Hello, I'm Natalie Hanes
A brand leader with a systems brain and a creative heart.
I’m a brand leader who helps companies show up with clarity, consistency, and edge, inside and out. Whether building from scratch or evolving what’s already there, I turn positioning into presence and strategy into systems that scale.
I’ve shaped brands from the inside at startups and global companies, and from the outside through agency work. Wherever brand meets product, marketing, or design, I bring focus and cohesion, helping teams move with confidence and deliver with intent.
My approach blends systems thinking with strong creative instincts and a collaborative leadership style. I lead with care and conviction, and create space for great work to happen.
Expertise
Where I shine.
Creative leadership
Strategic thinking
Project management
People management
Collaboration
Communication
Mentorship
Brand strategy
Brand development
Brand marketing
Digital strategy
Digital marketing
Integrated marketing
Design psychology
Content strategy
UX/UI Design
Digital Design
Figma
Adobe CC
WordPress/Webflow
HTML/CSS
Remote working
Wearing many hats
Petting pups
Experience
Where I’ve been most recently.
APRIL 2022–PRESENT
In-house / remote
Associate Director, Brand & Communications at CodeSignal
Overseeing all brand initiatives across organization. Brought on to build out the brand marketing function as a whole. Leading full rebrand, repositioning, and website redesign strategy. Developing efficient internal processes and operations. Directing strategy and execution of all brand touch points such as design, communications, social media, public relations, digital, campaigns, and much more. Partnership with Product to ensure alignment across experience.
JUNE 2021–MARCH 2022
In-house / remote
Director, Global Brand & Creative at EIS Group
Overseeing all brand, design, and web initiatives across global organization of 19+ countries. Brought on to build out the brand design function as a whole. Leading full global rebrand and repositioning strategy. Management of department. Developing efficient internal creative processes and operations. Directing strategy and execution of all marketing design, including digital touch points. Building in-house design team. Developing brand systems and more.
SEPT 2019–MAY 2021
Agency / remote
Creative Director at Digital Reach Agency
Directing strategy and execution of all client and internal creative/brand concepting across multiple channels. Leading, mentoring, and hiring designers and contractors with a player-coach approach. Overseeing complete management of department. Developing efficient internal creative processes and operations. Managing creative relationships with global B2B tech and SaaS clients. Making data-driven decisions to advance goals and drive performance. Notable clients: Cisco, VMware, Redis, NICE inContact, Kajabi, Patreon, AdRoll, & more.
FEB 2013–SEPT 2019
studio / remote
Creative Director & Founder at Natalie Hands Studio
Oversaw all creative projects and operations from booking to completion. Managed a diverse team of freelancers to implement and deliver projects. Provided brand development, creative solutions, and digital strategy to a variety of clients. Developed efficient internal creative processes and operations. Managed all freelancers, timelines, budgets, and relationships. Notable clients: Marriott, Chicago Field Museum, Hilton, Winc Wine Club, & more.
Recomendations
Kind words from people I’ve worked with.