Copywriter

Overview

We have a simple belief — Unexpected Works. It means that the best idea is the one you never saw coming. The thing that catches you so off guard that you can‘t look away. And the only path to genuinely unexpected works is through creativity. Not just what passes for creativity because it answers a brief, looks the part and helps everyone sleep at night. But creativity that is foreign, surprising and interesting enough to cause jaws to drop and sales to soar. It’s having the fresh perspective and raw energy to bring something into the world that no one’s ever seen before. We’re talking about the courage to shake things up and maybe even tear a few things down. And knowing that what most would call the finish line is where the real work starts. We believe in people, product, and profit, in that order. For us, people always come first. They’re the soul of our agency. It takes amazing folks to make amazing work. That’s why we make sure everyone who comes through the door is as great as the people who are already here. It’s also why we constantly strive to build diverse teams where everyone brings something unique to the table. Because you can’t make the unexpected if you only work with the usual suspects. By bringing together diverse thinkers with different backgrounds and perspectives, we validate Bill Bernbach’s notion that an idea can turn to dust or magic, depending on the talent that rubs against it. So, come be part of the magic. 

Advertising copywriters work in a creative partnership with an art director to conceive, develop and produce effective advertisements. 

Responsibilities

• Meet the account management team to discuss client requirements and product background. 
• Brainstorm ideas and concepts.  
• Work in a close-knit creative partnership with the art director to generate workable concepts and ideas.  
• Write clear, persuasive, and original copy.  
• Submit ideas and discuss progress with the creative director before making presentations to clients.  
• Amend, revise or redevelop campaigns in response to feedback from the creative director or clients.  
• Work on several campaigns at once, under pressure and on tight deadlines.  
• Proofread copy to check spelling and grammar.  
• Oversee campaigns through the production stage to completion.  
• Cast actors for TV and radio work; listen to voice tapes.  
• Act as liaison with production companies, photographers, typographers, designers and printers.  
• Keep up to date with popular culture and trends.  
• Advise intending creatives and review their portfolios ('books').  
• Write 'copy,’ i.e. come up with original catchphrases, slogans, messages and straplines. 
• Write all the wording in any type of advertising, such as:  
  • posters 
  • press 
  • leaflets 
  • brochures 
  • radio or television scripts 
• May be involved in the production process which can include casting actors and dealing with production companies and directors. May also work with typographers, designers and printers. 

Qualifications

• Background in writing and journalism courses. 
• Evidence of participation in any extracurricular activities that enabled the candidate to develop writing skills.  
• Courses in marketing, literature, business administration, and communications are also very useful.  
• Strong computer knowledge. 
• Sales skills combined with creativity are preferable. 
• A talent for persuasion. 
• Communication skills. 
• Vivid imagination. 
• Fluency with language. 
• Up-to-date with popular culture and trends. 

DDB is committed to diversity in its workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and to review all of our job postings to minimize biased language. DDB San Francisco does not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state or federal law.