand standards and creating procedures to ensure all products are brand appropriate. 
• Supervising the department's daily workflow, assigning project workloads, and monitoring deadlines and budgets. 

• Developing exceptional and well-crafted copy that meet clients’ requirements. 
• Deliver clear, concise copywriting, manage messaging for company as corporate direction and strategies change, and grow into new markets. 
• Produce visually stimulating proposals that include custom logos, floor plans, videos and PowerPoint. 
• Manage copywriting and serve as lead copywriter on various projects from conception to execution. 
• Help design and implement workflow processes for animation and graphic deliverables. 

Benefits:

Position Requirements:

• Proven experience as a creative director or in a similar creative role
• Hand-on experience in creative process, marketing, graphic design, and brand development
• Excellent working knowledge of software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign etc.

• Outstanding leadership and organization skills
• Exemplary interpersonal and analytical abilities
• BSc/BA in advertising, fine art, design, or relevant field; MSc/MA will be considered an asset.