Creative Director

HLK; Chicago, St. Louis (IL, MO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work environment

Unlimited time off

Paid sabbatical

Parental leave

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Job summary

HLK is looking for a Creative Director based in Chicago or St. Louis to lead a team and develop innovative solutions for clients. This role emphasizes mentorship and collaboration among teams to enhance creativity and client engagement.

The ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio and experience in guiding teams towards successful outcomes, fostering a growth-oriented environment that encourages creativity. Flexibility in the workplace and competitive benefits are also offered.

Qualifications

• Experience leading creative teams, particularly in an advertising agency.
• Strong portfolio showcasing breakthrough work across channels.
• Ability to mentor and develop creative talent.

Responsibilities

• Define and champion the creative vision across various brands.
• Lead and mentor creative teams to foster collaboration and excellence.
• Build strong client relationships and present creative ideas confidently.

Skills

Leadership in creative teams

Strategic thinking

Client relationship building

Creative development

Communication skills

Job description

Job Location: STL Office – Saint Louis, MO 63104

About the Role

HLK is seeking a Creative Director to lead great work, develop great talent, and help our clients grow. This role is equal parts creative leader, mentor, collaborator, and maker. You'll guide multidisciplinary teams in developing ideas that move brands forward while building trusted partnerships with clients and colleagues. You'll elevate the quality of work across the agency, foster an environment where people can do their best work, and help raise the standard of creative work across the agency. The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with creative ambition, inspires confidence in clients and teams alike, and isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves when the work demands it. We believe the best ideas emerge through collaboration, mentorship, and shared experiences, which is why this role is based onsite in either our St. Louis or Chicago office.

Responsibilities

• Define and champion creative vision across brands, campaigns, and initiatives, ensuring work is strategically sound, creatively distinctive, and aligned with client objectives
• Lead, inspire, and mentor creative teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and creative excellence
• Partner closely with strategy, account, media, production, and client teams to develop integrated solutions that solve business challenges
• Build trusted relationships with clients, confidently presenting and defending ideas while guiding conversations toward successful outcomes
• Elevate the quality of creative output through thoughtful direction, constructive feedback, and a commitment to high standards
• Contribute directly to concept development, ideation, and execution when needed
• Help identify opportunities for agency growth through new business efforts, pitches, and thought leadership initiatives
• Remove obstacles, solve problems proactively, and help teams navigate ambiguity with confidence and clarity

Qualifications

• Experience leading creative teams within an advertising agency environment, including experience at the Associate Creative Director or Creative Director level
• A portfolio demonstrating breakthrough, integrated work across multiple channels and platforms
• A natural curiosity and desire to understand client businesses, customer behavior, and market dynamics beyond the creative brief
• Proven ability to mentor and develop creative talent
• Strong strategic instincts and the ability to translate business objectives into compelling creative solutions
• Experience building trusted client relationships and presenting ideas with confidence and influence
• A hands‑on approach to leadership, with the ability and willingness to contribute directly to the work when needed
• Demonstrated success leading complex projects from concept through execution
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills
• Must be located in Chicago or St. Louis and able to work onsite

Compensation & Benefits

• Flexible work environment
• Casual and creative atmosphere
• Unlimited time off
• Paid sabbatical
• Parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match