Associate Creative Director (Art)

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Associate Creative Director (Art) 🔹 Company: Circa - IPG DXTRA 🔹 Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States 🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2-3 days remote) 🔹 Category: Creative & Design 🔹 Date Posted: May 27, 2025 🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior (6-10 years) 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: 1. Fresh Visuals: Bring the freshest, most unexpected, and visually compelling social-first creative solutions to the table. 2. Proactive Creativity: Generate earned-first, trend-driven ideas that go beyond the brief and create cultural impact. 3. Idea Communication: Present creative concepts and visuals with clarity, passion, and confidence to internal teams and clients. 4. Collaboration: Partner with copywriters, strategists, media, and digital teams to bring ideas to life and solve client challenges. 5. Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior designers and art directors, encouraging their growth and ensuring the highest creative standards. 6. Cultural Awareness: Stay immersed in the latest social and AI trends, using them as a springboard for innovative visuals and ideas. 7. Hybrid Role: Collaborate in-person three days a week at our Chicago office while maintaining flexibility for remote work. ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive, socially-aware creative who thrives in a collaborative environment and can balance in-person and remote work effectively. 📋 Key Responsibilities ✅ Fresh Visuals: Job #1 is to bring the freshest, most unexpected, and visually compelling social-first creative solutions to the table. ✅ Proactive Creativity: Generate earned-first, trend-driven ideas that go beyond the brief and create cultural impact. ✅ Idea Communication: Present creative concepts and visuals with clarity, passion, and confidence to internal teams and clients. ✅ Collaboration: Partner with copywriters, strategists, media, and digital teams to bring ideas to life and solve client challenges. ✅ Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior designers and art directors, encouraging their growth and ensuring the highest creative standards. ✅ Cultural Awareness: Stay immersed in the latest social and AI trends, using them as a springboard for innovative visuals and ideas. ✅ Hybrid Role: Collaborate in-person three days a week at our Chicago office while maintaining flexibility for remote work. ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in art direction, strong leadership skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: - Bachelor's degree in Design, Fine Arts, or a related field. Experience: - 6-7 years of experience in art direction or design roles, with a strong focus on earned-first and social-first campaigns. Required Skills: - Expertise in design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, etc.) and familiarity with AI-driven design tools. - Strong conceptual thinking and ability to transform cultural insights into engaging visuals. - Proven leadership experience, with a track record of mentoring and inspiring creative teams. Preferred Skills: - Experience with 3D design software. - Familiarity with UX/UI design principles. ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a diverse portfolio showcasing bold, culturally relevant visuals and campaigns that sparked conversation. 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $70,000 - $130,000 (USD) per year, based on experience and market considerations. Benefits: - Comprehensive benefits and time off program. - Happy, engaged work environment with a focus on employee well-being. Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexible remote work options. ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for this role, experience level, and location. Actual compensation will depend on various factors, including the candidate's skills, qualifications, and market conditions. 📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context Industry: Public Relations and Communications Services. Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees. Founded: 1930 (as IPG, the parent company). Company Description: IPG DXTRA is the world’s most diverse communications network, bringing experts in PR, branding, digital, experiential, influencer, and entertainment together to deliver creative, meaningful, and stand-out answers. Company Specialties: - Public Relations. - Branding. - Digital Marketing. - Experiential Marketing. - Influencer Marketing. - Entertainment Marketing. Company Website: http://www.ipgdxtrahealth.com. ASSUMPTION: As a large, global agency, IPG DXTRA offers extensive resources, diverse client portfolios, and ample opportunities for career growth and development. 📊 Role Analysis Career Level: Mid-Senior (6-10 years of experience). Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Creative Director and oversees junior designers and art directors. Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2-3 days remote) with flexibility for remote work. Growth Opportunities: - Mentorship and leadership opportunities within the creative team. - Potential to work on high-profile, global campaigns. - Access to professional development resources and training programs. ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of creative and leadership responsibilities, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2-3 days remote). Office Location(s): Chicago, Illinois, United States. Geographic Context: - Chicago is the third-most populous city in the United States, offering a vibrant cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, and a rich history. - The city is known for its architecture, museums, and world-class food scene. - Chicago is also a major hub for the arts, with numerous theaters, music venues, and cultural institutions. Work Schedule: Flexible, with core hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (CST) and the option to work remotely 2-3 days per week. ASSUMPTION: Chicago offers a dynamic work environment with a diverse talent pool, making it an ideal location for creative professionals. 💼 Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Phone or video screening. 2. In-person or virtual portfolio presentation. 3. Final round interviews with creative and leadership teams. Key Assessment Areas: - Creative problem-solving skills. - Cultural awareness and trend analysis. - Leadership and mentorship abilities. - Presentation and communication skills. Application Tips: 1. Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role. 2. Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your best work, with an emphasis on social-first and earned-first campaigns. 3. Practice your presentation skills and be ready to discuss your creative process and thought behind your work. ATS Keywords: Art Direction, Design, Social Media, Creative Solutions, Mentorship, Collaboration, Cultural Awareness, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, AI-driven Design, Conceptual Thinking, Visual Communication, Trend Analysis, Leadership, Brand Building, Digital Content. ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing your creative problem-solving skills, cultural awareness, and leadership abilities, as well as your fit with the company's collaborative work environment. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects). - Figma. - AI-driven design tools (e.g., Runway ML, Adobe's Sensei, Midjourney). - Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel). - Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA). ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the latest design software and tools is essential for this role, as well as the ability to adapt to new technologies as they emerge. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Bravery: We dare to challenge the status quo and take bold action. - Collaboration: We work together to achieve more. - Inclusion: We foster an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. - Integrity: We act with honesty and transparency in all our actions. - Creativity: We embrace curiosity and continuous learning. Work Style: - Collaborative and inclusive. - Fast-paced and dynamic. - Focused on delivering high-quality, innovative work. - Committed to professional development and growth. Self-Assessment Questions: 1. How do you align with the company's value of 'Bravery' in your creative approach? 2. Describe a time when you had to adapt your work style to fit a new team or environment. 3. How do you ensure that your creative ideas are inclusive and respectful of diverse perspectives? ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong fit with the company's values and work style, as well as a commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment. ⚠️ Potential Challenges 1. Balancing the demands of a fast-paced, collaborative work environment with remote work responsibilities. 2. Managing a team of junior designers and art directors while maintaining a high standard of creative output. 3. Keeping up with the latest social and AI trends while maintaining a strong creative vision. 4. Navigating a large, global agency with diverse client portfolios and work arrangements. ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to address these challenges proactively and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison 1. Art Director vs. Associate Creative Director (Art): While both roles focus on art direction, the Associate Creative Director role carries more strategic and leadership responsibilities, such as mentoring and team management. 2. Industry-specific context: This role requires a strong understanding of social-first and earned-first campaigns, as well as the ability to work effectively within a global communications network. 3. Career path comparison: This role can serve as a stepping stone to senior creative leadership positions within the agency or other global communications networks. ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be aware of the unique demands and opportunities presented by this role and be prepared to discuss their career goals and aspirations within the context of the global communications industry. 📝 Sample Projects 1. Social-first campaign: Develop a visually compelling, earned-first social media campaign for a major brand launch, targeting a diverse audience and driving engagement. 2. AI-driven design: Create a series of AI-generated visuals for a brand's website, ensuring consistency with the brand's aesthetic and user experience. 3. Trend analysis: Analyze emerging social and cultural trends to inform a brand's visual identity and ensure its relevance in the market. ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to these project types and provide examples of their work in each area. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview 1. Role-specific: How does this role fit into the agency's overall creative strategy, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days? 2. Team structure: Can you describe the team I'll be working with, and how does this role fit into the team's dynamics? 3. Creative process: How does the agency approach brainstorming and idea generation, and how can I contribute to this process as the Associate Creative Director (Art)? 4. Growth opportunities: What opportunities exist for professional development and career growth within this role and the agency? 5. Work-life balance: How does the agency support work-life balance, especially for hybrid roles like this one? ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to ask thoughtful, insightful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role and their commitment to the agency's success. 📝 Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through this link. 2. Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role. 3. Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your best work, with an emphasis on social-first and earned-first campaigns. 4. Practice your presentation skills and be ready to discuss your creative process and thought behind your work. 5. Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application, inquiring about the status of your application and expressing your continued interest in the role. ⚠️ Disclaimer This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.