Founder & Creative Director

About the role

Labata Advertising is seeking a visionary Founder & Creative Director to lead its creative strategy and drive high‑impact advertising campaigns. Based in Addis Ababa, this full‑time, on‑site position will shape the agency’s brand voice and ensure the delivery of integrated solutions across digital and traditional channels.

Key responsibilities

• Define and communicate the agency’s creative vision and overall brand direction.
• Develop overarching concepts for campaigns and guide the creative team through brainstorming, design, copywriting, and production.
• Collaborate closely with clients to understand objectives, present proposals, and refine ideas based on feedback.
• Mentor designers, copywriters, and strategists, establishing efficient creative processes.
• Coordinate with account and production teams to align creative output with strategic goals.
• Contribute to business development by leading pitches and presentations.
• Maintain a long‑term perspective on agency growth, reputation, and creative excellence.

Required profile

• Proven experience in advertising, branding, or a creative agency with a strong portfolio.
• Demonstrated leadership and team‑management abilities.
• Excellent client‑facing skills, including communication, presentation, and negotiation.
• Deep understanding of marketing fundamentals, audience insights, and brand positioning in the Ethiopian market.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience building or scaling a creative business or department.
• Bachelor’s degree in Advertising, Design, Communications, Marketing, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Fluency in English; Amharic proficiency and local cultural knowledge are strong advantages.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape the creative direction of a growing agency.
• Collaborative, innovative work environment.
• Exposure to diverse local and regional clients.