Director of Creative & Brand Strategy

About Franchise Update Media

The International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising globally, with over 60 years of dedication to excellence, education, and advocacy. IFA’s mission is to protect, enhance, and promote franchising through focused efforts in government relations, public relations, and educational initiatives. Its members include franchise companies across more than 120 business categories, individual franchise owners, and companies that provide support in areas such as marketing, law, and business development. IFA strives to maintain the highest industry standards and supports a vibrant community of franchise professionals.

As of July 1, 2025, the International Franchise Association proudly finalized its acquisition of Franchise Update Media, bringing together two of the top organizations in franchising. This strategic partnership enhances IFA’s commitment to serving the entire franchise ecosystem—franchisors, franchisees, suppliers, and investors—by combining IFA’s advocacy, education, and benchmarking expertise with Franchise Update Media’s award-winning content, events, and digital reach.

Franchise Update Media has its finger on the pulse of franchising with unrivalled audience intelligence and market driven data. It is a sub-brand owned fully by IFA which understands the franchise landscape deeper than any other media company or brand. This role is specific to this sub-brand within IFA.

Role Description

The Director of Creative & Brand Strategy for Franchise Update Media is responsible for shaping and executing the overall creative vision of the company across all platforms — including live events, magazines, digital media, marketing campaigns, and the corporate website. This leader ensures that every visual touchpoint reflects a cohesive brand story that engages audiences, drives value for clients, and amplifies the company’s presence in the marketplace.

As both a strategic thinker and hands-on creative, the Director will guide the brand’s evolution while rolling up their sleeves to deliver exceptional visual and experiential design. Working within a small, high-performing team, this role requires a balance of big-picture brand leadership and daily oversight of creative execution across multiple media types.

This position has one direct report and is responsible for management, coaching, delegation and oversight of that employee.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative direction and visual identity for all brand assets, including events, magazines, websites, digital content, email marketing, video, sales collateral, and promotional campaigns.
• Partner closely with leadership to define brand strategy, creative priorities, and long-term visual direction across all lines of business.
• Develop and maintain consistent brand standards and creative guidelines, ensuring cohesion across print, digital, experiential, and video media.
• Oversee the visual experience of major events — from stage design and signage to environmental branding and keynote presentation support.
• Collaborate with editorial, marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure creative alignment and high-impact storytelling across every channel.
• Manage production of multiple magazines and related publications, overseeing layout, photography, and print delivery schedules.
• Mentor, and develop any direct reports and consultants, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and innovation.
• Manage relationships with external creative vendors, freelancers, and agencies to deliver best-in-class assets on time and on brand.
• Oversee the creative and production budgets, balancing strategic investment with hands-on project management to meet timelines and goals.
• Proactively identify opportunities to evolve the company’s creative approach, visual storytelling methods, and brand differentiation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive creative experience, including at least 3–5 years in a role overseeing brand, design, and creative strategy.
• Proven record of developing impactful creative campaigns across digital, print, and live event experiences.
• Expert knowledge of brand development, art direction, and multi-channel design principles.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating mastery in visual storytelling and integrated brand execution.
• Experience leading small, multi-skilled teams in fast-paced, hands-on environments.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and familiarity with project management and collaboration tools.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate creative concepts into business-impactful narratives.

Salary

$110k to $140k DOE

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to careers@franchise.org