Associate Creative Director, Visual Display - Creative Marketing - JC Penney, Inc

Associate Creative Director, Visual Display – Creative Marketing

The Associate Creative Director, Visual Display leads the In-Store Visual Creative Team as a part of the Creative Marketing Department. Oversees strategy, concept and execution of in-store visual graphics and POP displays. Collaborates with Visual Merchandising and Store Design to ensure cohesive brand expression across in-store visuals. Has extensive experience leading a team, delivering creative concepts and solutions to support merchandising needs and in-store marketing initiatives, and a deep understanding of branding, print design and photo art direction. This is a hybrid role. The candidate must reside in the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area and be available to travel to local stores and keep in-office days at our headquarters in Plano.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversees design concepts for divisional, seasonal and storewide graphics and 3D displays. Guides the conversion of these ideas into effective retail advertising design to promote immediate sales and achieve the Company’s fashion/brand image goals.
• Leads a team of Sr. Art Directors and Junior Art Directors and is responsible for providing direction, support, and coaching.
• Regularly evaluates team performance and provides feedback to drive individual and team growth.
• Partners with other Team leads in Brand, Digital, Direct Mail and Photography to ensure consistent customer experiences.
• Responsible for the creation of new visual campaigns or shop designs.
• Collaborates with Photography/Creative Operations/Visual Merchandising teams to ensure coordination of appropriate merchandise for creative advertising pieces.
• Maintains brand standards and upholds creative excellence expectations.
• Provides direction to and follow-up on various stages of visual procedures with production, photoshoots, designers, Visual Merchandising Managers and print vendors; all to achieve the best product possible within established budget guidelines.  
• Occasionally directs photography if needed.
• This is a hybrid role with the expectation to travel to the Plano office 1-2 days a week.

Core Competencies & Accomplishments:

• Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts, Graphic Design or Advertising or 10+ years of Art Direction in retail or fashion apparel preferred; print experience required.
• 5+ years of leadership experience with a track record of successfully leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Understanding of how to design for a 3D space.
• Significant experience in layout for related media with proven management skills.
• Experience directing, training and guiding other art directors/designers.
• Excellent knowledge of design techniques, tools and principles; media production, communication and dissemination techniques and methods, sense of style, ability to portray a high taste level in all communication arts. Knowledge of printing, 3D display fabrication and substrates is preferred.
• Demonstrated creativity, aesthetic sensitivity, ability to multi-task, problem solving and strong visualization skills. Must be able to read basic floor plans and fixture drawings.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment while maintaining a growth mindset and a service oriented attitude.
• Proven record of advanced presentation and communication skills to upper management.
• Advanced typography design skills required.
• Must be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and other Mac-based applications and design programs. Experience with Workfront project management software a plus.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong visualization skills.

Enjoy a rewarding career at JCPenney Corporate, where we offer a competitive benefits package, a vibrant work environment, and the opportunity to make a difference at one of America's most iconic retailers.

• Generous benefits: Medical/dental/vision insurance starting on day one, term life insurance, paid vacation/holidays, 401(k) Savings Plan with company match, and an associate discount on JCPenney merchandise.
• On-site amenities: Daycare, Grab & Go Store, Coffee Shop, the Local Kitchen, fitness center, free garage parking, golf simulator, arcade, pickleball courts, and vibrant co-working spaces, meeting rooms and wellness rooms. 
• Exciting location: Our corporate office is located in the heart of Legacy West, a vibrant new development in Plano, Texas, with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
• Opportunities for growth and development: We are committed to helping our employees grow their careers and develop their skills. We offer a variety of training and development programs, as well as opportunities for advancement.
• Collaborative and supportive culture: We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage teamwork and collaboration, and we are always looking for ways to support our employees' success. 

About JCPenney:  

JCPenney is the shopping destination for diverse, working American families. With inclusivity at its core, the Company’s product assortment meets customers’ everyday needs and helps them commemorate every special occasion with style, quality and value. JCPenney offers a broad portfolio of fashion, apparel, home, beauty and jewelry from national and private brands and provides personal services including salon, portrait and optical. The Company and its 50,000 associates worldwide serve customers where, when and how they want to shop – from jcp.com to more than 650 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. In 2022, JCPenney celebrates 120 years as an iconic American brand by continuing its legacy of connecting with customers through shopping and community engagement. Please visit JCPenney’s Newsroom to learn more and follow JCPenney on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

For more opportunities to join our team please visit our careers page.