Creative Director

Creative Director

@ ICF Next, we are fearless in finding new ways to solve problems, relentless in making sure it pays off for our clients and committed to making a positive change in the world. Join our community of mission-driven creatives, communicators, strategists, and technologists to challenge the status quo.

We are seeking a hungry creative storyteller to join us as a Creative Director, driving and elevating the work for prestigious CPG clients. Position will be primarily earned/PR-first, with a fast-track to growth and a bridge to other parts of the ICF Next business.

As a Creative Director, you are:

• A problem-solver – our business and our clients’ businesses are ever-evolving, looking for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit, curiosity and truly out-of-the-box thinking

• A proud collaborator – ready to get in the trenches with other business leaders, clients, or specialty areas across ICF Next

• A true culture shaper – Check the ego, bring fresh perspective and good energy

• Passionate – about pop culture, the work we do and your clients. Care deeply & show it.

As a Creative Director, you will be:

• Driving forward ideas and concepts

• Serving as creative counterpart to senior marketing clients

• Managing and coaching teams of ACDs, creative specialists and designers

• Working collaboratively in a close-knit partnership with account, media, and strategy team members to generate unique concepts and ideas

• Creative copywriting (concept development, social content, scriptwriting, material development)

• Working on several programs at once, under pressure and to tight deadlines

• Selling big ideas to clients (current prospective) in a persuasive way

• Working with account teams, fellow creative members, design, and production partners in the execution of creative content

• Keeping up to date with popular culture and trends

As a Creative Director, you will have:

• 10 years of creative experience, with specialized experience in working on big brands and industry experience with CPG and lifestyle or entertainment brands

• Experience managing and leading designers and creatives

• An interest and understanding of Public Relations and a strong grasp of what content will be successful across earned, owned, and paid channels.

• Experience selecting and managing vendor partners (photography, post-production) and freelance creative staff

• A creative and strategic thinker for brands that want to push the envelope

• A passion and comfort with sports marketing

• Ability to think holistically and work with Client’s other agency partners

• Strong understanding of new and emerging media

• Thrive in an entrepreneurial, self-starter environment

• Prior agency experience (required)

• Exceptional presentation skills; written and verbal communications skills

• Exceptional management and mentoring skill

Working at ICF

Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed, ICF employees tackle unprecedented challenges to benefit people, businesses, and governments around the globe. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth. If you’re seeking to make a difference in the world, visit www.icf.com/careers to find your next career. ICF—together for tomorrow.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building an inclusive workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to hiring regardless of any protected characteristic, such as race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability status, or military/veteran status. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO & AA policy .

COVID-19 Policy : New or prospective U.S. employees must provide proof of complete vaccination on the date of their commencement of employment. If selected for employment, you will provide proof of your full vaccination status, defined as vaccinated two weeks after receiving the requisite number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved or authorized for emergency use by the FDA.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation please email icfcareercenter@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. Read more about non-discrimination: EEO is the law and Pay Transparency Statement .

Chicago, IL (IL14)