Creative Director (Parental Leave Contract) (Quebec)

Full time | Hybrid | Ottawa (preferred), Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver 12–18 month contract with potential for long-term opportunity About Earnscliffe Earnscliffe is one of Canada’s leading public affairs, public relations, opinion research, and digital + design firms. We work with organizations, businesses, associations, coalitions, and campaigns to navigate complex challenges, shape public conversations, and connect with the audiences that matter most. Our integrated teams bring together expertise across strategic communications, public affairs, research, digital strategy, and creative design to deliver thoughtful, impactful work grounded in insight and execution. From advocacy campaigns and stakeholder engagement to branding, content, and digital communications, we help clients move their objectives forward through strategies that are clear, creative, and effective. We’re looking for a Creative Director to join our Data, Digital + Design team during a parental leave coverage period, with the potential for the role to evolve into an ongoing long-term opportunity depending on agency growth and fit. The Role This is a hands‑on leadership role for a highly collaborative creative thinker who loves both big‑picture brand direction and detailed execution. You’ll lead creative projects from concept to completion – overseeing branding, campaign design, reports, digital assets, and creative direction across multiple client files. The ideal candidate is equal parts designer, art director, strategist, and team lead: someone who can guide creative vision while keeping projects organized, collaborative, and moving forward. Creative Direction & Brand Development Lead the creative direction and execution of client design projects from kickoff to final delivery Develop brand identities, campaign creative, and visual systems for organizations, initiatives, and advocacy campaigns Lead or support brand refreshes and rebrands Shape compelling visual storytelling across digital, print, presentation, and campaign materials Art‑direct reports, publications, campaign assets, and integrated creative projects Provide creative oversight and internal review on projects led by other team members Participate in and help lead client meetings, creative workshops, and visioning sessions Translate client objectives into robust, strategic creative concepts Communicate clearly and confidently with clients throughout the creative process Receive, interpret, and implement feedback and revisions Support business development by contributing to proposals and maintaining and updating a cohesive file of design case studies Build trusted relationships through thoughtful collaboration and strong client experience Project Management & Operations Manage timelines, workflows, and priorities across multiple design projects Maintain project timelines and ensure creative deliverables stay on track, and on budget Collaborate closely with senior leadership and account/client leads Support and improve internal systems, templates, and creative processes Ensure smooth handoff and coordination for web, video and digital projects Team & Agency Contribution Collaborate across the agency on integrated communications and campaign work Support and mentor colleagues through creative feedback and art direction Lead performance management and reviews for the design team Stay current on design, branding, social, and digital trends Contribute ideas that push the agency creatively and strategically What We’re Looking For 10+ years of experience in creative, brand, or communications environments, including 5+ years in a leadership role Strong portfolio showcasing branding, campaign, editorial/report, and digital creative work Experience leading creative projects from concept through execution Exceptional design skills and attention to detail Strong understanding of typography, layout, visual systems, and digital‑first design Experience working in an agency, advocacy, communications, public affairs, nonprofit, or campaign environment is a strong asset Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on production work Solid organizational and project management skills Excellent communication and collaboration skills Comfortable working in a fast‑moving, entrepreneurial environment Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Canva, Microsoft Office and presentation design tools Experience collaborating with web developers, videographers and photographers or digital strategists is an asset This position is based in‑office and is open to candidates located in Ottawa (preferred), Toronto or Vancouver, and is a 12–18 month contract with potential for long‑term opportunity. This is an existing role. This employer uses artificial intelligence technology to assist in screening, assessing, or selecting applicants for this position. Earnscliffe is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process, upon request. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Apply on Kit Job: kitjob.ca/job/2psdd5