Creative Director, Copy

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Creative Director, Copy

🔹 Company: CG Life

🔹 Location: Remote (Chicago, IL)

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 21, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Yes

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading and mentoring a team of copywriters across multiple healthcare accounts
• Overseeing concept development, brand storytelling, and execution across various healthcare audiences
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop high-impact, insight-driven creative solutions
• Serving as a senior client-facing creative leader, presenting work, and building trusted relationships
• Championing bold, transformative ideas and tethering them to omni-channel marketing strategy

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a seasoned creative director with a deep passion for advertising and a genuine enthusiasm for the healthcare and biopharma space. The ideal candidate will have a compelling portfolio of smart, creative, and strategically grounded work with biopharma and healthcare experience, without the ego that sometimes comes with it.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Leading the creative copywriting team

• Inspire, direct, and motivate a team of copywriters across several accounts, overseeing concept development, brand storytelling, and execution across multiple healthcare audiences including HCPs, patients, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Champion the creative process and toolset evolution to increase quality, efficiency, and drive continual improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop high-impact, insight-driven creative solutions that maintain accountability for the quality, consistency, and strategic cohesion of all written communications across projects and brands.
• Ensure all copy aligns with brand strategy, product claims, clinical data, and the client’s voice and culture.
• Serve as a senior client-facing creative leader, presenting work, defending strategy, and building trusted relationships with clients and brand teams.
• Provide ongoing training, feedback, and support to the creative teams and complete annual performance reviews.
• Ensure resourcing manager is appraised of any workload challenges/concerns on client accounts that may necessitate hiring freelancers or moving team members around to better utilize their time and talents.

✅ Working with clients and internal teams

• Demonstrate ability to work cross-functionally within the agency with client service teams, strategy, digital strategy, project management, and more.
• Establish credibility with clients at all levels by developing knowledge of client’s business–both the brand itself and stakeholders involved. Manage client’s understanding, appreciation for, and evaluation of written content, and lead creative meetings and presentations.
• Champion bold, transformative ideas and tether them to omni-channel marketing strategy–thinking conceptually and ideating for holistic, digitally-powered brand campaigns.
• Exceptional ability to assist with and/or present creative ideas to clients and internal team members, including relevant pitch experience in the biopharma space.
• Assist with the development or review of creative briefs that provide strategic insight and creative inspiration.
• Pitch to high-profile senior clients with an understanding of their motivations and objectives.
• Fundamentally own the creative product, throughout the creative process through concept development to execution and delivery and ensuring creative excellence.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to manage and mentor creative teams in the biopharma AOR and DAOR space, understanding how to build structure, delegate effectively, and foster an environment where people feel empowered to do their best work.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field. A Master's degree would be an asset.

Experience: 8-10+ years of related work experience in advertising at a healthcare pharmaceutical agency. 5+ years managing and mentoring agency copywriters and creative teams.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to execute copy skillfully across multiple channels, including print, video, and digital (websites, online banners, social media, etc.). TV or radio ad writing a plus.
• Strong conceptual skills as demonstrated by your portfolio of work.
• The ability to dive into complex science and technologies and glean key ideas and information to convey to target audiences that meets the objective.
• An understanding of agency and creative collaboration processes.
• Ability to present and sell an idea to internal teams and with clients.
• Ability to manage several projects at once.
• Understanding of and expertise in pharma copy requirements: claims, references, research, and copy that meets the requirements of the FDA and client med/reg/legal review.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat tools.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-driven content creation tools.
• Fluency in multiple languages.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will combine creative excellence with humility, curiosity, and a true love of the craft.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $140,000 - $170,000 USD per year. This is an estimate based on market data and the company's compensation structure. The actual offer may vary based on the selected candidate's experience, education, industry knowledge, location, technical and communication skills, and other factors.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance. CG Life covers a generous portion of employee contributions.
• 401K plan. CG Life offers a generous match and immediate vesting on their plan.
• Parental Leave. Generous paid time off for parents to bond with their newest addition.
• Professional Development. Each employee has an annual budget to allocate to professional development opportunities.
• Flexible Time Off. CG Life offers flexible time off to help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Life Insurance, LTD, and Employee Assistance Program.

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week. However, the role may require additional hours during peak periods or to meet project deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the factors mentioned above. CG Life aims to be competitive in their compensation packages and offers a variety of benefits to attract and retain top talent.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services. CG Life specializes in marketing communications, public relations, digital strategy, creative development, and more, focusing on the biopharma and healthcare industries.

Company Size: 51-200 employees. CG Life is a mid-sized agency, providing a balance between a large agency's resources and a small agency's personal touch.

Founded: 2003. CG Life was founded with a mission to launch agency for precision medicine, focusing on rare and complex therapies.

Company Description:

• CG Life is a different breed of agency, built for the unique challenges of bringing precision medicine to market.
• Their expertise lies in scientific translation and market shaping, omnichannel activation, and patient/HCP engagement, all underpinned by data, AI, and deep domain expertise in rare and complex therapies.
• CG Life is more than an agency; they are defining a new class of partner that understands the full journey of commercializing biopharma products.

Company Specialties:

• Marketing Communications
• Public Relations (PR) and Social Media
• Digital Strategy and Online Marketing
• Creative Development and Advertising
• Brand Development
• Paid Search (PPC)
• Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
• Content Marketing
• Media Planning
• Inbound Marketing
• Advertising
• Integrated Marketing & Communications
• Scientific Communications
• and Marketing Strategy

Company Website: https://www.cglife.com/

ASSUMPTION: CG Life is a well-established agency with a strong focus on the biopharma and healthcare industries. Their expertise in rare and complex therapies sets them apart from other advertising agencies.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior-level, creative leadership role. This position is ideal for an experienced creative director looking to make a significant impact in the biopharma and healthcare advertising space.

Reporting Structure: The Creative Director, Copy will report directly to the Chief Creative Officer and oversee the copywriting team.

Work Arrangement: This role is remote, with the option to work from home or from one of CG Life's offices in Chicago, IL, or San Diego, CA.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into a leadership role within the creative department or the agency as a whole.
• Opportunities to work on high-profile biopharma accounts and make a significant impact on the commercialization of precision medicine products.
• Chance to mentor and develop junior team members, fostering a culture of growth and learning within the creative team.

ASSUMPTION: The Creative Director, Copy role offers a unique opportunity for an experienced creative leader to make a significant impact in the biopharma and healthcare advertising space, while also enjoying the benefits of a mid-sized agency with a strong focus on growth and development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: CG Life has offices in Chicago, IL, and San Diego, CA. However, this role is remote, allowing the successful candidate to work from home or from either office location.

Office Location(s): 657 W Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60661, US; 4920 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92121, US

Geographic Context:

• Chicago, IL: Known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class dining options. Chicago is also home to a thriving biopharma industry, making it an ideal location for this role.
• San Diego, CA: A coastal city with a Mediterranean climate, San Diego offers a high quality of life, beautiful beaches, and a strong biotech industry. The city is also home to numerous cultural attractions and outdoor activities.

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week. However, the role may require additional hours during peak periods or to meet project deadlines. The remote nature of the role allows for some flexibility in work hours.

ASSUMPTION: The remote nature of this role offers candidates the flexibility to work from home or from one of CG Life's office locations, providing a balance between work-life integration and in-person collaboration.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team to discuss the role and assess cultural fit.
• Creative brief presentation or portfolio review with the Chief Creative Officer and/or other members of the creative leadership team.
• Final interview with the Chief Creative Officer and/or other members of the executive leadership team to discuss the role's fit within the organization and answer any remaining questions.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creative portfolio and presentation skills
• Ability to understand and interpret complex scientific information
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Leadership and mentoring abilities
• Cultural fit and alignment with CG Life's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Prepare a compelling portfolio showcasing your best creative work, with a focus on biopharma and healthcare advertising campaigns.
• Be ready to discuss your creative process, strategic approach, and how you've overcome challenges in previous roles.
• Research CG Life's clients, values, and culture to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and how you can contribute to their success.

ATS Keywords: Creative Director, Copy, Biopharma, Healthcare Advertising, Creative Leadership, Team Management, Brand Storytelling, Client Relations, Concept Development, Digital Strategy, Pharma Copy Requirements, Presentation Skills, Project Management, Training and Feedback, Strategic Insight, Humility, Curiosity

ASSUMPTION: CG Life's application process is designed to assess candidates' creative skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. The organization values candidates who can demonstrate their ability to understand complex scientific information and develop compelling creative solutions for biopharma and healthcare clients.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Adobe Acrobat
• Creative briefing and project management tools (e.g., Workamajig, Asana, Trello)
• AI-driven content creation tools (e.g., Copy.ai, Frase, Articoolo)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with the tools and technologies listed above, as well as a willingness to learn and adapt to new tools as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity: CG Life values honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all aspects of their work.
• Expertise: CG Life is committed to delivering high-quality, strategic, and creative solutions to their clients, backed by deep industry knowledge and expertise.
• Collaboration: CG Life fosters a culture of collaboration, both internally and with their clients, to ensure that everyone is working together towards a common goal.

Work Style:

• CG Life values a work style that is both creative and strategic, with a focus on delivering high-quality, innovative solutions to their clients.
• The organization values a work style that is collaborative, with a focus on building strong relationships with both internal teams and clients.
• CG Life values a work style that is adaptable, with a willingness to learn and grow in a dynamic and ever-changing industry.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a deep passion for advertising and a genuine enthusiasm for the healthcare and biopharma space?
• Are you able to understand and interpret complex scientific information and convey it to target audiences in a clear and compelling way?
• Do you have strong leadership and mentoring abilities, with a proven track record of building and managing high-performing creative teams?
• Are you a strategic thinker with a proven ability to develop and execute creative solutions that meet the objectives of both the client and the target audience?
• Do you have a strong work ethic and a willingness to go above and beyond to deliver high-quality, innovative solutions to clients?

ASSUMPTION: CG Life values candidates who are passionate about their work, strategic in their thinking, and collaborative in their approach. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate their alignment with the organization's values and work style.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple client accounts and teams simultaneously, requiring strong project management and prioritization skills.
• Working with complex scientific information and ensuring that all copy aligns with brand strategy, product claims, clinical data, and the client’s voice and culture.
• Balancing the need for creative excellence with the need to meet project deadlines and client expectations.
• Working remotely, which may require additional self-motivation and time management skills.

ASSUMPTION: The Creative Director, Copy role presents unique challenges that require a strong project management skillset, a deep understanding of complex scientific information, and the ability to balance creative excellence with client expectations and project timelines.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Creative Director, Copy vs. Group Creative Director, Copy: The former role focuses more on day-to-day management of the copywriting team, while the latter role may have more strategic and leadership responsibilities, overseeing multiple teams or departments.
• Biopharma and Healthcare Advertising vs. Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Advertising: Biopharma and healthcare advertising requires a deep understanding of complex scientific information and the ability to convey it to target audiences in a clear and compelling way. CPG advertising, on the other hand, may focus more on consumer behavior and market trends.
• Creative Director, Copy vs. Senior Copywriter: The former role involves leadership and management responsibilities, while the latter role focuses more on individual creative output and may not have direct reports.

ASSUMPTION: The Creative Director, Copy role is unique in its focus on the biopharma and healthcare advertising space, requiring a deep understanding of complex scientific information and the ability to convey it to target audiences in a clear and compelling way.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive brand campaign for a newly launched biopharma product, including print, digital, and social media assets, as well as patient and HCP-facing materials.
• Creating a series of animated explainer videos to help patients understand complex medical conditions and treatment options.
• Writing and designing a series of direct mail pieces to educate healthcare professionals about a new medical device or technology.

ASSUMPTION: The Creative Director, Copy role offers a unique opportunity to work on high-profile biopharma accounts and make a significant impact on the commercialization of precision medicine products.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the creative process and toolset used at CG Life, and how they have evolved over time?
• How does CG Life approach collaboration with clients, and what role would I play in building and maintaining those relationships?
• What are the most challenging aspects of working on biopharma accounts, and how does CG Life support its creative teams in overcoming those challenges?
• How does CG Life foster a culture of growth and development within the creative team, and what opportunities exist for professional advancement?
• What is the work-life balance like at CG Life, and how does the organization support remote workers?

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be curious and engaged, asking thoughtful questions about the role, the organization, and the industry to demonstrate their interest and commitment to the position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your passion for advertising, strategic thinking, and creative excellence in the biopharma and healthcare space.
• Prepare a compelling portfolio showcasing your best creative work, with a focus on biopharma and healthcare advertising campaigns.
• Be ready to discuss your creative process, strategic approach, and how you've overcome challenges in previous roles.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position and inquire about the status of your application.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.