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Associate Creative Director Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

Creative Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

Introduce innovative design concepts for campaigns, product promotion, and branding initiatives * Review and approve creative assets for brand consistency, design excellence, and compliance

The Creative Director guides the creative team in the conception, development, and execution of ... Cultural & Industry Fluency Demonstrates deep fluency in design trends, typography, photography ...

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

The Creative Director is responsible for setting and leading the creative vision and strategy in ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

This role is ideal for someone who began their career in design, has evolved into a conceptual art director, and enjoys helping creative teams produce their best work. What You Will Do * Lead, coach ...

This role is ideal for someone who began their career in design, has evolved into a conceptual art director, and enjoys helping creative teams produce their best work. What You Will Do * Lead, coach ...

We're looking for a Senior Director, Creative to lead and scale our design function as a conceptual, strategic, and operational pillar of the Creative and Brand organization. This role is responsible ...

Showing results 41-60

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:

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.

Associate Creative Director, Corporate Positioning & Insights (CPI)

FTI Consulting, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Who We Are
FTI Consulting is the leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation. We work with many of the world's top multinational corporations, law firms, banks and private equity firms on their most important issues to deliver impact that makes a difference. From resolving disputes, navigating crises, managing risk and optimizing performance, our teams respond rapidly to dynamic and complex situations.
At FTI Consulting, you'll work side-by side with leaders who have shaped history, helping solve the biggest challenges making headlines today. From day one, you'll be an integral part of a focused team where you can make a real impact. You'll be surrounded by an open, collaborative culture that embraces diversity, recognition, professional development and, most importantly, you.
Are you ready to make your impact?
About The Role
Our Corporate Positioning & Insights (CPI&I) practice is seeking a Senior Creative Strategist to lead high-impact, integrated creative engagements across industries. This role sits at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and execution - shaping client narratives, driving creative direction, and contributing meaningfully to business growth.
This is a senior client-facing position requiring strong client leadership, new business experience, and the ability to guide projects from insight through execution.
What You'll Do
  • Lead creative strategy across complex, multi-channel client engagements.
  • Serve as a senior client-facing lead, shaping conversations and advising on creative and content direction.
  • Translate research, positioning, and business objectives into differentiated, audience-first creative platforms.
  • Own projects end-to-end, ensuring strategic alignment, quality, timelines, and financial performance.
  • Lead the integration of AI-enabled tools and emerging technologies into creative and content workflows to drive efficiency, insight generation, and innovation.
  • Direct cross-functional teams to deliver integrated campaigns across digital, print, and multimedia channels.
  • Lead workshops, working sessions, and executive presentations.
  • Drive creative strategy for new business pursuits, including pitch development and proposal storytelling.
  • Identify risks and opportunities, providing proactive strategic guidance to clients.
  • Mentor and elevate junior team members, strengthening overall creative excellence.
  • Stay ahead of evolving digital trends, platform shifts, and audience behaviors to ensure CPI's creative offering remains differentiated and future-ready.

How You'll Grow
We are committed to investing and supporting you in your professional development and we have developed a range of programs focused on fostering leadership, growth and development opportunities. We aim to promote continuous learning and individual skills development through on-the-job learning, self-guided professional development courses and certifications. You'll be assigned a dedicated coach to mentor, guide and support you through regular coaching sessions and serve as an advocate for your professional growth.
As you progress through your career at FTI Consulting, we offer tailored programs for critical professional milestones to ensure you are prepared and empowered to take on your next role.
What You Will Need To Succeed
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or related field.
  • 8+ years of experience leading creative strategy within an agency, consulting, or integrated communications environment.
  • Strong portfolio reflecting strategic rigor and business impact, not just execution.
  • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; the employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience managing budgets, scopes, and cross-functional teams.
  • Deep expertise in creative strategy, brand positioning, content development, and digital experience (UX/IA).
  • Strong executive presence and presentation skills.
  • Exceptional strategic, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Ability to balance big-picture vision with executional rigor.
  • Strong conceptual thinking capabilities with the ability to set creative direction tied to client objectives.
  • Experience leading and mentoring multidisciplinary teams.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.
  • Experience mentoring multidisciplinary teams and building high-performing creative environments.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage shifting priorities.
  • Copywriting skills a plus.
  • Ability to travel to FTI offices and client site(s) as needed

#LI-CM2
FTI Consulting is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
Compensation
Minimum Pay: $115,000
Maximum Pay: $187,500
Compensation Disclosure: The compensation range reflects potential base salary for the role. Actual compensation is determined based on a wide array of relevant factors including market considerations, business needs, and an individual's location, skills, level of experience, and qualifications.