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.

Senior Copywriters bring both experience and expertise to the creative process. They work with other Copywriters and Art Directors to conceive, develop and produce effective advertisements. Together they provide creative execution on a client’s project. Senior Copywriters have developed, with time awareness of all forms of marketing and media and they are charged with writing persuasive copy in a variety of tones and styles to a wide array of target audiences. Over time Senior Copywriters have built a solid reputation for consistently delivering world-class creative business communications, particular in their writing skills. Senior Copywriters are expecting to work independently and to mentor more junior talent on the team. They have developed excellent relationships throughout the agency based on their skills, knowledge and behavior. 

Responsibilities

Creativity 

• Works with the Client Service and Strategic Planning teams regarding marketing and creative strategies for brand concepts, providing insight and challenging the brief as appropriate in order to raise the agency’s creative offering 
• Collaborates with other creative staff to share learning and experience and to establish initiatives that will improve the creative product 
• Generates and develops concepts and ideas, which meet the requirements of the brief as well as the client’s-branding standards that are of a consistently high standard 
• Ensures the proper placement, context and meaning of every word as well as the overall message within a creative assignment 
• Establishes tone, character, and messages that will effectively communicate with the target audience and fulfill the project objectives 
• Is able to prepare a range integrated copy from development of headlines and editorial copy to scripts for audio / video recordings, quizzes, questionnaires, brochures, posters, POS material, and navigational button names 
• Understands and accepts the need to amend, revise or redevelop campaigns in response to feedback from the creative director or clients 
• Participates in (and may lead) brainstorming sessions 

Productivity 

• Works closely with the Creative Director on key campaigns generating ideas and discussing progress with the creative director before making presentations to clients 
• Understands the importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date timesheets 
• Ensures all work is done to agreed deadlines and within budget often monitoring the progress of more junior staff 
• Multi-tasks, working on several campaigns at once, under pressure and on tight deadlines 
• Seeks approvals from creative management on all work before delivery to Accounts and / or the Client 
• Is involved in the production process including casting, dealing with production companies and directors, as well as work with typographers, designers and printers 
• Assists in developing presentation materials for business development projects 

Knowledge & Skills 

• Possesses excellent written and presentation skills 
• Is able to sell a creative idea passionately and persuasively ensuring its link to the brief 
• Is able to explain supporting rationale for all work 
• Keeps up-to-date with popular culture and trends 

Relationships / Communications 

• Attends and participates in client presentations or pitch presentations to support the creative rationale behind the agency’s work sometimes on behalf of the Creative Director 
• Acts as liaison with production companies, photographers, typographers, designers and printers 
• Represents, when required, senior creative management at agency meetings as well as with clients 
• Partners with Account, Media, Project Management and Technical counterparts to enhance quality, productivity, and profitability of the group’s work 
• Meets the account management team to discuss client requirements and product background 

Leadership 

• Mentors more junior talent on the creative team sharing their knowledge, experience and expertise 
• Works well in a team, has developed a reputation for cooperation and teamwork 
• Supports creative management on the identification and development of all agency staff 
• Contributes to overall office morale, spirit, character and work quality 

Qualifications

• 5 years of copywriting experience 
• Experience across a variety of communications channels and business categories 
• Portfolio required

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.