Join Zions Bancorporation as Executive Creative Director – Visual Content in San Francisco, CA (hybrid). This senior role leads the enterprise visual identity across photography, video, and illustration, balancing regulatory requirements with human-centered storytelling. Expect a competitive base salary of $165,000 to $225,000 and a collaborative, growth-focused culture backed by substantial resources and leadership support.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of proprietary photography and video across the enterprise.
- Partner across functions to set visual standards guiding presentations for wealth management, commercial and small business banking, consumer banking, and digital platforms; define principles, direction, and standards for video, photography, and illustration that balance regulatory needs with engaging, human-centered design.
- Guide a producer and collaborate with the broader creative team to craft campaigns that build lasting emotional connections with clients and reflect commitment to helping them achieve financial goals.
- Work with marketing leadership, business segment leads, and affiliate marketing teams to translate business objectives into visual strategies, concepts, and execution.
- Lead the creative development and visual content direction of integrated campaigns across digital, print, experiential, and emerging channels.
- Establish and maintain visual identity systems that work for diverse audiences—from mass market to high-net-worth segments.
- Source and hire freelance photo/video teams and illustrators; curate stock photography and existing assets from creators.
- Direct the creative development process from brief to final execution, ensuring work meets design excellence and regulatory compliance standards.
- Mentor and develop creative talent, fostering curiosity, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with legal, compliance, and risk teams to push creative boundaries with appropriate guardrails.
- Manage freelancer contracting, budgets, production schedules, and an image library of photography, video, and illustration.
- Present compelling creative work to senior leadership and stakeholders.
- Stay attuned to design trends, storytelling innovation, and evolving client expectations in financial services.
- Contribute hands-on to day-to-day creative needs and large-scale campaigns in this hands-on leadership role.
Requirements
- Ten or more years of progressive creative leadership experience, with a track record building visual identity systems and brand design frameworks.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating visual storytelling excellence, ideally within financial services, fintech, pharma, journalism, or other trust-driven industries.
- Proven ability to balance creativity with the constraints of regulated environments.
- Exceptional visual sensibility across formats and channels, from digital experiences to large-scale campaigns.
- Strategic thinking that links business goals to visual expression and customer experience.
- Experience leading and developing creative teams, with a history of attracting and retaining top talent.
- Extensive knowledge of and network within the photography and video industry.
- Expertise with contracting processes and intellectual property law; experience managing image libraries.
- Experience in production methods, supervising retouching and color correction.
- Comfort presenting to and influencing C-suite executives and board members.
- Understanding of how visual identity intersects with customer experience, product design, and business strategy.
- Proactive problem solving and collaboration skills that succeed in matrixed, cross-functional environments.
Benefits
- Base salary range: $165,000 – $225,000 per year
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life and disability insurance; paid parental leave and adoption assistance
- Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Paid training, PTO, 11 paid federal holidays, plus applicable state holidays
- 401(k) with company match and profit sharing
- Mental health benefits including coaching and therapy sessions
- Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year
- Employee ambassador banking products for employees
What success looks like
Within the first year, you will help establish scalable visual identity guidelines for affiliates and the enterprise brand that teams can apply confidently. You will launch major campaigns that showcase the evolved visual identity and drive measurable business results. Most importantly, your team will be energized, advancing in craft and producing work that earns industry recognition and meaningful client engagement.
Why join us
You will shape how a financial institution presents itself visually during a pivotal moment in banking. You’ll have the resources, leadership support, and creative space to do work that matters—connecting communities, helping people make smarter financial decisions, and building more secure futures. This is a full-time role that is in-office for candidates in California, Colorado, Utah, and Washington, and remote for candidates outside these areas.
In-office locations
- California: San Francisco
- Colorado: Denver
- Washington: Seattle
- Utah: Salt Lake City
