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Associate Creative Director Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

MERGE

Associate Creative Director - Design

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$129K/yr

Associate Creative Director (Design) As Associate Creative Director (Design), you will shape the digital and physical visual narrative for a fast-paced retail account [major Quick-Service Restaurant ...

MERGE

Associate Creative Director - Design

Chicago, IL · On-site

$129K/yr

Associate Creative Director (Design) As Associate Creative Director (Design), you will shape the digital and physical visual narrative for a fast-paced retail account [major Quick-Service Restaurant ...

Omnicom

Associate Creative Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

Creative Direction ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR (ART OR COPY) If you're reading this, you're ... Experience: 5-8 years in art direction, design, or copywriting - especially if you've worked on ...

Omnicom

Associate Creative Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

Creative Direction ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR(ART OR COPY) If you're reading this, you're probably ... Experience: 5-8 years in art direction, design, or copywriting - especially if you've worked on ...

Camping-Worl

Associate Creative Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

We are seeking an Associate Creative Director to help lead concept and craft across Good Sam's ... Bachelor's degree in Advertising, Fine Arts, Design, Communications, or a related field; equivalent ...

Blue Chip

Associate Creative Director, Copy

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

The Associate Creative Director, Copy is responsible for the elevating the concept & copy of strategically grounded print, retail, digital and video projects. They work in conjunction with their ...

Omnicom

Creative Director

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR Associate Creative Directors must demonstrate strong conceptual thinking and the ability to develop big, breakthrough ideas across all mediums. They must have an in-depth ...

Omnicom

Creative Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR Associate Creative Directors must demonstrate strong conceptual thinking and the ability to develop big, breakthrough ideas across all mediums. They must have an in-depth ...

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Associate Creative Director Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$22.1K

$111.7K

$179.2K

How much do associate creative director design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate creative director design in Chicago, IL is $111,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,200.00 and $157,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate creative director design do?

An Associate Creative Director of Design is responsible for helping lead the creative vision and direction of design projects within an organization or agency. They collaborate with creative teams, clients, and other stakeholders to develop innovative visual concepts, ensuring that all design work aligns with brand standards and project goals. In addition to providing guidance and feedback to designers, they may also participate in strategic planning, client presentations, and project management. This role typically reports to the Creative Director and serves as a bridge between upper management and the design team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate creative director design?

To thrive as an Associate Creative Director Design, you need a strong background in visual design, creative strategy, and team leadership, often supported by a degree in graphic design or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, and knowledge of project management systems is essential. Outstanding communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills help you inspire teams and translate client needs into innovative creative solutions. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-impact designs, leading creative teams effectively, and ensuring client satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.

How does an associate creative director design typically collaborate with other departments on creative projects?

An Associate Creative Director Design frequently works cross-functionally, partnering closely with copywriters, strategists, account managers, and production teams to ensure design concepts align with project goals and client expectations. They often lead brainstorming sessions, provide creative direction, and oversee the translation of ideas into visual assets. Effective communication and feedback loops with other departments are essential to maintain consistency and deliver cohesive campaigns. This collaborative environment helps foster innovation and ensures that creative solutions meet both aesthetic and business objectives.

What is the difference between Associate Creative Director Design vs Creative Director?

AspectAssociate Creative Director DesignCreative Director
ResponsibilitiesSupports creative projects, manages design teams, assists in concept developmentLeads overall creative vision, makes high-level decisions, oversees multiple projects
Experience & CredentialsTypically 5-8 years in design, strong portfolio, leadership skills10+ years experience, extensive portfolio, strategic leadership
Work EnvironmentCollaborative design teams, reporting to Creative DirectorsExecutive level, cross-department collaboration, client interaction

The main difference between an Associate Creative Director Design and a Creative Director lies in scope and seniority. The Associate supports and implements creative strategies, while the Creative Director sets the overall vision and direction for projects and teams. Both roles require strong design credentials and leadership skills, but the Creative Director holds a higher-level strategic position.

How much does an associate creative director design earn?

An Associate Creative Director in design typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often oversee creative teams, develop visual concepts, and use design tools like Adobe Creative Suite.

What are popular job titles related to Associate Creative Director Design jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Associate Creative Director Design jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Creative Director Design jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Creative Director Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Associate Creative Director Design jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Associate Creative Director Design job openings:

Associate Creative Director Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Creative Director Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,680 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Associate Creative Director - Design

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

MERGE
See more jobs at MERGEexternal

$129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Associate Creative Director (Design) 

As Associate Creative Director (Design), you will shape the digital and physical visual narrative for a fast-paced retail account [major Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) account]. You are a digitally forward design lead-equally comfortable setting high-level creative vision, implementing and guiding design systems, and  hands-on execution across dynamic digital touchpoints, retail environments, and integrated campaigns.

What You'll Do

  • As a core member of the team, you'll craft visually compelling designs, ensuring a consistent and premium presence across diverse channels 
  • Produce high-quality assets across digital and animated menu boards, packaging, in-restaurant signage, mobile apps, and web, ensuring pixel-perfect accuracy and timely delivery within budget constraints.
  • Strategically apply design systems across various touchpoints to ensure cohesive and unified execution.
  • Engage in all facets of design, from quick comping and creating design systems to type treatments, consistently delivering polished design solutions
  • Work seamlessly with client-side digital and development teams to create best-in-class UX/UI experiences 
  • Articulate the underlying strategy behind design projects, emphasizing the rationale ("why") over the deliverables ("what") to all team members
  • Work seamlessly with the creative team, account managers, developers, studio designers, and most importantly, clients, fostering a collaborative and synergistic environment
  • Guide and inspire other designers by providing valuable direction
  • Has a strong understanding of copy direction and its emotional impact on design
  • Design and/or direct design efforts across multiple mediums and touchpoints, ensuring consistency and alignment with strategic goals
  • You are responsible for holistic project lifecycles-from interpreting high-level business objectives into pixel-perfect execution and measurable post-launch success

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of design experience within an ad agency, digital shop, or creative studio, with a portfolio showcasing strong digital, responsive, and cross-channel work
  • Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Digital Design, UI/UX, or equivalent practical experience
  • Proficiency in Figma (auto-layout, components, prototyping) alongside deep mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite
  • Design System Experience: Proven track record of designing digital and physical experiences using component-based design systems. Across both digital platforms and physical/print retail environments
  • Demonstrated ability to manage, inspire, and direct a team of designers while managing multiple fast-paced projects simultaneously
  • Prior experience with QSR, fast-casual, or high-volume retail brands is a major plus

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At MERGE, we're committed to fostering an environment where our team members can thrive in both their careers and personal lives, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed.

MERGE believes in transparency and equity. In accordance with state regulations, we're proud to include salary ranges in our job postings to ensure fair compensation practices.

The salary range for this role is $88,450 - $129,750, based on the individual's skills, experience, qualifications, location, and other relevant factors. The salary pay range is subject to change and may be modified at any time.  

MERGE is proud to invest in benefits that includemeaningful Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401K, Lifestyle Spending Account, Employer Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Flexible Time off & Holidays plus many other benefits and rewards.

Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.

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