Creative Associate Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT THE ROLE
At 500, we create bold, strategic, and culturally relevant work for some of
the biggest brands in the world. Were looking for an Associate Creative
Director who can own exceptional creative work from concept through
execution while helping shape the next chapter of our growing team.
This is a highly hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives equally
as a maker, mentor, and creative operator. Youll lead projects across brand
systems, campaigns, customer experiences, presentations, and integrated
marketing initiatives while partnering closely with account, strategy,
production, and executive leadership teams.
The right person for this role brings elevated design craft, strong creative
instincts, and a sharp eye for detail. You know how to guide teams, build
client trust, and move work forward in a fast-paced agency environment. You
should be comfortable presenting ideas in the boardroom one moment and
refining layouts in Adobe the next.
This is not a direct from a distance creative leadership role. At 500, all of
our creative leaders stay close to the work, helping teams sharpen ideas,
strengthen execution, and raise the creative standard across all touchpoints.
WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT
Youll stay close to execution while still operating as a leader.
Youll work across a wide range of brand experiences, from campaigns
and merchandising to customer experience and physical environments.
Youll have meaningful influence on both the work and the growth of the
creative team.

HOW YOULL SHOW UP
At 500, how we work matters just as much as what we do. These are our values
and non-negotiables for every individual we hire, no matter the role or rank.
Be a compulsive doer. Take initiative, follow through, and approach
work with focus and discipline
Raise the bar. Bring creativity and care to every task, with a desire to
learn and improve craft.
Sharpen the work. Ask thoughtful questions, seek to understand the
problem, and apply feedback to strengthen output.
Move the needle. Understand project goals and look for ways to
contribute in a meaningful way.
Work shoulder-to-shoulder. Communicate clearly, collaborate with
others, and contribute to a positive, team-first environment.
WHAT YOULL DO
Lead creative work. Develop strategic concepts, campaigns, and
experiences while leading projects from kickoff through execution. Ensure
work is both creatively ambitious and grounded in business objectives.
Lead through craft. Stay deeply involved by contributing to design
execution, elevating visual quality and attention to detail, and setting the
creative standard through hands-on guidance and feedback.
Lead teams. This is a managerial role. Youll mentor and support creative
talent through thoughtful direction, collaboration, and accountability.
Own client relationships. Partner directly with key stakeholders and cross-functional teams to solve business challenges, present work persuasively,
and build trust through strategic thinking and creative leadership.
Drive operational excellence. Manage multiple priorities while maintaining
visibility into both the big picture and executional details, ensuring work is
polished, organized, and delivered to a high standard.

WHAT WERE LOOKING FOR
10+ years of related experience with 3+ years in creative leadership
Strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional design craft and conceptual
thinking. Strong typography, composition, hierarchy, and storytelling skills.
Deep understanding of consumer-facing brands, integrated marketing,
and customer experience
Experience leading projects from concept through production and
launch, with a proven ability to move fluidly between strategic leadership
and hands-on execution
Confidence presenting to clients and senior stakeholders
Strong attention to detail and high standards for creative quality
Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Keynote
Experience collaborating with photo/video production teams
Ability and willingness to travel up to 25% as needed for clients, shoots,
production, or industry events
NICE TO HAVE
QSR or restaurant category experience
Experience with merchandising, environmental design systems, motion/
animation, or experiential campaign experience
Familiarity with emerging technologies and AI-assisted workflows