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Creative Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Access

Senior Creative Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Senior Creative Associate position is also responsible for administrative functions to provide day-to-day support to the Creative Team. What You'll Be Doing Creative & Technical Expertise

The Tie Bar

Associate Creative Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

Associate Creative Director Chicago, IL (Hybrid) | Full-Time The Tie Bar is known for premium menswear, offering an extensive assortment of ties, accessories, and tailored essentials. Through ...

The Tie Bar

Associate Creative Director

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Associate Creative Director Chicago, IL (Hybrid) | Full-Time The Tie Bar is known for premium menswear, offering an extensive assortment of ties, accessories, and tailored essentials. Through ...

Tie Bar

Associate Creative Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

Associate Creative Director Chicago, IL (Hybrid) | Full-Time The Tie Bar is known for premium menswear, offering an extensive assortment of ties, accessories, and tailored essentials. Through ...

Compass Group

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 ...

Staples, Inc.

Manager, Creative

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

When you partner with Quill, as a customer or as an associate, every workday is more rewarding. What you will be doing: • Help shape and execute the creative vision for the Quill brand across ...

Staples, Inc.

Manager, Creative

Lincolnshire, IL

When you partner with Quill, as a customer or as an associate, every workday is more rewarding. What you will be doing: Help shape and execute the creative vision for the Quill brand across digital ...

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 ...

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Creative Associate information

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$10

$19

$32

How much do creative associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for creative associate in Illinois is $19.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Creative Associate?

A Creative Associate is a professional who supports creative projects within organizations such as advertising agencies, marketing firms, or media companies. Their responsibilities often include brainstorming ideas, assisting in the development of concepts for campaigns or content, and collaborating with designers, writers, and other creative team members. Creative Associates may also help with project coordination, research, and various administrative tasks related to creative production. This role is ideal for individuals with strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, as well as a passion for creative work.

What do creative associates do?

Creative associates support the development and execution of creative projects, such as marketing campaigns, branding, or content creation. They often collaborate with designers, writers, and other team members, using tools like Adobe Creative Suite, and may be involved in brainstorming, research, and producing visual or written materials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Creative Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Creative Associate, you need a strong background in graphic design, copywriting, and multimedia production, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, content management systems, and digital marketing tools is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, adaptability, and strong communication skills help individuals excel in this role. These skills are essential for producing engaging content, meeting client expectations, and contributing effectively to dynamic creative teams.

What jobs are ADHD people good at?

Creative Associates often excel in roles that require high energy, adaptability, and innovative thinking, such as advertising, design, or media production. These jobs benefit from strengths like multitasking, problem-solving, and working in dynamic environments, which align with common ADHD traits.

What jobs can I get with an associate's degree in creative writing?

With an associate's degree in creative writing, you can pursue roles such as content writer, copywriter, editorial assistant, or social media coordinator. These positions often require strong writing, editing skills, and familiarity with digital tools or platforms.

What is a good career for a creative person?

A creative associate often works in fields like advertising, design, or media, where skills in visual communication, storytelling, and problem-solving are valued. Careers in these areas typically require proficiency with tools like Adobe Creative Suite and may benefit from a portfolio or relevant certifications. Such roles often offer opportunities for innovation and collaboration in dynamic environments.

How does a Creative Associate typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Creative Associates often work closely with teams such as marketing, product development, and sales to ensure that creative concepts align with overall business objectives. They participate in brainstorming sessions, gather input from stakeholders, and adjust designs or content based on feedback from these departments. This collaborative approach helps to maintain consistency across campaigns and ensures that the final deliverables effectively support the company’s goals.
What are the most commonly searched types of Creative jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Creative jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Creative Associate jobs in Illinois? For Creative Associate jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Creative Associate jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Creative Associate jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Creative Associate jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Creative Associate job openings:
Creative Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Associate job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,047 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Senior Creative Associate

Senior Creative Associate

Access

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Access Your Potential.
Join us to create and deliver experiences that inspire people, spark connection, and bring imagination to life-while having a lot of fun doing it.
We are seeking a Senior Creative Associate based in the Chicago area. While this is a remote role, the Chicago-based team meets in person once per month. In addition, the role may require occasional travel to visit vendors alongside the team, so comfort participating in in-person meetings and partner visits is important.
About the Job
As a Senior Creative Associate at Access, you will work within the Creative Team to produce strategic and creative proposals and sales/marketing collateral. This involves working with a variety of suppliers. The Senior Creative Associate position is also responsible for administrative functions to provide day-to-day support to the Creative Team.
What You'll Be Doing
Creative & Technical Expertise
  • Applies creative tools and platforms to enhance visual storytelling, modify imagery, and support proposal development.
  • Begins contributing to content conceptualization and leading smaller-scale proposals, while collaborating on larger programs with Creative Managers in proposal splits and owning asset-based projects like

Destination and Dine Around Guides
  • Apply creative tools and industry platforms (e.g., Pinterest, BizBash, PartySlate) to craft unique concepts that drive engagement and differentiate Access in the market.
  • Continues to develop expertise in SOW creation, vendor negotiations, and resolving client budget challenges.
  • Builds gross profit strategies by incorporating transportation logistics and value-padding tactics.
  • Gains proficiency in managing pricing sheets, sourcing quotes, and ensuring margin goals are met through accurate SOW integration-carefully factoring in concessions and commissions.

Operational & Data Management
  • Build and maintain personal dashboards to track vendor activity, data accuracy, and project progress, ensuring information integrity across systems.
  • Initiate and manage vendor relationships through account setup, vetting, and ongoing updates in Salesforce to maintain complete and current supplier records.
  • Strengthen supplier partnerships by sharing creative insights, maintaining visibility on vendor capabilities, and identifying opportunities for collaboration.
  • Continuously source and evaluate new vendors with innovative or destination-specific offerings that align with Access' creative and operational goals.
  • Represent Access at tradeshows and industry events to identify emerging trends, expand supplier networks, and inform strategic sourcing decisions.

Business Impact
  • Incorporate creative strategy into daily work by aligning design, pricing, and delivery with overall program goals and client objectives.
  • Partner with Creative Managers and Sales to understand the strategy behind creative and pricing decisions, ensuring all deliverables reflect cohesive, goal-driven storytelling.
  • Stay informed on industry trends, regional preferences, and design innovations to refine creative instincts and strengthen proposal impact.
  • Approach projects with strategic curiosity-referencing past proposals, asking insightful questions, and ensuring all creative concepts align with project scope, goals, and budget.

Collaboration
  • Collaborates with Creative, Sales, and Events teams to plan and execute large-scale programs, ensuring seamless coordination, alignment, and consistent delivery across functions.
  • Demonstrates adaptability, proactive communication, and a solutions-oriented mindset to support cross functional success.
  • Leads logistical preparation and site visit support with precision, initiative, and a strong sense of ownership throughout project execution.
  • Actively contributes to team growth by sharing feedback, seeking learning opportunities, and applying insights to continuously improve personal and collective performance.

Productivity & Adaptability
  • Manages multiple priorities with efficiency and accuracy, balancing 3-5 concurrent proposals of varying scale while maintaining high creative and operational standards.
  • Demonstrates advanced time management by leveraging prioritization techniques, time-blocking, and proactive communication to meet tight deadlines.
  • Thrives in fast-paced, high-pressure environments-adapting quickly to last-minute changes, client pivots, and evolving project needs without compromising quality.
  • Collaborates seamlessly with cross-functional partners and national teams to align on timelines, deliverables, and vendor responses, ensuring smooth proposal execution.
  • Anticipates challenges by asking clarifying questions early, assessing workload and constraints, and developing effective, realistic solutions.
  • Approaches complex situations with composure and a solution-oriented mindset-resolving issues efficiently through teamwork, critical thinking, and sound judgment.

Access Values
  • Consistently displays the Access Values (Imagine First, Demand Integrity, Embody Excellence, Always Collaborate, Service Obsession).

About Access
Access is a women-owned and women-led destination management company that collaborates with clients to design and execute corporate events and programs. Our expert teams are in coast-to-coast destinations, designing and producing ultimate experiences for our clients.
About You
We know that there's no one in the world like you. And we know that you have a lot to offer the next company you work with. Below is a list of "nice-to-haves", but don't let those deter you from applying. Access believes that an inclusive team and culture is important. We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.
Nice-to-haves:
  • 2 - 3+ years in a DMC or a related field.
  • Demonstrated success with creative problem-solving and taking initiative.
  • Ability to independently manage smaller-scale proposal development
  • High client satisfaction scores across all programs
  • Meeting or exceeding gross profit goals on programs
  • Excelling in Key Areas of Responsibility
  • Consistently meeting or exceeding performance targets (Revenue, Average Invoice, etc.)
  • Consistently demonstrating all Access Values
  • Completing the required training and certification
  • Showing initiative in problem-solving
  • Maintaining a positive attitude

Why Access?
CULTURE & EXTRAS
  • Certified as a Great Place to Work - 3 years in a row and counting!
  • 50+ years in the industry!
  • Women-owned and women-led
  • Fun, creative, and supportive culture
  • Focus on recognition and employee value - including annual and quarterly awards
  • Paid day off to serve your local community
  • Annual all-company retreat to connect, learn, and have fun together
  • Annual qualifier-based incentive trip for top performers (certain departments eligible)
  • Regional team outings
  • Monthly companywide meetings to connect, learn, and celebrate wins

COMPENSATION
  • Highly competitive total compensation, including strong base salary and quarterly bonuses
  • Very strong performance-based quarterly commission plans
  • 401k with company match (eligible after 1 year, up to 4% of salary matched, vested immediately)
  • Monthly cell phone stipend

WORK LIFE BALANCE
  • Flexible schedule opportunities
  • Generous PTO
  • Sick days
  • 9 full holidays
  • 5 half days off prior to holidays to unplug early
  • 2 floating holidays off to be used on holidays of your choice
  • ½ day Fridays in July & August (based on achievement of goals)

HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND FAMILY
  • Extensive menu of health plans to choose from
  • Paid parental leave
  • Pet insurance program
  • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
  • Mentorship program
  • "Masterclasses" in industry/department-specific topics
  • State-of-the-art technology platforms and tools - including training
  • Annual and monthly meeting content that focuses on professional development

What are you waiting for? Scroll back to the top and apply!
Access is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at careers@accessdmc.com.

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