Creative Director (Design-Led) (Lake Oswego)

Fort West is a small brand strategy and design agency. We help organizations discover their right to win, own their place in culture, and realize meaningful growth. Our work is multidisciplinary, spanning brand development, marketing communications, digital experiences, and advertising campaigns.

We're at a pivotal moment. Fort West is resetting, refining our position, and preparing for new growth. The Creative Director will play a critical role in shaping our future. With your leadership, we will reimagine and elevate our own brand alongside our client work. We'll turn our combined strengths into fresh momentum.

We are looking for a design-led Creative Director who brings vision, leadership, and an ownership mindset. Currently, the majority of our work is focused on brand strategy and expression. This is a strength, and we're proud of the reputation we've built. The right person for this role will be able to leverage and build on that foundation, expanding our capabilities, talent, and team into new digital, marketing, and campaign-centered opportunities.

This will be a key leadership role within Fort West, influencing both the work and the future of our agency. We want someone who is eager to make their mark by helping transform Fort West into a nationally recognized brand and creative strategy firm. At the same time, this is a player-coach role. You will set the vision, inspire the team, and roll up your sleeves to lead and execute the work.

Responsibilities

Lead creative direction and execution across brand, marketing, and digital projects.

Partner with strategy and account leadership to develop concepts that deliver both brand and business impact.

Present creative ideas and platforms with expertise and confidence to senior-level client stakeholders.

Build, mentor, and inspire the creative team, unlocking their strengths and raising the standard of excellence.

Bring an ownership mindset to Fort West's agency positioning and new business development.

Stay ahead of cultural and industry trends to keep our work relevant and fresh.

What You Bring

Proven experience and success as a Creative Director at a mid- to large agency.

Demonstrable expertise in turning brand strategy into distinctive design and marketing outcomes that drive growth.

A portfolio that demonstrates success across both B2B and B2C brands.

Ability to pitch, present, and sell ideas with clarity and confidence to senior and C-suite stakeholders.

Strong knowledge of digital platforms, content, and emerging marketing practices.

Benefits

100% paid medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Access to additional voluntary benefits, including term life insurance, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, FSA, and HSA (depending on elected plan).

$10,000 basic life-insurance policy.

Six weeks of paid time off annually, including three weeks of discretionary PTO, up to ten paid holidays, and the week between December 25 and January 1.

401(k) plan with employer matching.

Compensation

$140,000$160,000 with room for growth connected to success in the role.

Potential for an equity position in the agency with success and growth. Our ideal partner is excited and motivated by this prospect.

To apply, please email hello@fortwest.com with an introduction, your portfolio link, and compensation expectations (required for consideration).