Senior Creative Director Job at Ketchum U.S. in Chicago
Ketchum U.S., Chicago, IL, United States
About Ketchum
As a global communications consultancy with 100 years of experience, Ketchum is a trusted partner who is equal parts creative and analytical. Ketchum is a place where all perspectives and points of view are welcome and encouraged. We are a collection of communications specialists, content creators, creatives, researchers, data analysts, media pros, digital strategists, issues and crisis counselors, and tech nerds. And we love when those worlds collide to create the very best teams and solutions for our clients. We work with the world’s leading brands, emerging start-ups, and everything in between. We are beyond proud to have created some of the most celebrated and award-winning campaigns in our industry. We’re just crazy enough to think we can impact the world – and how it responds to ideas – through communication. We encourage our employees to be curious, brave, inspiring, and a force for good. Let’s talk. Come belong at Ketchum! Overview
Ketchum is looking for a
Senior Creative Director
with a proven passion for smart ideas anchored in human truths, consumer behaviors and cultural connections; a person who champions clever, unexpected and – when warranted – risky thinking that guarantees earned media, consumer excitement and social engagement. In this role you’ll be an important leader on a dynamic team, giving and receiving inspiration, sharing best practices, contributing thought leadership, evolving creative processes and tools, and creating visibility and awareness for Ketchum’s creative reputation among current and prospective clients. With Ketchum’s strong belief in cross collaboration, this role requires the ability to partner a wide range of specialty functions: work with Analytics to identify insight-based strategies; partner with Strategists and other Creatives across North America and beyond to generate exciting concepts within a range of budgets; and partner with others in influencer, content design, social strategy, earned media and more to evolve those concepts from idea to award-winning activations. The ideal candidate will have experience in creating
and
selling programs of all shapes and sizes in categories including: CPG, food and beverage, lifestyle, retail, health & wellness, technology and beyond. Responsibilities
Partner with account leaders to develop programs for current clients and win new clients applying strategic rigor to creative concept development Act as a catalyst to generate and embrace diversity of ideas and thinking across the team/client networks Support planned creative needs and keep the creative dialed up with unsolicited ideas that delight clients Lead solo and group creative ideation for client opportunities; develop/vet ideas generated in brainstorm sessions Originate, source and write concepts Present creative concepts confidently to colleagues, inter-agency teams and clients/prospects Be a creative leader, who is integral to the planning process from table read to presentation. Work collaboratively with Ketchum Analytics & Strategy to develop true insights and creative briefs that drive creative programming Welcome debate and encourage constructive criticism. Communicate clear, progressive direction Contribute to the development of engaged and dynamic teams. Foster respect and collaboration within the team and/or agency partners. Identify issues within the team and drive to resolution Act as brand and talent ambassador internally and externally, participate in development of special practice areas Work closely with select Ketchum’s industry leaders in the industries mentioned above as a dedicated creative resource, helping to build those industries and invigorate client growth. Develop and maintain excellent relationships with multiple clients, agency partners and internal stakeholders Share relevant trends, industry insights and inspiration to promote creative thinking across Ketchum clients Work with account team to identify growth opportunities with client via creative ideation Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience providing the required skills and knowledge for successful performance would qualify. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to: At least 12+ years of experience of agency and/or corporate public relations experience Proven track record in growing business through insight-led strategy and/or concept development Deep understanding of earned media and how to develop earned-led creative concepts Excellent facilitation and negotiation skills required to lead a room (virtually and IRL) of people and diverse teams to align around a clear and singular point of view Agency experience required: Public Relations (priority), Social Media, Advertising, Experiential Proven experience in working with clients at the brand manager and CMO and other C-Suite levels Ability to lead and drive to the best client solutions through ambiguity, being adaptable to changing priorities Experience in analyzing research and insight mining Ability to prioritize and juggle multiple client priorities and assignments Self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit with vision and leadership to enact change Exceptional oral and written communications skills; captivating presenter, storyteller and great listener; strong negotiating, persuasion and diplomacy skills Desire to bring your whole self to work with a fun and supportive team across the country. Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Marketing or a related field a plus What We Offer
Hybrid Workplace: Three days a week in the office Robust benefits program, effective within 30 days of hire Paid maternity/paternity leave Family Forming Benefits Employee Recognition Program Generous paid time off includes vacation, wellness, and extended holiday schedule Various development opportunities to enhance personal and professional life Monthly Cell Phone & Wi-Fi reimbursement Interested? We’ve got an opportunity for you. Apply for this job
* indicates a required field First Name * Last Name * Email * Phone Country * Phone * Resume/CV * Enter manually Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf Enter manually Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf LinkedIn Profile Website What is your desired salary? * Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? * Select... Will you now or in the future require that we file a petition or application for employment based status on your behalf to begin or continue employment with the agency? If you have a non-immigrant status (e.g., F-1 or H-1), your answer to this questions should be yes. * Select... Ketchum is committed to maintaining the same safe and inclusive environment for candidates as for our team members. Addressing you by the correct pronoun is an important part of this commitment. Please share your Gender Pronoun U.S. Standard Demographic Questions
We invite applicants to share their demographic background. If you choose to complete this survey, your responses may be used to identify areas of improvement in our hiring process. How would you describe your gender identity? (mark all that apply) Select... How would you describe your racial/ethnic background? (mark all that apply) Select... How would you describe your sexual orientation? (mark all that apply) Select... Do you identify as transgender? (select one) Select... Do you have a disability or chronic condition (physical, visual, auditory, cognitive, mental, emotional, or other) that substantially limits one or more of your major life activities, including mobility, communication (seeing, hearing, speaking), and learning? (select one) Select... Are you a veteran or active member of the United States Armed Forces? (select one) Select... Voluntary Self-Identification
For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file. As set forth in Ketchum U.S. ’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law. If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows: A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability. A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service. An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense. An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985. Select... Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability
Form CC-305 Page 1 of 1 OMB Control Number 1250-0005 Expires 04/30/2026 Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form CC-305 Page 1 of 1 OMB Control Number 1250-0005 Expires 04/30/2026 Why are you being asked to complete this form?
We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years. Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp . How do you know if you have a disability?
A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability.
Disabilities include, for example, but are not limited to: Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally) Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS Blind or low vision Cancer (past or present) Cardiovascular or heart disease Celiac disease Cerebral palsy Deaf or serious difficulty hearing Diabetes Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders Epilepsy or other seizure disorder Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome Intellectual or developmental disability Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD Missing limbs or partially missing limbs Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities Partial or complete paralysis (any cause) Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema Short stature (dwarfism) Traumatic brain injury Disability Status Select... PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete. By checking this box, I consent to Ketchum U.S. collecting, storing, and processing my responses to the demographic data surveys above.
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As a global communications consultancy with 100 years of experience, Ketchum is a trusted partner who is equal parts creative and analytical. Ketchum is a place where all perspectives and points of view are welcome and encouraged. We are a collection of communications specialists, content creators, creatives, researchers, data analysts, media pros, digital strategists, issues and crisis counselors, and tech nerds. And we love when those worlds collide to create the very best teams and solutions for our clients. We work with the world’s leading brands, emerging start-ups, and everything in between. We are beyond proud to have created some of the most celebrated and award-winning campaigns in our industry. We’re just crazy enough to think we can impact the world – and how it responds to ideas – through communication. We encourage our employees to be curious, brave, inspiring, and a force for good. Let’s talk. Come belong at Ketchum! Overview
Ketchum is looking for a
Senior Creative Director
with a proven passion for smart ideas anchored in human truths, consumer behaviors and cultural connections; a person who champions clever, unexpected and – when warranted – risky thinking that guarantees earned media, consumer excitement and social engagement. In this role you’ll be an important leader on a dynamic team, giving and receiving inspiration, sharing best practices, contributing thought leadership, evolving creative processes and tools, and creating visibility and awareness for Ketchum’s creative reputation among current and prospective clients. With Ketchum’s strong belief in cross collaboration, this role requires the ability to partner a wide range of specialty functions: work with Analytics to identify insight-based strategies; partner with Strategists and other Creatives across North America and beyond to generate exciting concepts within a range of budgets; and partner with others in influencer, content design, social strategy, earned media and more to evolve those concepts from idea to award-winning activations. The ideal candidate will have experience in creating
and
selling programs of all shapes and sizes in categories including: CPG, food and beverage, lifestyle, retail, health & wellness, technology and beyond. Responsibilities
Partner with account leaders to develop programs for current clients and win new clients applying strategic rigor to creative concept development Act as a catalyst to generate and embrace diversity of ideas and thinking across the team/client networks Support planned creative needs and keep the creative dialed up with unsolicited ideas that delight clients Lead solo and group creative ideation for client opportunities; develop/vet ideas generated in brainstorm sessions Originate, source and write concepts Present creative concepts confidently to colleagues, inter-agency teams and clients/prospects Be a creative leader, who is integral to the planning process from table read to presentation. Work collaboratively with Ketchum Analytics & Strategy to develop true insights and creative briefs that drive creative programming Welcome debate and encourage constructive criticism. Communicate clear, progressive direction Contribute to the development of engaged and dynamic teams. Foster respect and collaboration within the team and/or agency partners. Identify issues within the team and drive to resolution Act as brand and talent ambassador internally and externally, participate in development of special practice areas Work closely with select Ketchum’s industry leaders in the industries mentioned above as a dedicated creative resource, helping to build those industries and invigorate client growth. Develop and maintain excellent relationships with multiple clients, agency partners and internal stakeholders Share relevant trends, industry insights and inspiration to promote creative thinking across Ketchum clients Work with account team to identify growth opportunities with client via creative ideation Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience providing the required skills and knowledge for successful performance would qualify. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to: At least 12+ years of experience of agency and/or corporate public relations experience Proven track record in growing business through insight-led strategy and/or concept development Deep understanding of earned media and how to develop earned-led creative concepts Excellent facilitation and negotiation skills required to lead a room (virtually and IRL) of people and diverse teams to align around a clear and singular point of view Agency experience required: Public Relations (priority), Social Media, Advertising, Experiential Proven experience in working with clients at the brand manager and CMO and other C-Suite levels Ability to lead and drive to the best client solutions through ambiguity, being adaptable to changing priorities Experience in analyzing research and insight mining Ability to prioritize and juggle multiple client priorities and assignments Self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit with vision and leadership to enact change Exceptional oral and written communications skills; captivating presenter, storyteller and great listener; strong negotiating, persuasion and diplomacy skills Desire to bring your whole self to work with a fun and supportive team across the country. Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Marketing or a related field a plus What We Offer
Hybrid Workplace: Three days a week in the office Robust benefits program, effective within 30 days of hire Paid maternity/paternity leave Family Forming Benefits Employee Recognition Program Generous paid time off includes vacation, wellness, and extended holiday schedule Various development opportunities to enhance personal and professional life Monthly Cell Phone & Wi-Fi reimbursement Interested? We’ve got an opportunity for you. Apply for this job
* indicates a required field First Name * Last Name * Email * Phone Country * Phone * Resume/CV * Enter manually Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf Enter manually Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf LinkedIn Profile Website What is your desired salary? * Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? * Select... Will you now or in the future require that we file a petition or application for employment based status on your behalf to begin or continue employment with the agency? If you have a non-immigrant status (e.g., F-1 or H-1), your answer to this questions should be yes. * Select... Ketchum is committed to maintaining the same safe and inclusive environment for candidates as for our team members. Addressing you by the correct pronoun is an important part of this commitment. Please share your Gender Pronoun U.S. Standard Demographic Questions
We invite applicants to share their demographic background. If you choose to complete this survey, your responses may be used to identify areas of improvement in our hiring process. How would you describe your gender identity? (mark all that apply) Select... How would you describe your racial/ethnic background? (mark all that apply) Select... How would you describe your sexual orientation? (mark all that apply) Select... Do you identify as transgender? (select one) Select... Do you have a disability or chronic condition (physical, visual, auditory, cognitive, mental, emotional, or other) that substantially limits one or more of your major life activities, including mobility, communication (seeing, hearing, speaking), and learning? (select one) Select... Are you a veteran or active member of the United States Armed Forces? (select one) Select... Voluntary Self-Identification
For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file. As set forth in Ketchum U.S. ’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law. If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows: A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability. A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service. An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense. An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985. Select... Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability
Form CC-305 Page 1 of 1 OMB Control Number 1250-0005 Expires 04/30/2026 Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form CC-305 Page 1 of 1 OMB Control Number 1250-0005 Expires 04/30/2026 Why are you being asked to complete this form?
We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years. Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp . How do you know if you have a disability?
A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability.
Disabilities include, for example, but are not limited to: Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally) Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS Blind or low vision Cancer (past or present) Cardiovascular or heart disease Celiac disease Cerebral palsy Deaf or serious difficulty hearing Diabetes Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders Epilepsy or other seizure disorder Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome Intellectual or developmental disability Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD Missing limbs or partially missing limbs Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities Partial or complete paralysis (any cause) Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema Short stature (dwarfism) Traumatic brain injury Disability Status Select... PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete. By checking this box, I consent to Ketchum U.S. collecting, storing, and processing my responses to the demographic data surveys above.
#J-18808-Ljbffr