Creative Production Manager

About ADVOC8

At ADVOC8, we create experiences that build trust, shift minds and win hearts. Our special sauce? Chemistry, collaboration and an endless supply of curiosity. We're a team of strategic thinkers, creative problem-solvers, thoughtful storytellers and logistical magicians expertly bringing ideas to life from strategy and creative through to production and execution. We work with brands, nonprofits and associations to create experiences that make an impact. And we do this all in a flexible 'work from anywhere' environment where we celebrate differences and encourage each of our 'advocates' to bring their unique perspectives to the table each and every day.

THE ROLE

The Creative Production Manager turns approved designs into something you can touch. This role owns the end-to-end creative production lifecycle across multiple concurrent programs, from graphics tracking and creative timelines to proofs, QC and print, fabrication and swag vendors, ensuring every asset lands on brand, on spec, on time and on budget. Highly organized and fluent in print production, the Creative Production Manager keeps designers, producers, freelancers and vendors clear on what’s next and makes sure nothing reaches a client or vendor unreviewed. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced production professional ready to own outcomes across a portfolio.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Graphics Grid & Asset Management

• Build and own the Graphics Grid for each program, linked to the workback as the single source of truth for status, specs, files, proofs and approvals
• Build and maintain a Visual Identity Asset Library for each client so templates, logos and approved files carry from event to event
• Keep shared drives, including Released Files, organized using established naming and storage practices

Creative Timelines & Approvals

• Set creative deadlines and approval rounds with the Executive Producer and Production, keeping them current in the master production schedule as plans change
• Run every approval round to written sign-off, logged with approver and date
• Co-lead the weekly creative review with the Art Director

Specs, Proofs & Quality Control

• Gather vendor templates, dielines and specs, and flag designers when items are ready for design
• Prepare build kits with the Art Director and present production routes (materials, scale, pricing and lead time) with Production
• Confirm files are print-ready (CMYK, outlined type, embedded images, bleed, trim marks, dielines) and internally reviewed before anything reaches a client or vendor
• Log revision rounds against print deadlines and coordinate final release with the responsible Production lead

Print, Fabrication & Swag Production

• Own vendor communication for print, signage, fabrication and swag from quote through delivery, partnering with our in-house gifting and merch team on attendee gifts, executive kits and event swag
• Track creative production costs against budget and route scope changes to the Account Manager before committing
• Support onsite as needed with graphics and signage install checks and last-minute print and swag needs

Freelance & Contractor Management

• Source, vet and schedule freelance creative talent in partnership with the Head of Creative, maintaining a roster of vetted partners with specialties, rates and performance feedback
• Define scope, deliverables, hours, rates and deadlines before work begins, coordinate agreements and NDAs, and onboard contractors to ADVOC8 ways of working
• Track contractor hours and spend, flag out-of-scope requests early and ensure complete, organized files at project close

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Act as first-level creative escalation with client design teams, resolving operational questions and escalating creative decisions to the Art Director
• Communicate risks, dependencies and needed decisions early across Creative, Production and Growth
• Standardize and improve the Grid, workbacks, intake and QC checklists across accounts to reduce revision rounds and reprints

Professional Development

• Stay up-to-date on print, signage, fabrication, materials and production technology

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• 4-7+ years of experience in creative production, print production or creative traffic management within an agency, experiential or brand environment; experiential or event experience strongly preferred
• Deep working knowledge of print production and prepress (CMYK, bleed, trim, dielines, outlined type, proofing and color), with enough fluency in Adobe Creative Cloud and Acrobat to tell when a file is ready for a vendor
• Proven experience managing print, signage, large-format, fabrication and swag vendors from quote through delivery, including tracking costs against budget and managing scope changes
• Demonstrated experience building and holding creative timelines and written approval workflows across multiple concurrent programs
• Experience sourcing, scoping and managing freelance creative talent
• Highly organized with a systems mindset and strong problem-solving skills; you anticipate production issues before they reach a vendor
• Clear, confident, client-facing communicator who is collaborative, proactive and solutions-oriented
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft PowerPoint and Word, and Acrobat, with hands-on experience in tools such as Slack and Productive
• Can work flexible hours including some nights and weekends, and is comfortable traveling 15% for onsite graphics and signage install checks
• On site physical demands:
• • Ability to remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time
  • Ability to lift and/or move boxes and equipment up to 50 lbs. (with assistance)
  • Ability to position self under tables or stages, and/or lower self to floor
• Passion for experiential marketing, events, brand activations and the craft of making things
• Aligned with and committed to ADVOC8’s core values; represents them in daily work:
• • Better Together
  • Level Up
  • Hustle Smarter
  • Celebrate Differences
  • Outcome Over Income
  • Protect the Respect
  • Engineer Exceptional Value
  • Embrace Change

Other Requirements

• Successful completion of applicable background checks

What We Offer

• Impact: Own how creative production runs across ADVOC8 programs and help standardize the systems behind it
• Learning: Work at the intersection of Creative and Production on experiential work spanning print, signage, fabrication and swag
• Environment: Collaborative creative team with direct access to leadership
• Clients: Bring ideas to life for brands, nonprofits and associations

Location & Logistics

• Fully remote, full-time role; work from anywhere in the U.S.
• Onsite travel for install checks and event support as needed
• Standard business hours with occasional flexibility needed for event timelines

At ADVOC8, building an inclusive team that celebrates our differences is integral to our success. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply even if you don’t meet all qualifications.

At ADVOC8, we are committed to fostering transparency and equity in compensation. The salary range provided for this position reflects the base salary offered to a successful candidate based on their experience, qualifications, and internal compensation structures.

Please note that this salary range is subject to change based on evolving market conditions, company budget, and other factors, and does not include potential bonuses, benefits, or other forms of compensation. Final compensation may vary depending on the candidate's negotiation, location, and the specific role's requirements. We believe in fair pay for all employees and encourage candidates to engage in open conversations with us regarding compensation expectations during the hiring process.

ADVOC8 is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to achieving a diverse workforce, and prohibits discrimination and harassment: ADVOC8 is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at ADVOC8 are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, neurodivergence, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, exercising the right to family care and medical leave, veteran status or any other status protected under federal, state or local law. ADVOC8 will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.