Creative Services Director

Overview

KMBC 9 and KCWE 29, Hearst‑owned ABC and CW affiliates in Kansas City, are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as Creative Services Director. The role offers the opportunity to step into a well‑respected, high‑performing operation and continue to elevate the powerful local brand. The Creative Services Director must be a strong manager and brand storyteller who can drive impactful, research‑driven marketing campaigns that connect the KMBC/KCWE brands with the Kansas City community across multiple platforms, including television, digital, social, paid media, streaming, and OTT.

• Affordable Cost of Living:
  Enjoy a lower cost of living compared to coastal markets, with affordable housing, short commutes, and a high standard of living.
• Thriving Creative & Cultural Scene:
  Home to a growing creative community, world‑class arts institutions, live music, and nationally recognized museums.
• Sports Town Energy:
  From the Kansas City Chiefs to the Royals, Sporting KC, and college athletics, Kansas City’s sports culture fuels year‑round excitement and civic pride.
• Food & Lifestyle Destination:
  Famous for barbecue but celebrated far beyond it, Kansas City boasts an award‑winning culinary scene, craft breweries, and vibrant neighborhoods.
• Central
  
  Location:
  
  Easy nationwide travel through a modern international airport and a location ideal for weekend getaways.
• Family‑Friendly & Community‑Focused:
  Strong neighborhoods, excellent schools, abundant parks, and a genuine sense of community.

• Create, lead, and execute the brand marketing strategies for KMBC 9, and associated digital platforms, including Very Local.
• Partner closely with the KCWE Promotions Manager to ensure cohesive, strategic branding and promotion across both stations.
• Develop innovative, multi‑platform strategies to grow brand awareness, audience engagement, and ratings.
• Oversee the creative team in producing brand‑focused station image, news, weather, targeted special reports, daily topicals, digital/streaming, programming, and special event campaigns.
• Oversee the Commercial Production team to ensure the creation of impactful, results‑driven marketing for local advertisers.
• Inspire, mentor, and grow the creative skillsets of the Creative Services and Commercial Production teams.
• Serve as liaison with networks, syndicators, and the Director of Community Partnerships on promotional initiatives and station public service.
• Manage promotional inventory across KMBC, digital platforms, and multicast channels.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the annual department budget and expenses.

• 5+ years of experience in television station marketing, promotion, or brand management.
• Proven ability to lead creatively while using research and data to achieve station goals.
• Strong writing, producing, and storytelling skills.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, videography, photography, Wide Orbit, and ENPS.
• Ability to conceive, evaluate, and refine creative concepts and graphic designs for internal and external branding.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with newsroom leadership and interdepartmental teams.
• Valid driver’s license (hire contingent on good driving record).
• Relevant college degree preferred or equivalent professional experience.
• Equivalent military training from Defense Information School (DINFOS) and related experience will be considered.
• In‑person attendance is required.

• Medical | Dental | Vision
• 401(k) matching
• Emotional Wellness Support
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• LGBTQ+ Health Services
• Additional benefits to meet your and your family's needs

Hearst Television (HTV) owns and/or operates 35 television and two radio stations serving 27 media markets across 39 states reaching over 22 million U.S. television households. HTV is recognized as one of the industry's premier broadcasting companies and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national, origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.