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Entry Level Creative Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

NRG Energy

Combustion Turbine Technician

Aurora, IL · On-site

To do this, we need creative and talented people to join our company. We offer a dynamic work ... The Combustion Turbine Technician is an entry level position and is responsible for monitoring the ...

NRG

Combustion Turbine Technician

Aurora, IL · On-site

To do this, we need creative and talented people to join our company. We offer a dynamic work ... The Combustion Turbine Technician is an entry level position and is responsible for monitoring the ...

NRG

Combustion Turbine Technician

Aurora, IL · On-site

To do this, we need creative and talented people to join our company. We offer a dynamic work ... The Combustion Turbine Technicianis an entry level position and is responsible for monitoring the ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCreative JobsEntry Level Creative Director JobsEntry Level Creative Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Creative Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$44.3K

$133.2K

$223K

How much do entry level creative director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level creative director in Chicago, IL is $133,229.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $156,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level creative director?

An Entry Level Creative Director is a junior role that involves assisting in the development of creative concepts, campaigns, and branding strategies. They typically work under senior creative leaders, contributing fresh ideas, overseeing small projects, and collaborating with designers, writers, and marketers. While they may not have full leadership responsibilities, they help execute creative visions and gain experience in directing visual and messaging strategies. This role serves as a stepping stone to more senior creative leadership positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level creative director?

To thrive as an Entry Level Creative Director, you need a solid foundation in design principles, creative strategy, and project management, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, advertising, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite and experience using project management tools are commonly expected. Strong communication, leadership potential, and the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams make candidates stand out. These skills are essential to drive creative vision while managing multiple projects and aligning with client and company objectives.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level creative directors in their first year?

Entry level Creative Directors often face challenges such as balancing creative ideas with client or stakeholder expectations, managing tight deadlines, and learning to lead teams while still developing their own creative voice. Adapting to fast-paced changes in project scope and receiving constructive feedback on creative concepts are also common early hurdles. However, these challenges provide valuable learning experiences that help you refine your leadership skills, strengthen your portfolio, and advance within the creative industry. Many companies offer mentorship and ongoing training to support new directors as they navigate these obstacles and grow in their roles.

Can I be an entry level creative director without experience producing?

Entry level creative director roles typically require some experience in creative production, project management, or related fields. While direct producing experience is not always mandatory, having a strong portfolio, knowledge of design tools, and leadership skills are important for entry-level candidates to succeed in this role.

How to start off as an entry level creative director?

To start as an entry-level creative director, gain experience in creative roles such as graphic design, advertising, or content creation, and develop strong leadership and project management skills. Building a diverse portfolio and understanding industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite can also help, along with pursuing relevant education or certifications in design or marketing.

What jobs can you do before becoming an entry level creative director?

Before becoming an entry level creative director, individuals often work in roles such as graphic designer, art director, copywriter, or marketing coordinator to develop relevant skills in visual communication, branding, and project management. Gaining experience with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite and building a strong portfolio are also important steps in preparing for a creative leadership role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Entry Level Creative jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Entry Level Creative jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Creative Director jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Creative Director jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Creative Director jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Creative Director job openings:

Entry Level Creative Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Creative Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,229 per year, or $64.1 per hour.

Theatre Adjunct Faculty Pool, School of Theatre and Dance

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$5.6K/mo

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

In addition to its regular, full-time faculty, Columbia College Chicago hires scholars, creative professionals and other industry-experienced Adjunct Faculty to teach courses on a part-time basis. These positions are not available every semester and are contingent upon student enrollment and the availability of funding.

To be qualified to teach at the college, candidates must possess a degree at least one level above the level at which they teach, with a terminal degree in the relevant discipline as the preferred credential. In terminal degree programs, faculty members will possess the same level of degree. In occasional cases, demonstrated currency in a specialized discipline and a sustained history of distinguished professional work, compelling creative achievements, or other significant experience in the relevant field may be considered as an alternative to the required degree.  

The School of Theatre and Dance offers courses in disciplines including Acting, Comedy Writing and Performance, Dance, Musical Theatre, Theatre History and Analysis, Theatre Design and Technology, Devising and Collaborative Performance, Hip-Hop Studies, Playwriting, Stage Combat, and Theatre Directing. 

Please include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and three references. Further materials, such as official transcripts sent from the degree-granting institution, may be requested at a later date. 

Entry level compensation rate for teaching one 3-credit course as of Fall 2026 is $5,635.00. Compensation for courses that carry fewer or more than three credits will be prorated down or up accordingly.

At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information. 

Columbia College Chicago actively promotes, access to an expansive array of social and cultural theories, practices and perspectives that are vitally important to the successful delivery of a contemporary creative curriculum and the college's mission to educate students who will author the culture of their times. These principles are essential to the educational experiences of our students, staff, and faculty. 

We seek individuals with a demonstrated ability to work with students from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds, and whose creative, scholarly and/or professional work contributes to a rich educational experience consistent with our mission. For more information, please visit: colum.edu/academic-access-and-excellence. 

Additional Information:

  • Position subject to a background screening.
  • This is a union position.  
  • This position is overtime ineligible.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

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