Associate Director of Creative

The role

The Associate Director of Creative will define and lead the creative vision, strategy, and execution standards for live events, meetings, and experiential programs. This person will manage their own book of business while supporting and leading a national team of creative leaders.

What you will do

• Define and lead the creative vision for live events, meetings, and experiential programs
• Ensure creative strategies are rooted in physical event production and guest experience
• Establish standards for immersive environments, staging, and program design
• Oversee the creative direction of high-value, complex event proposals
• Partner with Sales and Events to align on scope, feasibility, and pricing
• Serve as the executive bridge between Creative, Sales, and Event Operations
• Lead the national strategy for event-focused creative partners
• Lead and develop a national team of creative leaders
• Lead long-term creative strategy to support revenue growth and client retention
• Establish systems and processes for efficient, scalable development of live event programs

Required qualifications

• Comfortable traveling throughout the territory as needed

Nice to have

• 5+ years of proven success in a creative-focused role in a DMC or related industry
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in the DMC or hospitality industry
• Advanced understanding of client strategy, creative leadership, and operational impact
• Proven ability to mentor, coach, and manage Creative team workloads, training, and KPI performance
• Strong financial and pricing strategy capabilities, including budgeting, vendor negotiations, and profitability management
• Ability to lead teams through innovation, brand alignment, and creative excellence
• Experience collaborating with Sales, Events, and vendor partners to develop creative solutions
• Familiarity with Salesforce, creative presentation tools, and event design platforms
• A collaborative, culture-driven leadership style aligned with Access Values

Benefits

• 401k with company match (up to 4% of salary matched, vested immediately after 1 year)
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Work from home opportunities and flexibility
• Flexible schedule opportunities
• Generous PTO
• Sick days
• 9 full holidays
• 5 half days off prior to holidays
• 2 floating holidays
• 1/2 day Fridays in July & August (based on achievement of goals)
• Extensive menu of health plans
• Paid parental leave

About the company

Access is a women-owned and women-led destination management company that collaborates with clients to design and execute corporate events and programs.