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Associate Creative Director (Copy)

Circa - IPG DXTRA
Full-time
On-site
Chicago, Illinois, United States
🎨 Brand & Creative Marketing
πŸ“Œ Core Information πŸ”Ή Job Title: Associate Creative Director (Copy) πŸ”Ή Company: Circa - IPG DXTRA πŸ”Ή Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States πŸ”Ή Job Type: Hybrid (In-person 2-3 days/week) πŸ”Ή Category: Creative & Design πŸ”Ή Date Posted: July 14, 2025 πŸ”Ή Experience Level: Mid-Senior (7+ years) πŸš€ Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: 1. Fresh Ideas: Generating innovative, social-first ideas that make headlines and spark conversations. 2. Proactive Thinking: Continuously creating proactive, culturally relevant ideas that resonate across platforms. 3. Idea Communication: Presenting concepts with energy, clarity, and conviction to both internal teams and clients. 4. Collaboration: Working across the agency with strategy, media, digital, and account teams to solve complex problems. 5. Mentorship: Supporting and mentoring junior creatives to foster their growth and develop top-tier work. ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of social media trends, cultural insights, and the ability to translate these into compelling, earned-first ideas. πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities βœ… Fresh Ideas: Bring the freshest, most inspiring, and most unexpected social-first ideas to solve our clients’ needs. βœ… Proactive Thinking: Continuously generate earned-first, culturally driven ideas, knowing not all opportunities start with a brief. βœ… Idea Communication: Present concepts with energy, clarity, and conviction to both internal teams and clients. βœ… Collaboration: Work across the agency with strategy, media, digital, and account teams to solve complex problems and bring ideas to life. βœ… Mentorship: Support and mentor junior creatives, fostering their growth and ensuring the development of top-tier work. βœ… Cultural Connection: Stay up to date on the latest social and AI trends, ensuring your work reflects current and future cultural moments. ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership skills, with experience mentoring and guiding creative teams. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: - Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Communications, English, Marketing) Experience: - 7+ years of experience in copywriting or creative roles with a strong emphasis on earned-first and social-first campaigns Required Skills: - Exceptional writing and storytelling skills with a portfolio showcasing innovative, earned-first work - Proven ability to craft proactive, culturally relevant ideas that resonate across platforms - Expertise in social media platforms and tools, and a deep understanding of how AI impacts creative development - Strong leadership skills, with experience mentoring and guiding creative teams Preferred Skills: - Experience with AI-driven content creation tools - Familiarity with data-driven creative processes ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong portfolio demonstrating their ability to create proactive, culturally relevant ideas that resonate across platforms. πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $70,000 - $130,000 per year (based on experience and market considerations) Benefits: - Comprehensive benefits and time off program - Happy, collaborative work environment with a focus on employee well-being Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible remote work options πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights πŸ” Company Context Industry: Public Relations and Communications Services Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees Founded: 1986 (as IPG, Inc.) 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, Experiential, Influencer, Entertainment Company Website: IPG DXTRA ASSUMPTION: IPG DXTRA's diverse network allows it to provide comprehensive solutions for multi-market, regional, and global communications programs. πŸ“Š Role Analysis Career Level: Mid-Senior (7+ years of experience) Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Creative Director and works closely with strategy, media, digital, and account teams. Work Arrangement: Hybrid (in-person 2-3 days/week in Chicago, IL, with remote flexibility) Growth Opportunities: - Mentoring junior creatives and fostering their growth - Collaborating with diverse teams across the agency - Working on high-profile, global campaigns for prominent clients ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within the agency's diverse network. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: Hybrid (in-person 2-3 days/week in Chicago, IL, with remote flexibility) Office Location(s): Chicago, IL Geographic Context: - Chicago, IL: Diverse, vibrant city with a rich cultural scene and numerous professional opportunities - Midwestern region: Access to a large talent pool and regional market insights Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible remote work options ASSUMPTION: This role requires occasional travel for client meetings and industry events. πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Online application and resume screening 2. Phone or video screening 3. In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members 4. Final interview with the Creative Director or another senior leader Key Assessment Areas: - Writing and storytelling skills - Understanding of social media trends and AI impacts on creative development - Leadership and mentoring abilities - Cultural fit and alignment with the agency's values Application Tips: 1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role. 2. Prepare a portfolio showcasing your innovative, earned-first work. 3. Practice presenting your ideas with energy, clarity, and conviction. 4. Research the agency and its clients to demonstrate your understanding of their work. ATS Keywords: Copywriting, creative roles, social media, culturally relevant ideas, storytelling, mentorship, leadership, collaboration, proactive thinking, cultural insights, digital content, AI trends, earned-first campaigns, brand building, communication, problem-solving ASSUMPTION: Applicants should emphasize their ability to create proactive, culturally relevant ideas that resonate across platforms and their experience mentoring and guiding creative teams. πŸ›  Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Diverse and inclusive work environment - Collaboration and teamwork - Creativity and innovation - Client-centric approach - Continuous learning and development Work Style: - Collaborative and team-oriented - Fast-paced and dynamic - Creative and innovative - Data-driven and strategic Self-Assessment Questions: 1. How do you ensure your work reflects current and future cultural moments? 2. Can you provide an example of a time when you mentored a junior creative and fostered their growth? 3. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest social media trends and AI impacts on creative development? ASSUMPTION: Candidates should demonstrate their ability to thrive in a diverse, collaborative, and fast-paced work environment. ⚠️ Potential Challenges 1. Creative Block: Occasional creative blocks may arise, requiring strategies to overcome them and maintain productivity. 2. Team Dynamics: Balancing the needs and perspectives of diverse teams may present challenges, requiring strong leadership and communication skills. 3. Client Expectations: Managing client expectations and delivering on their briefs may require strategic thinking and adaptability. 4. Work-Life Balance: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance in a hybrid role may require self-discipline and time management skills. ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to address these potential challenges and demonstrate their resilience and adaptability. πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison 1. Associate Creative Director (Art) vs. (Copy): This role focuses more on copywriting and storytelling, while the Art Director role emphasizes visual design and creative direction. 2. Senior Copywriter vs. Associate Creative Director (Copy): The Associate Creative Director role involves more strategic thinking, team leadership, and mentoring responsibilities compared to a Senior Copywriter role. 3. Creative Director vs. Associate Creative Director (Copy): The Creative Director role encompasses overall creative direction and leadership, while the Associate Creative Director (Copy) role focuses on copywriting and storytelling strategies. ASSUMPTION: Candidates should understand the unique aspects of this role and how it differs from related positions within the creative industry. πŸ“ Sample Projects 1. Earned-First Campaign: Develop a culturally relevant, earned-first campaign for a prominent brand, showcasing your ability to create proactive, innovative ideas. 2. Social Media Content: Create engaging, on-brand content for a client's social media channels, demonstrating your understanding of platform-specific trends and best practices. 3. AI-Driven Content: Generate AI-driven content for a brand, highlighting your expertise in leveraging AI tools for creative development. ASSUMPTION: Candidates should provide specific examples of their work that demonstrate their ability to create proactive, culturally relevant ideas that resonate across platforms. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview 1. Role Responsibilities: Can you describe the key responsibilities of the Associate Creative Director (Copy) role and how they align with my skills and experiences? 2. Team Structure: How is the creative team structured, and how does this role fit within the team? 3. Client Work: Can you provide examples of recent client work and the creative strategies employed to achieve their goals? 4. Mentorship Opportunities: How does the agency support the growth and development of junior creatives, and what mentorship opportunities are available in this role? 5. Work Environment: How would you describe the work environment and company culture, and how does this role contribute to maintaining a positive, collaborative atmosphere? ASSUMPTION: Candidates should ask thoughtful, insightful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role and their fit within the agency's creative team. πŸ“ Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through this link. 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role. 3. Prepare a portfolio showcasing your innovative, earned-first work. 4. Practice presenting your ideas with energy, clarity, and conviction. 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. ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.