Creative Director

Hotel Engine is a Denver-based travel tech company on a mission to radically simplify trip management for businesses. We’re not a cumbersome travel management company, nor an online price aggregator. We’re a powerful network that brings hotels and businesses together. Our members save time, money and effort in managing their lodging programs, and our partners get access to loyal, high-value business travelers. It’s a true win-win. Following a 2021 series B funding round at a $1.3 billion valuation, we achieved remarkable growth in 2022. We expect 2023 to be our best year yet.

Across our organization, we’re powered by exceptional talent. From our large Engineering and Product teams to Sales, Supplier Relations, Member Support, Data, Marketing and Operations, our team is forward-thinking, data-driven and customer-obsessed. We’re also a lot of fun — one of the many reasons we were named a Best Place to Work by Built In Colorado for the past four consecutive years.

We value our individuality, and we also understand that together, we thrive. Most importantly, we know we’re not for everyone! Complacency doesn’t live here. We’re focused on finding the right people who are energized by our culture and bring diverse experiences and backgrounds that will help us unlock our full potential. Click here to view our DNA, and if you like what you see, please read on!

We’re looking for a Creative Director to join our Marketing Leadership Team to help us in our mission to build the largest trip management platform in the world. Leading a team of thinkers and doers, the Creative Director will bring a mix of marketing expertise and business acumen to the role, promoting our company and those of our valued customers. We’re looking for an experienced manager of people, someone who can inspire others while taking our creative output to a new level as we continue to grow. The ideal candidate will have a natural eye for design and be a prolific generator of dynamic ideas that connect with all types of audiences. 

Here's what you'll do:    

• Hire and oversee a cross-functional team of graphic designers, photographers/videographers, and  project managers in the strategic development of brand, advertising, messaging and web deliverables

• Prioritize work and resources across engagements, based on short- and long-term needs, and develop schedules by collaborating with designers, copywriters, and production artists

• Conduct brainstorming sessions with marketing and creative teams, maintaining strategic thinking to develop innovative and actionable initiatives in a fiscally responsible manner

• Review and approve art and copy developed by the team, ensuring that deliverables address marketing goals and challenges effectively

• Produce fresh, innovative work that translates complex ideas into compelling print materials and digital experiences for sophisticated audiences

• Oversee the presentation of final concepts, and obtain approvals for deliverables

• Lead and review the work of the creative teams for all web, print, and digital marketing collateral

• Collaborate with the marketing and sales departments in developing marketing plans, analyzing results, and identifying opportunities to expand our brand awareness 

• Partner with the product design organization to ensure cohesive brand identity across all channels and mediums

• Develop internal marketing campaigns that translate objectives across business units into clear and motivating creative strategies

• Analyze brand tracking, market trends, consumer needs, and the competitor landscape

• Meet budget requirements by forecasting and managing expenses 

Here's what we're looking for:    

• 10-12+ years' experience in a similar role in a high-growth company 

• 5-7+ years of management experience 

• Experience building an overarching brand identity – from vision to execution

• Experience in creating marketing/advertising campaigns — from developing the vision and messaging platform to overseeing production on time and within budget

• Experience in creating integrated content across all marketing channels: digital, social media, paid media, mobile, offline, and print

• Proven ability to develop successful concepts

• Proficiency in leading a team of diverse, talented creatives

• Strong creative vision, with an eye on business objectives

• Ability to prioritize work efforts and navigate change   

• Ability to work independently and be proactive in identifying opportunities and recommending solutions  

• Self-starter and comfortable with extreme ambiguity 

Cash compensation:

• The base salary for this role is $170,000-$210,000 annually. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including prior experience, expertise & may vary from the amount above. 

Hotel Engine Total Rewards Philosophy | We recognize that there is more to work than day-to-day responsibilities. Hotel Engine has been recognized on Built-in Colorado’s Best Places to Work list 3 years in a row (2020-2022) for our positive culture and robust growth opportunities. 

As a company, we’re also dedicated to giving back to our greater community, and have comprehensive corporate social responsibility programs supporting community, social justice and environmental causes. In addition to a collaborative, high-performing team environment, we’re pleased to offer benefits including:  

• Competitive base salaries 

• Annual performance bonuses

• Stock options for all associates + performance-based stock options 

• Insurance benefits including medical coverage (with a plan available at no cost to employees) + 100% paid dental and vision insurance 

• 401(k) plan with a match program

• Unlimited PTO + 2 paid days each year to volunteer with your favorite non-profit

• Paid parental leave and family medical leave

• Hotel discounts through our exclusive platform

• The ability to make a real impact in an incredibly fast-growing organization; you’ll never be just another cog in the wheel.