Creative Operations Manager

ABOUT MKG

Founded in 2003, MKG is a women-led creative agency specializing in brand action. Brand actions – including live experiences, digital, virtual, and hybrid events, employee engagements, and social impact actions – humanize brands through creative storytelling and thoughtful, purpose-driven engagement. We’re proud to be long-standing partners to brands like Google, Target, Netflix, Meta, HBO, Delta Air Lines, and Apple TV+ and have offices in NYC and LA.

WORKING AT MKG

MKG, with offices in NYC and LA, is actively looking for an incredibly organized individual with a design or art background who has a knack for keeping projects on track. Candidates should be within commuting distance of either office and will need to be available for in-person collaboration on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Role will be located in the New York office.

Salary Range: $70K-$90K
***This is the minimum + maximum base salary that we, in good faith, are willing to pay at the time of the posting. Salary commensurate with experience.

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

MKG is looking for a talented and versatile, mid-level Creative Operations Manager to become a member of both our Creative and Operations teams. This role will report into the Executive Creative Director with a dotted line to the Resourcing Manager.

In this role, your focus will be ensuring smooth and streamlined resourcing and operations across our Creative Department. You will oversee utilization of all members of the team while assisting in managing and improving various creative processes that result in efficient workflows and high quality output. Additionally you will help foster a positive and collaborative environment that provides opportunities for both relationship building and individual growth across the team.

WHAT YOU WILL DO IN THIS ROLE:

• Oversee the day to day operations of the Creative Team, which includes Environmental Designers, Graphic Designers, Creative Strategists and Creative Directors
• Manage all Creative resourcing. Track, organize and prioritize all incoming requests for resourcing and provide timely staffing plans and solutions, including initial project staffing, coverage and support plans.
• Manage and track all Creative resource allocations and utilization. Constantly check in with individuals/teams to monitor their projects and update allocations to accurately reflect any changes, accounting for any scope or timeline changes.
• Identify when full time resources are not available and freelance support is needed. Work through the proper channels to obtain financial approval for bringing on external resources
• Manage and maintain an updated Freelance Roster grid—frequently checking in with our top partners for availability and noting it for reference.
• Constantly work with the ECD to identify talent or level gaps in our talent pool and actively search for additional freelancers to add to our roster
• Coordinate interviews (and join them) with potential new freelancers and the ECD (or other Senior Creative team members) to add into the freelance roster mix
• Manage freelance and full time onboarding to ensure successful training when new people join the team
• Monitor and track project processes/statuses and create reports for the ECD and Resource Manager, raising flags when necessary and identifying trends for discussion
• Organize, roll out and manage creative process updates, ensuring adoption of more efficient workflows across the department and agency
• Assist ECD and Resource Manager in identifying process improvements that could better align with both Department and Agency goals. Put together action plans to make the changes necessary.
• Participate in the full time hiring process, helping to identify new talent to connect with or existing freelancers that want to convert to full time. Coordinate and join interviews as needed.
• Work with IT to assemble and manage a Creative Department equipment budget, including software subscriptions, hardware needs and equipment maintenance
• Build strong relationships with the Creative team through a strong in-office presence and frequent communication (especially with West coast and remote employees)
• Foster camaraderie, positive collaboration and growth among the Creative team by bringing enthusiasm to daily interactions, striving to relieve avoidable paint points and stressors and providing opportunities for individuals to be challenged and learn new skills.
• Assist in or spearhead planning Creative Team bonding events throughout the calendar year

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THIS ROLE:

• 3-5 years of experience in creative-related resourcing, recruiting, project management, or other related work
• Stellar communication skills
• Extremely strong organizational skills
• Diligent follow through on all tasks
• Knowledge and understanding of creative/design processes and timelines
• Experience or interest in the event and experiential marketing industry
• Ability to manage multiple work streams simultaneously and stick to deadlines
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Experience using project management and/or resourcing tools
• Experience in Google Suite (not required but a plus)