Studio Director (Santa Monica)

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GumGum is a contextual-first, global digital advertising platform that uses advanced AI technology to serve captivating creative ads that drive consumer attention, without the use of personal data. At GumGum, we don’t need to know who you are to deliver relevant and engaging ads that align with your active frame of mind. We believe that a digital advertising industry based on context rather than personal data builds a more equitable and less invasive future for the internet and is better for consumers, publishers and advertisers alike. Our blueprint for the future, The Mindset Matrix, combines the power of context and creative in digital advertising to deliver superior attention and drive consumer action without sacrificing personal data.
To be a part of this next phase of digital advertising that prioritizes data privacy, please visit Studio Director is a key member of the regional leadership team, responsible for driving client growth and retention through strategic creative leadership. This role serves as the commercial design partner to our Sales and Account Management teams, transforming creative services from a delivery function into a significant revenue and relationship driver. The Studio Director will own the commercial success of our creative output in North America, pioneer new ways to deliver value to clients, and lead the studio to achieve new levels of strategic influence and operational excellence.
Note: GumGum fosters a flexible work environment, offering GumGummers the ability to work either in-office or remotely/from home. However, for occasional in-person collaboration, we kindly ask that this position be located within a 'commutable' distance to our office.
What You'll Achieve

• Commercial Strategy & Client Growth
• Partner with Sales and Commercial Leads to build and execute a creative strategy that drives account growth, client retention, and upsell opportunities
• Originate and develop proactive, revenue-generating creative proposals for high-value clients, moving beyond reactive campaign execution
• Own the commercial narrative for design; confidently present creative concepts, performance data, and strategic recommendations in client pitches and executive business reviews
• Develop and package new scalable creative offerings and consultative services (e.g., design workshops, A/B testing packages) that can be sold to clients
• Lead, mentor, and develop the regional team of Design Project Managers, evolving their skills from project coordination to strategic client consultation
• Strategic Leadership & Operational Excellence
• Establish and own the vision for the North American studio, ensuring it has the structure, talent, and workflows to manage high-volume, complex campaign loads effectively. This includes overseeing all campaign traffic to in-house and outsourced resources
• Develop and oversee regional KPIs that measure not only efficiency but also the commercial impact and quality of creative on client business goals
• Act as the senior-most design authority in North America, representing the creative team in regional leadership meetings and providing strategic input on business planning
• Serve as the senior creative escalation point for key North American clients, building trusted advisor relationships at senior levels
• Client Partnership and Creative Vision
• Be the face of Design and GumGum's creative ambassador in high-stakes client meetings and communications
• Spearhead the creative development for key accounts, defining industry-leading standards in creativity and ensuring all design work effectively communicates the brief to the intended audience
• Establish and maintain a network of high-quality freelancers and vendors to support the ad design process
  

Skills You'll Bring

• BFA in graphic design, web design, interactive design or similar discipline or equivalent years of design experience
• 10+ years of progressive experience in a creative or media agency environment
• Minimum of 4-6 years in a direct, client-facing commercial role with demonstrable experience in account growth, consultative selling, or creative strategy
• Proven track record of developing and presenting strategic creative solutions that have directly led to new business, client upsells, or significant revenue growth
• 5+ years in a direct management role, leading creative production, project management, or client service teams
• Strong business and commercial acumen with a focus on achieving revenue targets.
• Exceptional client-facing communication, consultative selling, and presentation skills.
• Financial literacy (experience with P&L, budget management, or other financial KPIs).
• Expertise in stakeholder alignment and the ability to sell through creative concepts to senior clients and internal leaders.
• Ability to review Adobe CC files (especially Photoshop) for quality and adherence to briefs
  

What We Offer
At GumGum, competitive base pay is a part of a total rewards package which also includes benefits, an emphasis on recognition, development, and wellness. The reasonable estimated base pay range for this role is from $128,000 to $165,000 annually. The actual amount may be higher or lower. Individual compensation will vary based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant qualifications, work location, and labor market conditions.
The total rewards package offered also includes an employer-matched 401(k) retirement plan. Your recruiter can share more specifics during the hiring process. Learn more about our U.S. benefits & perks package at gumgum.com/benefits.
Awards

• Shortlisted for Marketing Technology Company of the Year for the 2023 Mumbrella Awards
• 2024 Winner of 7 BuiltIn Awards on a national, regional, and remote scale - including Remote Best Places to Work at #25 and Best Midsize Places to Work in Los Angeles, CA at #9
• Ad Exchanger Programmatic Power Player 2022 and 2021
• CTO Hero Award of OTT.X 2023
• Digiday Media Awards Europe finalist 2022 and 2021
• Finalist for the 2023 AdExchanger Awards Best Video Technology For Media Suppliers
• Gold Award at the IAB Mixx Awards in Belgium in the “Best Use of Advertising Technology” category
• The Drum Award Digital Advertising: Game-changing Technology for Domino's case study
  

GumGum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. At GumGum, we believe in cultivating an environment where our team members can bring their authentic, whole selves to work. Encouraging identity and belonging is one of the many aspects of our culture that makes us stronger as an organization and drives innovation. We are committed to building and delivering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce that is representative of the world around us, where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity - and to act swiftly if this value is ever threatened. We are constantly striving to be better, and we continue to take strategic steps to advance representation. - Phil Schraeder, CEO
Learn more about our DEIB programming at gumgum.com/deib
Follow us on our socials...
Instagram: @gumgum & @dogsofgumgum
LinkedIn: GumGum
Tweet us: @gumgum
Facebook: GumGum

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

• Industries

  Advertising Services

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