Creative Team Lead
Posted May 25, 2025. Applications accepted until June 6, 2025.
Position overview
Are you a visionary creative leader who’s passionate about equity, storytelling, and community-centered design? Zan Associates is seeking a Creative Team Lead to guide the development of impactful visual communications that support inclusive planning and public engagement across the U.S.
In this role, you’ll lead a multidisciplinary team in producing digital, print, video, and interactive materials that resonate with diverse communities. You’ll collaborate across departments to ensure our creative work is not only beautiful—but also accessible, culturally relevant, and aligned with our mission.
About the position
In this Senior Associate-level position, you would be part of a team of planners, engagement
specialists, and communications professionals, reporting to the Operations Manager. Specific tasks associated with this role include:
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Lead Creative Direction: Oversee the vision, quality, and execution of all visual deliverables.
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Mentor & Manage: Guide a talented team of designers and multimedia specialists, fostering growth and collaboration.
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Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with project managers, strategists, and engagement specialists to deliver on time and on budget.
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Tell Powerful Stories: Translate complex ideas into compelling, inclusive visuals that connect with communities.
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Ensure Accessibility: Uphold WCAG and Section 508 standards across all materials.
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Support Digital Content: Develop and edit website content for Zan and client projects and stay curious about new tools and platforms.
Desired abilities and experience
The ideal person would have the following skills, experiences, and education:
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Aligns with Zan’s core values:
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Fun to be around and enjoys working with colleagues and clients
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Resourceful and is a problem solver
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Possesses a strong professional drive and work ethic
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Confident in Zan’s area of work and presenting competing ideas
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Driven to excellence
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9+ years of creative experience, including leadership roles in design or multimedia.
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Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, 2D animation, and video production.
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Strong storytelling and design skills across platforms and formats.
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Experience managing multiple projects and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
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A passion for equity-driven work and a detail-oriented, team-first mindset.
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Preferred: Experience in consulting or professional services, especially in deadline-driven, multi-client environments.
Salary
Salary range is $102,900 - $118,000
Position location
Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid – 3 days in office / 2 days remote)
About Zan Associates
Zan Associates’ core focus is to build communities by giving people a voice. Our purpose is to provide creative and authentic engagement, communications and planning primarily for public infrastructure projects. We hire people who want to influence and shape the communities we live, play and work in. We value diverse perspectives, and we seek to elevate historically underserved communities. We are located in downtown Minneapolis and work with a wide range of public agencies in the Twin Cities, throughout Minnesota and in the Pacific Northwest. More information about our firm can be found at www.zanassoc.com.
How to apply?
If you are ready to be part of the Zan Associates team, please send a cover letter with an explanation of why your experiences are relevant for this position along with your resume and references to hr@zanassoc.com.
Zan Associates is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.