Overview
DDB Chicago is a communications agency dedicated to making creative work that works. We believe in the power of creativity to drive behavior change at scale and to shape culture by growing our clients’ businesses. We are a global network that values respect, kindness, openness, self-expression, and creativity, and we strive to create environments where every voice can contribute and grow.
The Role
This position is Creative Director at Team DDB, a DDB-led integrated organization serving one of the largest accounts in our global network: the U.S. Army. The Army presents a broad set of opportunities for young people, and we aim to make the Army the most irresistible life choice for young Americans while delivering meaningful work. We are seeking a Creative Director with a background in Art Direction who can think in stories and systems, balancing creative vision with analytical thinking.
You will lead and contribute to work across the entire marketing ecosystem—broadcast film, media partnerships, social content, experiential, digital design, and more. You’re a film-minded creative who can elevate brand-building work and guide ideas through the full customer journey, including lower-funnel digital execution.
This role requires both creative and analytical strengths. You’ll present brand platform ideas and systematic solutions to Army leaders—stakeholders who aren’t marketers—so your work should inspire, clarify, and withstand scrutiny. You will lead by example, motivating creative teams to continuously hone their craft and deliver outstanding work. If you enjoy deep conversations, emotionally powerful work, and complex challenges, this role offers a substantial opportunity in advertising.
Qualifications
• LEADERSHIP: 10+ years in a fast-paced agency environment, with 5+ years supervising multidisciplinary teams and mentoring creative talent with empathy.
• 360 PORTFOLIO: Award-winning conceptual and design skills; ability to direct and inspire work across film, digital, social, CRM, website, experiential, and integrated campaigns.
• STORIES: Mastery of narrative storytelling and film craft; ability to tailor content to consumption behaviors across media platforms and social channels.
• SYSTEMS: Expertise in implementing, adapting, and evolving brand identity systems at scale; ability to think in UX structures and design systems.
• MODERN APPROACH: Deep understanding of the digital and social landscape; ability to adapt concepts across channels and keep up with advancements; proficient in industry-standard software and AI tools.
• COMMUNICATION: Ability to present, defend, and sell creative work to senior leadership (including non-marketers) via impactful, articulate decks.
• STRATEGY: Comfortable collaborating with strategy to pull data and insights that inform or sell creative solutions.
• COLLABORATION: Highly organized facilitator of collaboration; ability to blend working teams across nine agencies supporting the Army marketing contract.
What We Offer
- Competitive Salary, $185,000 - $220,000 commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
- Stock discounts
- Employee Assistance Programs
Additional Information
This role requires regular in-office presence with a minimum of three days per week to engage and collaborate in person as required.
Equal Opportunity
DDB Chicago is an equal opportunities employer and will not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, gender identity or expression, or other protected characteristics.