Associate Creative Director

Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation’s most pressing social issues.

Our Organizational Culture

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco , we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals.

Position Summary

The Associate Creative Director is a visionary, hands‑on leader who defines, guides and elevates the creative direction of the YMCA of Greater San Francisco brand. Reporting to the Director of MarCom Operations, this role unites design, storytelling, and brand experience to bring the Y’s purpose to life—strengthening community by connecting people to their potential, purpose, and each other.

Part strategist, writer, and designer, the Associate Creative Director both leads and produces creative work—developing campaigns, crafting compelling copy, and delivering high‑quality visual assets that drive engagement and advance equity. As the guardian of the YMCA’s brand voice and visual identity, this role ensures all creative—from digital and social to print and video—reflects the Y’s mission, brand standards, and inclusive spirit.

While not managing internal staff, this role oversees a network of freelance designers, writers, photographers, and videographers providing creative direction, feedback and quality control to maintain consistency and excellence across all outputs. Working collaboratively across the Marketing & Communications team and with internal stakeholders, the Associate Creative Director transforms complex ideas into cohesive campaigns and creative work.

A skilled communicator and planner, this leader works within annual priorities, the MarCom ticketing system and digital project management tools to manage workflow, set timelines, and ensure creative efforts align with organizational goals. Balancing strategic vision with creative practicality, they roll up their sleeves to write, design, plan and evaluate—delivering inclusive, accessible, and culturally relevant storytelling that resonates across all communities the Y serves.

This role also plays a key part in measuring and evaluating the effectiveness of creative work through data management and analytics—helping the team understand what resonates with audiences, optimize future campaigns, and demonstrate the impact of marketing and communications efforts.

This is a hybrid role located in San Francisco , CA with a requirement of four (4) days onsite.

Job Responsibilities

Creative Strategy & Leadership

• Lead and define the YMCA of Greater San Francisco ’s vision, ensuring all work reflects organizational values, mission, and brand standards.
• Serve as the primary guardian of the YMCA’s brand voice, overseeing messaging and visual identity to ensure inclusive, accessible and culturally relevant communications.
• Collaborate with senior MarCom leadership to translate organizational priorities into compelling creative strategies and campaigns that drive awareness, engagement, and impact.
• Stay current with design trends, technologies, and storytelling techniques to keep creative work fresh, relevant, and effective.

Hands‑On Creative Execution

Brand Stewardship

Self‑Service Platform Oversight

Freelancer & Vendor Oversight

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

Project & Workflow Management

Measurement & Evaluation

Minimum Qualifications

Desired Qualifications (Optional)

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This role operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. Some travel between YMCA branch locations may be required. The role requires the ability to communicate effectively, work at a computer for extended periods, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Some evening or weekend work may be required to support special events or critical deadlines.

Disclaimers

Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.

All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact us if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.

This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.

Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

Compensation

The Associate Creative Director position offers compensation of $75,000-$107,000. This rate is based on salary benchmarking for similar roles and is aligned with grant fund approvals and requirements for the position.

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