Manager, Creative & Design

solidcore · Arlington, Virginia · 2 months ago

Work mode: Hybrid
Seniority: Lead
Category: Design
Experience: 2+ years

ai canva figma illustrator indesign motion-design photoshop premiere-pro video-editing

We are looking for a Manager, Creative & Design to drive creative execution and shape the visual direction of [solidcore] across all channels. You are both a creative leader and a strategic operator. You will help drive the creative content strategy and roadmap, own the brand's visual identity, build the systems that enable speed and consistency, and ensure every asset produced is rooted in a clear content plan that advances the brand. You will partner closely with Content and Brand Marketing team leads to keep creative and content aligned - from brief through delivery.

This role reports to the Director of Content and directly manages the Coordinator, Creative & Design.

Key Responsibilities:

Creative Leadership & Execution

Lead design execution from brief through final delivery across all formats and channels: including social, email, digital ads, print and in-studio signage, website, activation materials, and presentation decks
Own and evolve the [solidcore] visual identity, serving as the internal authority on brand standards, creative guidelines, and design systems following the "Stronger for it" brand platform launch
Execute design work, maintaining brand consistency and quality across all materials
In partnership with the Coordinator, drive and execute the creative vision for campaigns, programs and key brand moments
Develop and maintain a scalable design process and system that enables speed and brand consistency across all channels and teams

Content Strategy & Planning

In partnership with the Director, support the creative content strategy and roadmap across the [solidcore] brand ecosystem: ensuring design and visual assets fuel a cohesive, omnichannel client experience across paid, owned and earned channels
Support in development of integrated content matrices in partnership with the Director and channel leads, identifying all content creation needs and translating brand strategy into clear design direction
Act as a thought leader within the Content team, sharing learnings and optimizations and conducting competitive landscape research to identify emerging content formats, consumer behaviors, and visual trends, communicating findings
Establish and socialize best practices for creative content production, including briefing standards, approval workflows, and output requirements by channel
Audit creative output against content objectives and channel performance; iterate and optimize the production process accordingly

Creative Process & Ops Systems

Build and manage briefing, intake, and project management systems that create clarity and prioritization across the team and organization
Lead the management of creative requests from across the business - tracking, prioritizing, setting deadlines, and communicating proactively with cross-functional partners
Serve as the embedded design partner for cross-functional teams
In partnership with Brand Marketing, lead creative reviews with senior stakeholders, presenting work confidently and incorporating feedback constructively

Team Leadership

Directly manage and mentor the Coordinator, Creative & Design - providing creative direction, ongoing feedback, and a growth structure built to scale as creative needs expand
In partnership with the Director, proactively identify and explore new technology solutions, including AI tools, to accelerate design and creative output and keep the team at the leading edge
Champion a culture of craft, speed, and continuous improvement within the creative function

Qualifications:

Required

6-9 years of design experience, with at least 2 years in a senior or lead role on an in-house brand or content team
Demonstrated experience owning brand identity and creative direction across multiple channels simultaneously
Proven ability to operate at the intersection of creative and content strategy — not just executing against a brief, but helping define what needs to exist and why
Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects) and Figma
Strong motion design and video editing skills — able to independently produce short-form social and paid media content
Experience managing creative operations: briefing systems, content calendars, project intake, asset management, and cross-functional workflows
Proven ability to manage up and influence without authority — comfortable presenting to senior leaders and navigating stakeholder feedback
Data-aware mindset: comfortable using performance insights to inform and evolve creative strategy

Preferred

BFA or equivalent in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or related field
Experience in a consumer brand, retail, fitness, or lifestyle company
Experience managing or mentoring junior talent
Familiarity with Canva for template creation and field team enablement
Experience working with or exploring AI tools for design and content acceleration

Compensation and Benefits:

Competitive salary of $85,522 to $97,282, based on experience
Bonus eligibility based on performance
Monthly cell phone stipend
401(k) with employer match
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Paid parental leave and parental pay benefits
Free telehealth services
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Pre-tax commuter benefits
Flexible PTO
Free drop-in classes at [solidcore]
And more!

[solidcore] is a national boutique fitness company with 100+ studios across the country. Our signature workout is 50 minutes of low-impact, high-intensity strength training: the lights are low and the music is loud. The coach guides the class through a series of slow & controlled movements that are sequenced to work muscles to failure. This class is accessible for all fitness levels and can be amplified or modified to accommodate individual goals. Class is as intense as our reviews suggest, but our instructors go above and beyond to provide a welcoming, supportive, empowering, and challenging experience for all. Please visit our website here to read more about our mission.

[solidcore] is firmly committed to social justice and promoting a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. You can click here to find out more about the actions we are taking to promote a more diverse and inclusive space for both our clients and our internal team.

[solidcore] is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. [solidcore] makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Key Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Compensation and Benefits:

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