📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Creative Director, Copy
🔹 Company: Circa - IPG DXTRA
🔹 Location: San Francisco, California, United States
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Public Relations and Communications Services
🔹 Date Posted: April 8, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: No
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading creative ideation and execution for a diverse range of clients
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver breakthrough earned-first ideas
- Mentoring and guiding junior team members to foster a creative and inclusive environment
- Presenting and selling creative concepts to clients, ensuring alignment with strategic goals
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills. The ideal candidate will have experience managing creative teams and be comfortable working with a variety of clients and briefs.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Developing and delivering creative ideas that make clients' brands famous
✅ Generating breakthrough work that can live across platforms and inspiring others to do the same
✅ Delivering a broad range of projects, including social posts, creative narratives, product copy, video scripts, and more
✅ Backing up creative work with smart, strategic choices
✅ Guiding, teaching, and mentoring junior members of the team while promoting an inclusive environment
✅ Staying looped in with team leadership for temp checks, alignment, and guidance
✅ Collaborating seamlessly with creatives and other teams throughout the network
✅ Questioning, pushing, and providing feedback on briefs and asks with Strategy, Client Experience, and Integrated Media teams
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of earned media concepts and the ability to translate complex ideas into compelling, on-brand content.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Communications, Marketing, English, Journalism)
Experience: 5+ years of experience in a creative role with experience managing a creative team
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in advertising, digital, social media, publishing/content, or public relations
- Self-motivation, organization, resilience, and thick skin
- Ongoing drive to understand emerging techniques, cultural trends, and philosophies in marketing, technology, earned ideas, and social media
- Excellent presentation and communication abilities, both internal and external
- A clear understanding of what an "earned idea" is
- Strong ability to provide clear creative perspective and timely, helpful feedback
- Ability to prioritize work and resources across engagements based on short and long-term needs
- Proven mentoring and team-building skills
- Experience leading creative for large brands is preferred
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with global brands
- Fluency in multiple languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong portfolio showcasing their creative work and ability to lead teams.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $121,000 - $155,000 USD per year
Benefits:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- 401k with employer match
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Juice Money - $60 monthly reimbursement for health, mind, body, and soul purchases
- MyDays - Flexible holiday schedules
- Short-Term Disability
- Paid Employee Family Leave
- Family Building Benefit
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM with flexibility for project demands
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on market research and internal equity. Final compensation will depend on various factors, including the candidate's background, experience, and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Public Relations and Communications Services. IPG DXTRA is a global network that brings together experts in PR, branding, digital, experiential, influencer, and entertainment to deliver creative, meaningful, and stand-out answers.
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees. As a mid-sized company, IPG DXTRA offers opportunities for growth and collaboration while maintaining a manageable team size.
Founded: The company's founding date is not specified, but it is part of the larger IPG (Interpublic Group) network, which was founded in 1961.
Company Description:
- IPG DXTRA is the world’s most diverse communications network, bringing together experts in various disciplines to deliver creative, meaningful, and stand-out answers.
- The company offers a full range of communications services, including public relations, branding, digital, experiential, influencer, and entertainment.
- IPG DXTRA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a focus on supporting employee growth and well-being.
Company Specialties:
- Public Relations
- Branding
- Digital Marketing
- Experiential Marketing
- Influencer Marketing
- Entertainment Marketing
Company Website: http://www.ipgdxtrahealth.com
ASSUMPTION: IPG DXTRA's diverse range of services and expertise make it an attractive option for candidates seeking a well-rounded communications role.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior. This role is suited for experienced professionals looking to take the next step in their creative careers, potentially moving into a leadership or management position.
Reporting Structure: The Associate Creative Director, Copy will report directly to the Creative Director and work closely with various teams, including Strategy, Client Experience, and Integrated Media.
Work Arrangement: On-site, with flexibility for remote work as needed. The role requires regular on-site presence for collaboration and client meetings.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a Creative Director or other leadership role within the company
- Expanding creative skillset and expertise through working on diverse projects and clients
- Opportunities to mentor and develop junior team members
ASSUMPTION: This role offers strong growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to develop both creatively and professionally.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a collaborative and creative work environment
Office Location(s): San Francisco, California, United States
Geographic Context:
- San Francisco is a major hub for technology, innovation, and creativity, providing ample opportunities for networking and professional growth
- The city offers a diverse range of cultural attractions, dining options, and outdoor activities
- San Francisco has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and dry, warm summers
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, with flexibility for project demands
ASSUMPTION: The San Francisco office provides a dynamic and inspiring work environment, with easy access to cultural attractions and recreational opportunities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- Creative challenge or case study presentation
- In-person or video interview with the hiring manager and/or creative team
- Final interview with the Creative Director
Key Assessment Areas:
- Creativity and strategic thinking
- Communication and presentation skills
- Problem-solving and adaptability
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your creative work and ability to lead teams
- Research the company and be prepared to discuss how your creative vision aligns with their mission and values
- Practice presenting your creative ideas and be ready to defend your choices
ATS Keywords: Creative Leadership, Copywriting, Client Management, Mentoring, Strategic Thinking, Presentation Skills, Team Collaboration, Problem Solving, Cultural Trends Awareness, Feedback Provision, Project Management, Social Media Expertise, Advertising Knowledge, Digital Marketing, Content Creation, Brand Development
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's creative skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit within the company.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard in the communications industry and can be learned or improved upon with experience.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Creativity
- Collaboration
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Diversity and Inclusion
Work Style:
- Creative and innovative
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to changing demands
- Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality work
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a creative and collaborative environment?
- Are you comfortable working with a diverse range of clients and briefs?
- Can you provide clear creative perspective and timely, helpful feedback to improve creative processes and keep work on budget/schedule?
- Are you committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment?
ASSUMPTION: IPG DXTRA values candidates who are creative, collaborative, and committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Adapting to changing client demands and briefs
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Balancing creative vision with practical constraints (e.g., budget, timeline, client feedback)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and able to adapt to changing demands and constraints.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other creative director roles, this position offers a broader range of clients and projects, providing more opportunities for growth and diversification of skills
- As part of a global communications network, this role offers opportunities for international collaboration and exposure
- Career progression in this role could lead to leadership or management positions within the company or the broader IPG network
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for growth and diversification of skills, as well as potential for international collaboration and career progression.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive brand strategy and creative campaign for a global technology company
- Launching a social media campaign for a new product line, including creative concept development, content creation, and influencer partnerships
- Collaborating with a cross-functional team to create an integrated marketing campaign for a major entertainment release, including advertising, PR, and experiential activations
ASSUMPTION: The projects outlined above are representative of the diverse range of opportunities available in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within it?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the company or this role in the near future?
- How does the company support the growth and development of its employees?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance and employee well-being?
- How does the company measure the success of its creative campaigns, and how is that information used to inform future projects?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and relevant questions during the interview process demonstrates engagement and interest in the role and company.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your creative work and ability to lead teams
- Research the company and be prepared to discuss how your creative vision aligns with their mission and values
- Practice presenting your creative ideas and be ready to defend your choices
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
