Creative Director Job at Fort West in Portland

Position Type

Full-time

Location

Portland, OR (preferred) or West Coast remote

About Fort West

Fort West is a small brand strategy and design agency that helps 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. Our portfolio includes both B2B and B2C industries, giving us a diverse base and a strong foundation to build upon.

We are at a pivotal moment. Fort West is resetting, refining our position, and preparing for new growth. We are seeking an experienced creative leader who wants to help shape our future. With your leadership, we will reimagine and elevate our own brand alongside our client work. Together we will turn our strengths into fresh momentum, building on our reputation for brand development while attracting new marketing and campaign-centered opportunities.

The Role

We are looking for a design-focused Creative Director who brings vision, leadership, and an ownership mindset. This is a key leadership role within Fort West, shaping 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 contribute directly to the work when needed.

Responsibilities

Lead creative direction and execution across brand, marketing, and digital initiatives

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 client stakeholders

Mentor and inspire the creative team, unlocking their strengths and raising the standard of excellence

Contribute to agency positioning and new business development to help shape Fort West's growth story

Stay ahead of cultural and industry trends to keep Fort West's work relevant and innovative

Ensure all creative work meets the highest standards of quality and delivers measurable results

What You Bring

Proven experience as a Creative Director or in a comparable leadership role at a mid-to-large agency

Deep experience 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

An ownership mindset, with the drive and capacity to invest in growing an agency rapidly

Commitment to collaboration, mentorship, and building a culture of creative excellence

Benefits

100% paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee

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 plan provided to all employees

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

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).

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