AKIRA ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR, PHOTOGRAPHY

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com). AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand. AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

The Position: VP, Retail Operations

Location: Corporate Headquarters in Chicago with 50-75% travel to 40+ stores

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Creative Director to define and elevate our brand through compelling, fashion-driven storytelling and best-in-class creative execution. This role will own and evolve the brand’s visual identity, translating bold, statement-driven product into cohesive, high-impact narratives across all channels—digital, marketing, and in-store.

This is a senior leadership role for someone with a strong point of view, refined taste, and a proven ability to build and scale brand vision within the fashion industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and evolve the brand’s visual identity, ensuring a clear, differentiated, and elevated point of view

• Lead seasonal storytelling and creative direction across campaigns, photoshoots, and brand moments

• Translate fashion trends, cultural insights, and competitive landscape into forward, relevant creative

• Oversee all creative output across eCommerce, site, email, social, paid media, and retail environments

• Develop and implement creative frameworks, guidelines, and visual systems across all touchpoints

• Partner closely with Marketing, Merchandising, and Production to align creative with business and product priorities

• Direct and oversee photo and video shoots, ensuring styling, casting, and execution reflect brand standards

• Maintain a high bar for taste, consistency, and innovation across all deliverables

• Lead, mentor, and inspire internal teams and external creative partners
  

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in fashion, beauty, luxury, or related industry

• Proven track record at well-known or culturally relevant fashion brands

• Strong portfolio demonstrating brand building, storytelling, and high-impact campaign execution

• Deep understanding of fashion, social, and cultural trends and how to translate them into compelling, commercial creative

• Experience leading creative teams and managing end-to-end campaign development

• Extensive experience directing photo and video shoots (studio and on-location)

• Strong visual instincts paired with strategic thinking and business awareness

• Experience working across digital and physical retail environments

• Understanding of performance, creative, social-first content, and modern content ecosystems

• Experience with motion, video, and experiential brand storytelling

• AI experience is a huge plus
  

Why This Role

• High-impact leadership role with ownership over brand vision and execution

• Opportunity to be part of a brand with real traction and momentum, at a pivotal stage of growth

• Collaborative, fast-moving environment with direct influence on both brand and business outcomes

• Platform to push creative boundaries and define what the brand becomes next
  

Benefits and Perks:
AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount. We’re committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.

Job Type: Full-Time

We are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.

We may utilize AI-assisted and automated tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. All employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable laws and without discrimination.