Creative Director (Copy)

Position Summary

DDB Chicago is a communications agency dedicated to making creative work that works. We believe creativity is the most powerful force in business—that audacious and famous ideas change behavior at scale, shape culture, and give our clients an unfair advantage.

This position is Creative Director at Team DDB, a DDB-led integrated organization consisting of nine agencies for one of the largest accounts in our global network: the U.S. Army. The Army provides an enormous array of opportunities for young people who want to make a dent in the Universe, but misperceptions and barriers loom large—and we’re inspired by this formidable challenge. Team DDB’s ambition is to make the Army the most irresistible life choice for a diverse new generation, and in doing so, have an outrageously good time doing the most meaningful work of our careers.

This person is a copywriter by trade, with strong conceptual thinking, expert writing skills, and the leadership acumen to oversee others (Copywriters, Art Directors, Designers, cross-functional partners, production vendors) for the realization of all creative strategies. The CD/CW is facile in many aspects of a modern marketing ecosystem—including video, social, experiential, and web—and is charged with developing inspiring campaign concepts, memorable stories, and flawless verbal execution across platforms and formats. The CD also collaborates closely with specialists in other departments and partner agencies, shares examples from media and culture that elevate the quality of our work, approves deliverables on a project level, and is responsible for the presentation (and selling) of creative to internal management and clients.

The ideal candidate has experience at both brand and digital agencies, is fluent in both stories and systems, and is not intimidated by complexity.

Responsibilities

• Oversee creative development from concept to final delivery, primarily on integrated campaign assignments
• Articulate a clear conceptual vision, and its expression across a large ecosystem of stories and experiences
• Support and inspire cross-functional creatives across partner agencies, including specialists in social, PR, and lower-funnel content
• Provide clear input and influence on high-level strategies, creative briefs, and solution frameworks
• Identify creative opportunities and areas of improvement across a wide range of work streams
• Provide mentorship and growth plans to copywriter supervisees
• Provide ideas and guidance for building Team DDB’s creative reputation, including but not limited to industry awards
• Model an empathetic leadership style to sustain our “one team” vision and culture across all nine of our agencies
• Prepare and deliver impactful creative presentations, demonstrating excellent judgment, expertise, and commitment to solving client problems
  
  

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in a traditional, digital, and/or in-house agency
• 5 years leading creatives as a supervisor and project owner
• Expert writer in terms of narrative, voice, structure, and syntax
• Exceptional collaborator, facilitator, and mentor
• Exceptional presenter, able to speak effectively to senior clients, agency management, and large groups of employees
• Strong command of presentation software and best practices for clarity and impact
• Deep well of knowledge and interests across culture: music, film, art, fashion, gaming, and technology
• Passion to push boundaries and constantly innovate, inspired by challenges—not deterred by them
• A portfolio containing world-class creative work
  
  

What We Offer

• 💰 Competitive Salary
• ⚕️Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• 🏝️Generous Time Off
• 👶Paid parental leave
• 🎒Tuition Reimbursement
• 🥕Family Planning Assistance
• 📈Stock Discounts
• 🚌Transit Discounts
• 💡LinkedIn Learning Access
• 🧠Employee Assistance Programs
  
  

Please let us know should you require any additional support or assistance through the recruitment process.

DDB is an equal opportunities employer and will never favor or discriminate against anyone based on their age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, gender identity, expression, or realignment.

This role requires regular in-office presence with a minimum of three days per week, to engage and collaborate in in-person team interactions and meetings as required.

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