Creative Director

About 522 Productions

522 Productions is dedicated to creating exceptional video content that elevates their clients' brands by eliminating low-quality visuals from the market. Their talented and driven team is focused on delivering compelling and inventive video projects.

Role Overview

The Creative Director at 522 is responsible for crafting and implementing compelling creative visions for client videos. This includes conceptualizing ideas, directing on set, overseeing post-production, and collaborating with Editors and Motion Designers, sometimes handling video cutting themselves. Understanding the dynamic video marketing environment and the strategic value of video in client campaigns is crucial.

You will produce diverse videos—brand, mission-driven, and recruitment content—serving clients including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and nonprofits. This role requires someone who is innovative, adaptable, energetic, and thrives in a stimulating fast-paced setting within a hybrid office environment located in Alexandria, Virginia.

Note: Applicants must include a portfolio with recent relevant video work; applications without portfolios will not be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and drive creative video concepts and associated production documentation within budget, timeline, and constraints.
• Deliver outstanding client service and build strong client relationships.
• Gain thorough insight into client needs and goals in video marketing.
• Collaborate closely with creative teams, editors, producers, and freelancers to maintain high-quality standards.
• Direct production teams on set to realize the creative vision.
• Manage high-pressure production scenarios involving clients, crews, and talent.
• Handle complex shoots, addressing challenges related to lighting, sound, timing, and space.
• Supervise equipment usage locally, domestically, and internationally.
• Identify opportunities to enhance and innovate production tools and workflows.
• Partner with Producers to ensure timely, error-free video delivery.
• Guide full-time and freelance editors to align with the creative direction.
• Communicate effectively with clients and project managers to incorporate feedback accurately.
• Perform quality control on final video files before client delivery.

Required Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of experience in marketing or documentary storytelling.
• Bachelor's Degree in Film, Broadcast Journalism, or an equivalent field.
• Proficiency in Adobe Premiere; Adobe After Effects is a plus.
• Experience operating Sony digital cinema cameras such as FX6 or FX3.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of project management tools and ability to keep projects on track, on schedule, and on budget.
• A willingness to train and mentor less-experienced team members.
• Drive to influence and shape the growth of a rapidly expanding video agency.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Must be available to work early mornings, late nights, and weekends when necessary, with 40+ hour work weeks expected; this position is non-exempt from overtime.
• Ability to lift heavy production equipment exceeding 50 pounds is mandatory.