Executive Director, Creative (IHOP)

Based in Pasadena, California, Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), through its subsidiaries, franchises restaurants under Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP® and Fuzzy's Taco Shop® brands. With over 3,500 restaurants combined in 18 countries and 354 franchisees as of December 31, 2023, Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world. For more information on Dine Brands, visit the Company's website located at www.dinebrands.com.

Objectives of this role

• Develop and implement creative strategies that align with the overall business objectives and brand identity. 
• Lead, mentor, and inspire creative teams (designers, writers, etc.) to achieve excellence. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with IHOP leaders, understanding their needs and expectations. 
• Oversee the entire creative process from concept to execution, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. 
• Manage the creative department's budget and ensure projects stay within allocated resources. 
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies to drive innovation and creativity. 
• Define and maintain a cohesive creative vision across all projects and campaigns. 
• Develop and manage content strategy for both small and large projects, harnessing brand design, copy, art, and digital technology. 
• Analyze brand tracking, market trends, consumer needs, and the competitor landscape. 

Responsibilities

• Supervise a cross-functional team of graphic designers, copywriters, social-media experts, photographers/videographers, and project managers in the strategic development of messaging and 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 creative team, 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

Required skills and qualifications

• Ten years of relevant experience, with seven or more years as a creative director in an agency or corporate setting
• 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
• Base salary target $200-230k depending on experience

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in graphic design or advertising
• Experience as graphic designer, art director or creative director
• Experience working in corporate environment with executive leaders

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Dine Brands Global strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, veteran status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act and/or other applicable laws and regulations in other jurisdictions.

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