Position Type: Full-time Location: Portland, OR (preferred) or West Coast remote

While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.

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).