Group Creative Director Job at August Jackson in Chicago

Group Creative Director Job Description – August Jackson

Our Story

August Jackson is a U.S.-based experiential marketing and strategic communications agency that helps communities of purpose engage with their most important audiences, moving the mission forward for leading brands, businesses, and universities. We have been recognized for creativity, capability and culture by Event Marketer, Chief Marketer, The Communicator Awards, and the Telly Awards. We align and activate mission-critical communities of employees, customers, partners, donors, and enthusiasts. August Jackson makes the most of your moment and creates communication that keeps the conversation going long after. We work with clients that are industry leaders in their fields across healthcare, higher education, professional services, and more. We advance the mission of brands, businesses, and universities through extraordinary events and experiences.

As an award-winning, 60-person agency, August Jackson has built a strong culture. We believe a diverse and inclusive community makes us better. It's that divergence of perspective and experience that makes our work more relevant and our community more dynamic. August Jackson places a high value on our team culture, which is characterized by genuine, personable, and fun individuals who are dedicated to fostering strong partnerships with clients and internal team members. Many of our people have been with us for years, and we embrace those seeking a long-term fit.

The Role

August Jackson is seeking a Group Creative Director to join our mission of creating exceptional experiences for our clients, primarily enterprise-level organizations. Reporting to the SVP of Creative, managing and working alongside a team of Creative Directors, you'll elevate our client experiences—from high-impact leadership conferences to strategic communications initiatives—throughout the entire engagement journey. This role involves managing workstreams and leading a team, developing comprehensive client strategies, shaping transformative attendee experiences, fostering meaningful connections, innovating beyond conventional boundaries, and aligning closely with our client's community and business objectives. Your mission: To deliver groundbreaking experiential solutions that drive lasting value and deepen client relationships.

The ideal candidate has a natural ability to forge deep, impactful partnerships with client leadership, translating their strategic business objectives into compelling creative concepts for transformative experiences. We're seeking someone who can develop a holistic and comprehensive vision, from the overarching narrative to the nuanced touch points that shape participant engagement. The ideal candidate has experience mentoring a team, is well-versed in the B2B sector, and thrives in client-facing roles. As projects often require on-site presence, the ideal candidate should be adept at navigating the multifaceted aspects of experience execution, from creative direction to real-time problem-solving.

This full-time position offers a competitive salary range, commensurate with experience and location, plus a 10% annual performance bonus. We provide flexibility with a hybrid work arrangement from our downtown Chicago headquarters or the option to work remotely from a major metropolitan area. The role involves travel for client events and team collaborations (1-2x per quarter), allowing you to bring your creative vision to life on-site. At August Jackson, we value innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth. If you're a creative visionary passionate about leading groundbreaking projects and collaborating with top talent, we encourage you to apply.

What You’ll Do

Creative Leadership & Strategy

• Lead creative development for key clients, from concept to execution, ensuring all team output meets the highest standards of quality and creativity.
• Lead 1-2 primary project streams while supporting RFPs and additional assignments as needed.
• Translate strategic business objectives into compelling creative concepts, partnering closely with client leadership.
• Develop and execute comprehensive event plans, crafting impactful, emotionally resonant experiences for attendees.
• Shape the "attendee journey," focusing on creating memorable moments that inspire action and align with client objectives.

Team Mentoring & Collaboration

• Lead and mentor a diverse team of juniors, creative directors, associate creative directors, and copywriters, overseeing strategy and output from an overarching account perspective while demonstrating strong managerial experience.
• Cultivate and enhance team performance and execution capabilities through mentorship and guidance.
• Maintain high standards for work quality and team atmosphere, nurturing strong internal relationships.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages professional growth and development among team members, while collaborating cross-functionally with internal Creative and Design teams to bring innovative visions to life.

Client Relations & Communication

• Build trust and foster client relationships, striving to become a trusted partner and creating a sense of community through our work.
• Provide confident, thought-provoking insights to define and drive client goals.
• Seamlessly integrate into client business structures, authentically "speaking their language" and understanding their unique needs.
• Collaborate with clients during on-site execution, expertly managing event creative and talent.

Content Development & Brand Consistency

• Lead content development across various platforms, ensuring brand, thematic, and messaging continuity.
• Oversight of copywriting and communications for C-suite leaders' event and meeting materials, with real-time coaching to enhance and elevate storytelling.
• Craft compelling copy that resonates with audiences and aligns with client brand and messaging.
• Collaborate with design partners to maintain consistency across all creative outputs.

Innovation & Industry Awareness

• Stay at the forefront of industry trends, cultural movements, and emerging technologies to continually push creative boundaries.
• Apply expertise in communication, team coordination, and behind-the-scenes operations to deliver exceptional results.

What You’ll Bring

• 7+ years in creative agency or similar roles, with proven expertise in event creative, communications, and client management.
• Proven track record in B2B sectors, demonstrating how creative solutions and AJ services add measurable value to clients.
• Copywriting background with experience overseeing communications and event/meeting collateral, as well as writing C-suite leader communications and stage remarks
• Confident and articulate coach for executive leaders, enhancing and expediting storytelling; able to guide speakers on stage about remarks they've helped craft or authored
• A passionate and highly motivated approach, with comprehensive knowledge of our business offerings, including events, communications, and digital services.
• Demonstrated 5+ years of team leadership experience, with a mentorship-focused approach to developing diverse talent, fostering positive relationships, and ensuring clear communication across all levels.
• Relevant industry knowledge with familiarity in professional, consultative, and advisory services being highly advantageous. Experience in pharmaceuticals is a plus.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and writing skills, with the ability to develop engaging creative concepts that inspire action and drive measurable outcomes.
• Confident and articulate in client-facing roles, with a proven ability to build trust, rapport, and long-term partnerships.
• Strong research skills and familiarity with AI and social media trends.
• Tech savvy; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Suite, PowerPoint, Keynote, and project management tools like monday.com..
• Ability to capture attention, convey ideas clearly, and foster connections as a confident communicator.
• Highly organized, with exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accurate and efficient task completion.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and stakeholders efficiently, with resilience under pressure and conflicting priorities.

What You’ll Get

• Competitive compensation including annual bonus
• Comprehensive healthcare: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Retirement 401(k) Plans
• Health savings account
• Paid time off, tiered based on tenure
• Caring and nurturing team culture
• Strong industry connections and exposure
• A team where curiosity and creativity are welcomed and encouraged
• Stretch yourself in terms of what's possible creatively. The world is your oyster!
• Travel for client events and team collaborations (1-2x per quarter)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

August Jackson is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.