Creative Director

Job Summary

The Denny’s internal creative group (CREATE) is experiencing rapid growth and seeking an experienced Creative Director to lead our dynamic internal creative team. Our ideal candidate will have art director/designer background and have 10+ years of advertising agency experience with at least six years in a leadership role.

In this position, you will serve as a champion and steward of the Denny’s brand and strive for excellence in all creative that will encompass national TV, menu, merchandising, print, digital display advertising, field marketing and a variety of other external and internal facing efforts. We prefer candidates with a strong full-service advertising background with TV, digital, print and multi-cultural experience.

This leader will be responsible for a team of designers, TV creative lead, a copywriter and Video Creative Services lead and will consistently collaborate with the VP of Brand Engagement, CREATE Creative Services Manager, Director of Brand Engagement, along with cross-functional internal teams and agency partners.

Essential Functions (Key Responsibilities)

• Direct the activities of the creative teams and lead the process from concept/design to completion.
• Determine and align on the look, feel and tone of national campaign efforts while ensuring the highest quality creative output across all touchpoints
• Seek and develop breakthrough national and local ideas and executions that will resonate with our multi-cultural, modern American family target audience.
• Present creative concepts with a strong understanding of the strategy and vision
• Collaborate fully with internal management, brand engagement and field marketing teams, as well as external agency partners to ensure brand consistency
• Maintain consistently high standards for yourself and the creative team
• Guide the professional development of each member of the creative team
• Easily and consistently adapt to the creative process through both hands-on tactical application and as a strategic leader
• Attend or oversee photo shoots, video and broadcast productions as needed, directing the creative product
• Assure timely communication among the creative team and other internal and external project team members
• Recommend and work with outside creative resources, including vendors, production companies, photographers and freelancers

• Contribute and collaborate on quality control and project processes including proofing, reviewing and measuring/evaluating staff creative output

Education and Experience Requirements

Education:

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in design, advertising or a related field

Experience:

Solid foundation in the creative space supported by at least 10+ years in creative/art direction/design. Firm understanding of TV/Digital/Print Advertising and Production practices with a proven track record of developing and executing successful campaigns. Resourceful person with experience working in a fast-paced environment juggling multiple projects and priorities while meeting set timelines.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Superior leadership skills
• TV background
• Print background
• Design skills
• Digital knowledge
• Proficient or master in InDesign, Photoshop & Illustrator with knowledge of HTML5/CSS or programming languages a plus
• Excellence in motivating and managing staff
• Superior understanding of advertising and marketing
• Ability to judge creative concepts and copy, and clearly communicate creative direction to others
• Thorough understanding of business needs
• Work fluidly in a fast pace and dynamic environment
• Spanish proficiency a plus

Denny's, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of age, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, military or veteran's status, criminal background, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local law.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should contact 864-597-8000. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THIS NUMBER TO CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR APPLICATION.