Associate Creative Director - Art Job at MERGE in Chicago

Job Overview

Associate Creative Director - Art at MERGE (Mid‑Senior level, Full‑time, Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology sector).

MERGE is a storytelling and technology firm that partners with clients such as American Express, T-Mobile, Subway, Kate Spade NY, Coach, The North Face, Meta, Adobe, BlueCross BlueShield, Abbott, Astellas, Supernus, CSL, GE Healthcare, Broward Health, Indiana University Health, and Morgan Stanley. The company operates offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, Montreal, New York City, and Los Angeles.

Company Values

MERGE promotes health, wellness and happiness across its purpose‑driven client base in healthcare, life science and consumer products.

Employees are encouraged to grow, think higher and feel deeper, engaging their minds and hearts to deliver exceptional work.

Responsibilities

• Develop groundbreaking ideas for brands that make a meaningful industry impact.
• Maintain strong knowledge of digital design systems, especially Figma.
• Act as a creative judge and provide constructive feedback to propel the team forward.
• Deliver engaging presentations to clients, account leads and creative peers.
• Conduct deep dives into brand goals, positioning, market dynamics and competitors.
• Infuse innovation into practices, inspiring the team and exploring new ways of thinking.
• Collaborate with the production team to ensure timely completion and dynamic presentation of work.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and technology to keep a sharp creative edge.
• Lead new business pitches – from insight gathering to strategic development, concept creation, and client presentations.

Qualifications

• 8‑10 years of art direction experience within an advertising agency or creative department.
• Bachelor’s degree in Advertising, Graphic Design, Visual Arts and/or equivalent.
• Experience in life‑science, health and pharma sectors.
• Proficiency in InDesign, Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.
• Strong portfolio showcasing responsive web design, mobile apps, banner ads and complex multi‑channel campaigns.

Salary

Base salary range: $98,000 – $117,000, based on skills, experience, qualifications, location and other factors. The pay range is subject to change.

Benefits

MERGE offers a comprehensive benefits package including meaningful medical, dental, vision and life insurance; 401(k); lifestyle spending account; employer‑paid life and disability insurance; flexible time off and holidays, along with other benefits and rewards.

EEO Statement

MERGE is an equal opportunity employer and celebrates diversity across race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status and disability. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without requiring a visa sponsorship.