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Creative Strategy Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Activate brand and creative strategies end-to-end, partnering cross-functionally to bring ideas to market effectively. * Lead innovation efforts, facilitating ideation and co-creation work sessions ...

Activate brand and creative strategies end-to-end, partnering cross-functionally to bring ideas to market effectively. * Lead innovation efforts, facilitating ideation and co-creation work sessions ...

Contribute to brand strategy documents, creative briefs, presentations and other strategic deliverables. * Participate in working sessions with cross-functional teams. * Help develop audience ...

Rich Media Designer

Berkley, MI ยท On-site

$750K/yr

We blend programmatic media, creative strategy, and advanced analytics to drive measurable results. Rooted in the resilience and creativity of Detroit, our team thrives on innovation, collaboration ...

Showing results 41-60

Creative Strategy information

See Michigan salary details

$47.1K

$87.9K

$130.7K

How much do creative strategy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative strategy in Michigan is $87,940.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $117,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is creative strategy?

Creative strategy is a plan or approach that outlines how to communicate a brand's message, product, or service in a unique and effective way. It combines market research, brand objectives, and creative ideas to develop compelling campaigns that resonate with target audiences. Creative strategists work closely with marketing, design, and content teams to ensure that creative solutions align with business goals and stand out in the marketplace.

How does a creative strategist typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Creative Strategists work closely with various teams such as marketing, design, product, and sales to develop and execute effective campaigns. They often act as a bridge between creative and business objectives, ensuring that messaging aligns with brand goals and resonates with target audiences. Regular collaboration may include brainstorming sessions, presenting concepts, and gathering cross-functional feedback to refine strategies. This collaborative environment helps ensure that creative solutions are both innovative and practical, enhancing overall campaign effectiveness.

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

To thrive as a Creative Strategist, you need a solid background in marketing, branding, and consumer behavior, often supported by a degree in marketing, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with digital marketing platforms, analytics tools, and creative software like Adobe Creative Suite is typically required. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills are crucial for developing compelling, data-driven campaigns that resonate with target audiences and achieve business objectives.

What is the difference between Creative Strategy vs Creative Planning?

AspectCreative StrategyCreative Planning
Primary FocusDeveloping overarching creative concepts and guiding brand messagingOrganizing and scheduling creative campaigns and projects
Skills RequiredStrategic thinking, branding, market analysisProject management, timeline coordination, resource allocation
Work EnvironmentCollaborative with marketing and creative teamsProject-focused, often within advertising agencies or marketing departments

Creative Strategy and Creative Planning are closely related roles within the marketing and advertising industry. Creative Strategy focuses on defining the big-picture ideas and messaging that guide campaigns, while Creative Planning handles the execution timeline and resource management. Both roles require collaboration and a strong understanding of branding, but they differ in their core responsibilities and daily tasks.

Do you need a degree to be a creative strategy?

A degree is not strictly required to work as a creative strategist, but many employers prefer candidates with a background in marketing, advertising, or related fields. Skills such as strategic thinking, creativity, and proficiency with tools like Adobe Creative Suite or data analysis are often more important than formal education. Relevant experience and a strong portfolio can also be key factors in securing a creative strategy role.

What does a creative strategy do?

A creative strategist develops and guides the overall creative approach for marketing campaigns, ensuring messaging aligns with brand goals and target audiences. They analyze market trends, collaborate with creative teams, and use tools like data analytics to craft effective concepts that drive engagement and brand awareness.

What are the most commonly searched types of Creative Strategy jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Creative Strategy jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Creative Strategy jobs in Michigan?

For Creative Strategy jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Creative Strategy job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,940 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Associate Creative Director/Design Lead, Direct Mail (contract)

Starcom Mediavest Group Germany Gmbh

Birmingham, MI โ€ข On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Company Description
Digitas is the Networked Experience Agency, built on the vision that we create magnetic experiences that earn the right for brands to exist in human networks. Today, and tomorrow. We deliver Networked Experiences by leveraging comprehensive data, technology, creative, media and strategy capabilities. Digitas delivers ambitious outcomes via unique solutions that include Creative Experiences, Integrated Media, Addressable Relationships, Social Marketing and Total Commerce. Celebrated by AdAge as Data and Insights Agency of the Year, U.S Campaign's Brand Experience Agency of the Year, Media Network of the Year and celebrated by Forrester and Gartner, Digitas serves the world's leading brands through a global network comprised of more than 5,500 employees across over 65 offices in 43 countries.
The Digitas culture is made up of fearless, inventive and generous Unicorns of all kinds.
Job Description
Digitas is looking for a freelance Associate Creative Director/Design Lead with extensive direct mail experience to join our team!
In this role, you will serve as a strategic partner and the executional design lead on high-profile direct mail projects for both existing clients and new business pitches. You will collaborate with an ACD/Copy Lead to translate creative briefs into actionable concepts and then drop down in the weeds to actually build the designs that go along with those concepts. You'll create fresh, innovative campaigns that are strategically sound and creatively compelling and then help to guide those campaigns through all phases of creative development, execution, and activation.
PLEASE NOTE:
  • This role is based out of our Detroit office and the ability to collaborate onsite 3-4 days/week is preferred. Candidates local to the Detroit market who are willing to work in a hybrid capacity will be prioritized but highly qualified candidates in other markets may also be considered.
  • This is a 40hr/week freelance role expected to start in late August and run for a period of 3-4 months. Conversion into a full-time role following the completion of the freelance period is possible but not guaranteed.
  • Anticipated pay range is $100-$125/hr on a W2; no C2C or 1099 options are available.

Responsibilities
  • In partnership with an ACD/Copy Lead, brainstorm sessions to generate innovative, compelling, and fresh direct mail campaign concepts and content.
  • Understand client business needs, receive and translate creative briefs, and oversee the development and execution of brand and retailer-specific direct mail concepts, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines.
  • Deliver compelling internal and client-facing presentations in support of existing work as well as new business pitches.
  • Take ownership of projects, proactively driving them toward successful outcomes.
  • Design on-brand direct mail pieces including formatting and layout, overall look and feel, and logos, graphics, and other design elements that stops people in their tracks.
  • Keep projects and teams on-brand, on-brief, and on-time.
  • Stay on top of cultural trends, consumer behaviors, and what competitors are up to.

Qualifications
  • 7+ years of professional visual design experience with a specific focus on direct mail campaigns preferably in an advertising agency or in-house marketing team.
  • Bachelor's degree in advertising, marketing, graphic design, or a related field; equivalent experience may be substituted.
  • Prior experience working in or alongside the automotive industry preferred.
  • Experience guiding creative projects and team members from concept to production.
  • An understanding of how brands tick and how to make people care about them.
  • Excellent conceptual creative and visual storytelling skills.
  • Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign) as well as other relevant specialized design tools.
  • Ability to translate an existing design language into something fresh and unique.
  • Versatile design chops with extensive experience supporting direct mail campaigns for large, national brands.
  • An ability to understand, internalize, and develop persuasive, compelling, and on-brand design concepts using existing design language based on client brand guidelines and the audience being targeted.
  • An understanding of how direct mail and tier 1 CRM campaigns integrate into a larger business/marketing strategy.
  • Prior experience supporting the development and presentation of new business pitches.
  • Prior experience performing CRM and direct mail audits for existing clients.
  • Ability to translate client business challenges into creative concepts.
  • Comfort operating with a high degree of ownership, autonomy, and accountability.
  • A natural sense of urgency with an ability to work quickly, efficiently, and accurately within tight deadlines and constantly-evolving project parameters, scope, and goals.
  • Highly collaborative but independently capable with an ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional, geographically-distributed teams.
  • Flexible and adaptable with an ability to work successfully across multiple concurrent projects and competing priorities.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to lead brainstorms, mentor creatives, and articulate creative rationale effectively.
  • Outstanding listener with an ability to take direction and guidance, receive constructive criticism, and continuously improve personal process.
  • A passion for pushing creative boundaries while seeking original and unexpected ideas.
  • Exceptionally organized with a fanatical attention to detail.
  • Professionalism, maturity, and a distinct lack of ego.
  • Curiosity, hustle, and a sense of humor. Always.
  • A portfolio showcasing creative and conceptual design with a specific focus on direct mail campaign work is REQUIRED and should be submitted at time of application. Please include any passwords required to access.

Additional Information
Our Publicis Groupe motto "Viva La Diffรฉrence" means we're better together, and we believe that our differences make us stronger. It means we honor and celebrate all identities, across all facets of intersectionality, and it underpins all that we do as an organization. We are focused on fostering belonging and creating equitable & inclusive experiences for all talent.
We offer medical and voluntary benefits to our freelancers and temporary employees. Voluntary benefit options include supplemental medical insurance, transportation, and parking benefits, legal benefits, pet insurance, and auto and home insurance. You must be actively employed for 90 consecutive calendar days in order to be eligible for Publicis medical and voluntary benefits.
If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact USMTTACompliance@publicis.com.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Compensation Range: USD $100.00 - USD $125.00/Hourly. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 8/17/2026.