ROLE: ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR (COPY)

TEAM: THE KITCHEN NORTH AMERICA

LOCATION: CHICAGO (HYBRID)

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

The Kitchen brings together a range of disciplines and capabilities. It’s a team of creatives, producers, data analysts and social experts working together to deliver remarkable ideas that live in a variety of mediums, from everything from social to TV. This team moves at the speed of culture. It is built to respond to trends and events as they happen, coming up with the ideas that transcend social media to capture the spirit of the moment, earn media impressions, and get the country talking.

Are you ready to join an award-ambitious team that's making waves in the advertising industry? Our incredible team has been recognized internationally by industry giants like Cannes, One Show and was named Campaign's Global ‘In-House Agency of The Year’, further solidifying our position as a leader in the industry. Join us and be a part of something truly special - a team that's dedicated to creating ground-breaking work and pushing limits.

At The Kitchen, we're not just looking for individuals who want to be a part of the advertising industry - we're looking for trailblazers who are ready to lead the way to the next big thing! We want individuals who are passionate about producing award-winning work and have an innate drive to their craft and are eager to generate innovative ideas both within and outside of the brief.

ROLE OVERVIEW

As an Associate Creative Director (Copy) at The Kitchen, you’ll support the creative director to help lead a team of talented creatives to craft and write culturally resonant campaigns. Working alongside another ACD (Art Director), you’ll collaborate with a diverse group of experts to craft ideas that move people and generate buzz. Whether it's a quick-turn trend activation or a thoughtfully crafted TV spot, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping work that captures attention, earns media, and inspires action.

Key Responsibilities:

Creative: development and execution of campaigns, ensuring ideas are fresh, culturally relevant, and aligned with client objectives.
Team Management: Mentor and inspire a team of jr. art directors, copywriters, and content creators, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
Trend Responsiveness: Stay attuned to cultural and social trends, leveraging insights to deliver timely, impactful campaigns.
Collaboration: Partner with producers, strategists, data analysts, and social media experts to craft ideas that work seamlessly across platforms.
Client Engagement: Present concepts to clients with clarity and passion, building trust and enthusiasm for the work.
Craft Excellence: Ensure the highest standards of creative execution across all deliverables, from social-first content to integrated campaigns.
Award Ambition: Drive the team to produce award-worthy work that sets industry benchmarks.

What We’re Looking For:

Experience: 7+ years of experience in a creative role within an agency or in-house team, with a track record of producing high-quality, award-winning work.
Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire creative teams.
Cultural Fluency: Deep understanding of social media platforms, cultural trends, and the ability to translate them into impactful campaigns.
Creative Thinking: A portfolio showcasing big ideas, sharp insights, and flawless execution across a range of media.
Strategic Mindset: Ability to align creative concepts with client objectives and strategies.
Presentation Skills: Confident and persuasive communicator, capable of presenting ideas to clients and internal stakeholders.
Agility: Thrives in a fast-paced environment with the ability to pivot quickly and deliver under tight deadlines.
Passion: A genuine love for creativity, culture, and storytelling.

The Kitchen, Kraft Heinz, and Salt XC are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting and retaining the most qualified employees regardless of race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age or disability.

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