Creative Director

Start Proud aims to connect LGBTQ+ students with employers, while promoting the development of LGBTQ+ professionals, and celebrating the achievements and service of those in the community.

We facilitate the professional development of LGBTQ+ students as they transition from school to career in order to build a national network within the community. Our vision is to empower members of the LGBTQ+ community to be Canada’s leaders of tomorrow, where all institutions embrace inclusiveness within the workplace and diversity within the workforce.

The Creative Director will lead and inspire our graphic design associates to craft compelling visual and narrative content that reflects our mission and engages supporters. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic thinker and creative leader who thrives in a purpose-driven environment. The Creative Director will oversee all aspects of our brand identity, including design, communications, campaigns, and digital content. 

Creative Strategy & Vision

• Lead the development and execution of the organization’s creative vision, including in collaboration with the internal operations portfolio, ensuring consistency and alignment with our mission, values, and goals. Identify innovative ways to elevate our brand and messaging to deepen engagement. 

• Brand Management: Oversee the organization’s visual identity, ensuring that all creative outputs (e.g., marketing materials, digital content, print collateral) reflect our brand consistently and authentically. 

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor a creative team (designers, writers, photographers, etc.), fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. Build a creative culture that values experimentation and creativity while maintaining focus on the mission. 

Campaign & Content Development

• Conceptualize and direct the creative development of integrated campaigns across paid, earned and owned platforms. Collaborate with the function and initiative teams to create compelling content, ensuring it is emotionally resonant, impactful, and speaks to diverse communities. 

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Work with external partners as needed to bring in additional expertise. Serve as the primary creative liaison for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that creative assets meet organizational needs while adhering to deadlines and budget. 

Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

• Track and assess the effectiveness of creative strategies and campaigns, providing recommendations for continuous improvement. Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. 

Experience

• Strong portfolio demonstrating a range of creative work, from digital and social media content to print materials and video production

• Experience in a creative role; brand strategy and storytelling are a plus

Skills & Competencies

• Expertise in design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, etc.)

• Solid understanding of marketing principles and how creativity can be leveraged to drive engagement and results

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate and sell creative ideas to diverse audiences

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and collaborate with cross-functional teams

• Passion for social impact and Start Proud's mission

Personal Attributes

• Creative thinker with a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for design and visual communication

• Ability to inspire and motivate a team, cultivating a culture of creativity and collaboration

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment

• Strong emotional intelligence and a collaborative approach to leadership

Please submit your resume via the link above. We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Candidates from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or who are otherwise marginalized on the grounds of gender expression, gender identity and/or sexual orientation are strongly encouraged to apply. Lived experience as a member of any equity-deserving community is considered a strong asset. 

We are committed to providing accommodations throughout the application, interview, and employment process. If you require accommodation to be at your best, please let us know during the application process.