Join Our Team!

Creative Strategy & Design Lead

About Upstream 

We run ads to help businesses win. It's that simple. We're a team of real people using deep expertise to make our clients unstoppable in the digital ad space. We're the partner people tell their friends about because we treat every campaign like it's our own business on the line. 

The Role 

We're looking for a Creative Strategy & Design Lead who obsesses over what design and messaging makes people stop scrolling. Someone who cares whether ads actually work, not just whether they look good. 

You'll own creative strategy and execution for multiple clients - approximately 30-40% strategic thinking (what should we create and why?) and 60-70% hands-on design work (bringing those ideas to life, quickly and effectively). 

What You'll Do 

Creative Strategy: 

  • Identify what's working now in paid social and translate insights into action 

  • Develop creative briefs and campaign concepts that drive results 

  • Conceptualize short-form video strategies for Meta, TikTok, and YouTube 

  • Conduct competitive analysis and spot emerging trends 

  • Partner with account managers and paid media specialists to align creative with client objectives 

  • Ability to present and sell creative concepts effectively to both clients and team members 

Design Execution: 

  • Create high-converting static ads, carousels, and motion graphics 

  • Deliver quality creative within short turnarounds 

  • Transform static designs into engaging motion graphics 

  • Leverage AI tools to enhance efficiency and output 

  • Maintain brand consistency while testing innovative approaches 

What You Bring 

Required: 

  • 3-5+ years in graphic design 

  • Strong portfolio of design work, with preference given to those with an advertising background 

  • Proficiency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and other AI design tools 

  • Experience managing multiple projects in fast-paced environments 

  • Located in Nashville area (hybrid - 1 day/week in Franklin office) 

  • Genuine focus on performance and business outcomes 

Bonus Skills (truly - this is just extra credit): 

  • Video editing capabilities 

  • Organic/paid ad creative experience 

  • Animation and motion graphics expertise 

  • UGC and influencer content coordination 

  • Landing page design experience 

  • D2C brand experience 

  • Video shoot coordination 

Our Core Values 

Ownership - We treat every campaign like our own business depends on it. When we see opportunities or challenges, we jump in and solve them. 

Expertise - We're obsessed with mastering our craft. We constantly learn, test, and push ourselves to stay ahead of the curve. 

Human - We build genuine relationships with clear, honest communication. We're the kind of people you'd grab a beer with after work. 

Partnership - True partnership means eagerly sharing ideas and solving problems together, regardless of whose role it is. 

Fun - Great work happens when people enjoy what they do. We bring optimism and creative energy to every challenge. 

Why Upstream? 

  • Growth Potential: Small and growing company with significant room for growth and advancement 

  • Direct Impact: Report directly to CEO with real influence on company direction 

  • Variety: Work across diverse brands and industries 

  • Work-Life Balance: 40-hour work week, no glorified burnout 

  • Flexibility: Hybrid schedule with only one day/week in office 

  • Competitive Package:

  • Salary: $70,000-90,000 based on experience 

  • 3% Simple IRA match 

  • QSEHRA Health Reimbursement based on family size 

  • 3 weeks PTO + 11 paid holidays (including your birthday) 

Who You Are 

You balance speed with quality. You stay ahead of trends while focusing on what actually drives results. You think strategically while executing tactically. You care about performance metrics as much as creative excellence. You're collaborative, proactive, and constantly looking for ways to improve. 

Most importantly, you're passionate about helping businesses win through exceptional ad creative. 

How to Apply 

Send us: 

1. Your resume 

2. Portfolio showcasing ads that delivered real results 

3. Brief description of a campaign or design project you worked on that delivered measurable growth for an organization 

Email: nate@upstreamdigitalmarketing.co

Subject: Creative Strategy & Design Lead 

Start Date: December 2025 Location: Franklin, TN (Hybrid - 1 day/week in office) 

Apply Now