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Associate Creative Director Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

HLK

Creative Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Experience leading creative teams within an advertising agency environment, including experience at the Associate Creative Director or Creative Director level * A portfolio demonstrating breakthrough ...

SALT XC

Associate Creative Director, Art

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K/yr

As an Associate Creative Director (Art) at The Kitchen, you'll support the creative director to help lead a team of talented creatives to craft and write culturally resonant campaigns. Working ...

SALT XC

Associate Creative Director, Art

Chicago, IL

$130K/yr

As an Associate Creative Director (Art) at The Kitchen, you'll support the creative director to help lead a team of talented creatives to craft and write culturally resonant campaigns. Working ...

Leapfrog Online

Creative Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Creative team is the subject matter expert when it comes to the visual design and layout, brand language, typographic and color components of our user interfaces. The Creative Director must be ...

Leapfrog Online

Creative Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Creative team is the subject matter expert when it comes to the visual design and layout, brand language, typographic and color components of our user interfaces. The Creative Director must be ...

BGBx

VP, Associate Creative Director, Art

Chicago, IL

$170K - $200K/yr

Informs and advises the Creative Director on the status of departmental affairs, including all design-related computer hardware/software needs (upgrades, equipment needs/problems, training, etc.

Weber

Graphic Designer

Palatine, IL · Hybrid

$68K - $76K/yr

Collaborate with Associate Creative Director to execute digital and print assets including website ... Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Art, Marketing, Advertising, or related field * 2+ years of ...

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All JobsAssociate Creative Design JobsAssociate Creative Director Design JobsAssociate Creative Director Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 Aug 20, 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, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. 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.

Creative Director

HLK

Chicago, IL • On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Location: STL Office – Saint Louis, MO 63104

About the Role

HLK is seeking a Creative Director to lead great work, develop great talent, and help our clients grow. This role is equal parts creative leader, mentor, collaborator, and maker. You'll guide multidisciplinary teams in developing ideas that move brands forward while building trusted partnerships with clients and colleagues. You'll elevate the quality of work across the agency, foster an environment where people can do their best work, and help raise the standard of creative work across the agency. The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with creative ambition, inspires confidence in clients and teams alike, and isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves when the work demands it. We believe the best ideas emerge through collaboration, mentorship, and shared experiences, which is why this role is based onsite in either our St. Louis or Chicago office.

Responsibilities
  • Define and champion creative vision across brands, campaigns, and initiatives, ensuring work is strategically sound, creatively distinctive, and aligned with client objectives
  • Lead, inspire, and mentor creative teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and creative excellence
  • Partner closely with strategy, account, media, production, and client teams to develop integrated solutions that solve business challenges
  • Build trusted relationships with clients, confidently presenting and defending ideas while guiding conversations toward successful outcomes
  • Elevate the quality of creative output through thoughtful direction, constructive feedback, and a commitment to high standards
  • Contribute directly to concept development, ideation, and execution when needed
  • Help identify opportunities for agency growth through new business efforts, pitches, and thought leadership initiatives
  • Remove obstacles, solve problems proactively, and help teams navigate ambiguity with confidence and clarity
Qualifications
  • Experience leading creative teams within an advertising agency environment, including experience at the Associate Creative Director or Creative Director level
  • A portfolio demonstrating breakthrough, integrated work across multiple channels and platforms
  • A natural curiosity and desire to understand client businesses, customer behavior, and market dynamics beyond the creative brief
  • Proven ability to mentor and develop creative talent
  • Strong strategic instincts and the ability to translate business objectives into compelling creative solutions
  • Experience building trusted client relationships and presenting ideas with confidence and influence
  • A hands‑on approach to leadership, with the ability and willingness to contribute directly to the work when needed
  • Demonstrated success leading complex projects from concept through execution
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills
  • Must be located in Chicago or St. Louis and able to work onsite
Compensation & Benefits
  • Flexible work environment
  • Casual and creative atmosphere
  • Unlimited time off
  • Paid sabbatical
  • Parental leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company match
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