Overview

Must be located in Chicago and able to go into the office in accordance with our hybrid office model.

DDB Chicago is a communications agency dedicated to making creative work that works.

We believe in the power of creativity to create the change we want to happen in the world and develop audacious and famous ideas for our clients that help to grow their businesses and shape culture by driving behavior change at scale.

We are a global network of agencies who believe firmly in respect, kindness, openness, self-expression, and creativity, making spaces for the lived and learned experiences of all our people, and helping them to be the best they can be. We are intellectually curious about difference, embracing change for the better, and are committed to opposing injustice and constantly challenging the status quo. We are a place packed with the energy and passion to make things happen.

This position is Associate Creative Director at Team DDB, an integrated organization consisting of nine agencies for one of the largest accounts in our network: the U.S. Army. This person is a copywriter by trade, with strong conceptual thinking, expert writing skills, and the leadership acumen to oversee others (junior creatives, cross-functional partners, production vendors) for the realization of all creative strategies. The ACD/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 storytelling, and flawless verbal execution across platforms and formats. The ACD also mentors young creatives, 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 a clear and thoughtful presenter to colleagues and clients.

The U.S. Army provides an enormous array of opportunities for young people who want to make a dent in the Universe, but misperceptions and functional barriers loom large. Team DDB’s ambition is to make the Army the most irresistible life choice for a diverse new generation.

Responsibilities

• Realizes the brand vision and marketing objectives through exceptional concepts and craftsmanship.
• Helps the creative team establish tone of voice and a high standard of writing quality, with an expert grasp of style, syntax, and grammar.
• Mentors other writers, both short- and long-form, by providing inspiring direction for both projects and long-term professional growth.
• Directs external production vendors (directors, photographers, editors, sound engineers, and developers).
• Oversees the planning and production of presentation materials.
• Presents concepts, executions, and creative decisions to colleagues and clients.
• Responsible for the proper placement, context, and meaning of creative elements across media platforms and formats, as well as the overall message within a creative assignment.
• Works with producers and project managers to ensure all deliverables and deadlines are met within budget.
• Reports state of account and current projects to Creative Directors on a regular basis.
• Spreads expertise, passion, and innovation throughout the multi-agency team.
• Generates extra-credit innovative ideas that can solve different aspects of the Army’s recruitment challenges.
• Collaborates with other creative staff to share learning and experience, and to establish initiatives that will improve Team DDB’s creative product.
• Contributes to overall office morale, spirit, and character.

Qualifications

• 8 years’ experience as copywriter in a brand or digital agency.
• 3-5 years’ experience as a creative manager.
• Proven ability to develop award-winning creative concepts, art direction, and design.
• Proven ability to collaborate with a cross-functional team of strategists, creatives, and channel specialists. 

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.