Associate Director – Creative

Access

. Define and lead the creative vision for live events, meetings, and experiential programs across all markets .

Posted 10/16/2026full-timeRemote • Arizona • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading creative vision for live events and experiential programs, with a strong focus on guest experience, operational efficiency, and team leadership. Proven ability to drive innovation and align event concepts with market trends and logistical capabilities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Creative Vision LeadershipEvent Production ManagementSales Team LeadershipRelationship BuildingBudget Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Event DesignExperiential StorytellingSpatial Layout DevelopmentKPI AchievementNegotiation Skills

Soft Skills

Proactive MindsetCustomer Service OrientationEffective CommunicationTeam MentorshipAdaptability

Tools & Technologies

SalesforceSocial TablesCanvaAI ProductsDiagramming Software

Industry Keywords

Destination Management CompanyHospitalityLive EventsExperiential DesignEvent Operations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and lead the creative vision for live events, meetings, and experiential programs across all markets
Establish standards for immersive environments, staging, entertainment, guest flow, and multi-day program design
Drive innovation in event formats, environments, and experiential storytelling
Translate industry trends and cultural insights into real-world event applications
Oversee creative direction of high-value, complex event proposals
Develop guest experience narratives, spatial layouts, and experiential moments
Partner with Sales and Events on scope, feasibility, and pricing
Serve as the executive bridge between Creative, Sales, and Event Operations
Align concepts with venue capabilities, production timelines, labor, logistics, safety, guest flow, budgets, and operational delivery
Lead the national strategy for production, entertainment, fabrication, and technical creative partners
Partner with Procurement and Finance on partner strategy and financial performance
Lead and develop a national team of creative leaders
Mentor Associate Directors and senior leaders
Implement training programs in event production, logistics, and experiential design
Build a leadership pipeline for complex, high-value live programs
Lead long-term creative strategy supporting revenue growth, client retention, and market differentiation
Establish systems and processes for efficient, scalable live event programs
Lead capacity planning and resource allocation across markets
Drive consistency in tools, workflows, and creative systems
Champion continuous improvement in designing, selling, and executing live experiences
Manage a personal book of business while supporting and leading a team

Requirements

What you’ll need

7+ years of creative experience in a DMC or related industry such as hospitality or events
Comfort with Salesforce and understanding of its reporting features
Verifiable knowledge and relationships in the specific, local destination
Successful negotiation and relationship-building skills
At least 3 years’ experience leading high-performing sales teams and achieving KPI targets
Strong experience with Social Tables, Canva, AI products, and diagramming
Proactive, solution-oriented mindset
Excellent customer service orientation and passion for hospitality and special events
Ability to communicate effectively and build positive internal and external relationships
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment while meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations
Candidates must be based in or open to relocating to the required market
Ability to travel throughout the territory as needed
Legal authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
Creative portfolio or project samples requested

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual and quarterly awards
Paid day off to serve your local community
Annual all-company retreat
Annual qualifier-based incentive trip for top performers (certain departments eligible)
Regional team outings
Monthly companywide meetings
Strong base salary
Quarterly bonuses
Performance-based quarterly commission plans
401k with company match (eligible after 1 year; up to 4% of salary matched, vested immediately)
Monthly cell phone stipend
Work from home opportunities and flexibility, including full home office setup
Flexible schedule opportunities
Generous PTO
Sick days
9 full holidays
5 half days off prior to holidays
2 floating holidays
½ day Fridays in July & August (based on achievement of goals)
Extensive menu of health plans
Paid parental leave
Pet insurance program
Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
Mentorship program
“Masterclasses” in industry/department-specific topics
State-of-the-art technology platforms and tools, including training
Annual and monthly meeting content focused on professional development