Creative Director

Office of Congresswoman Lauren Underwood; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Comp time

Retirement benefits with an employer**

Paid sick leave

Bereavement leave

Vacation leave

Paid parental leave

Paid FMLA leave

Life insurance coverage

Student Loan Repayment Program

Job summary

Office of Congresswoman Lauren Underwood seeks a Creative Director to lead digital and visual communications for the office. This senior, in-person role combines creative production, brand direction, and paid campaigns for official channels, website, and public initiatives.

You will manage the creative strategy, branding, and production workflows, supervise a communications team, and oversee day-to-day photography and videography. Occasional travel and telework opportunities are available.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in creative and digital strategy.
• Experience in campaigns or government settings preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead digital content strategy and production.
• Manage relationships with creators and outlets.
• Oversee branding and graphic design.
• Direct day-to-day photography and videography.
• Lead paid communications campaigns and budget.
• Ensure compliance with House rules.

Skills

Creative strategy

Graphic design

Videography

Photography

Team leadership

Budget management

Tools

Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

Video editing

Job description

The Office of Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) is seeking a Creative Director to lead digital and visual communications for the office. This senior, in-person staff role combines creative production, brand and content direction, and paid communications support for official channels, the website, and other public-facing initiatives.

Role Focus

You will manage the creative and digital strategy that guides content production across official channels, with responsibility for branding, graphic design, and performance monitoring. The position also includes day-to-day photography and videography and the coordination of a communications team and production workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead digital content strategy and production for Rep. Underwood's official channels and website.
• Manage external relationships with content creators, community partners, other Member offices, and digital outlets.
• Track and monitor digital performance to adjust strategy as needed.
• Produce graphics, videos, and other creative content in the Member's voice, from ideation to creation.
• Oversee visual communication, branding, and graphic design for the office.
• Develop and implement the Member's style and branding guides.
• Create consistent, high-quality graphics for digital and print materials, including social media assets, handouts, posters, and digital ads.
• Serve as the Member's primary photographer and videographer day-to-day.
• Manage a communications team that includes interns, freelance photographers/videographers, and at least one other full-time staffer.
• Develop and maintain approval and production processes.
• Assist in hiring and onboarding new communications staff.
• Lead paid communications strategy in coordination with the Chief of Staff, District Director, and Member.
• Manage a budget for paid communications.
• Identify strong content and messages to uplift.
• Directly place ads for paid communications campaigns on various digital platforms and billboards.
• Ensure compliance with all House rules and regulations related to mass communication.
• Support the Member's digital communications work in Democratic leadership and other special projects.

Requirements

• At least 3-5 years of experience in creative and digital strategy, with a focus on graphic design and digital content creation.
• Prior experience working in political campaigns, organizing, nonprofits, or government offices is preferred.
• Excellent videography and photography skills, including the ability to correctly capture multiple skin tones across a wide range of environments.
• Strong technical skills relevant to digital content creation.
• Experience managing direct reports, developing and maintaining systems and processes, and driving projects with a team.
• Ability to manage multiple competing projects, meet tight deadlines, and maintain strong attention to detail in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Curiosity, commitment to public service, and a strong interest in culture, storytelling, and design.

Compensation

Annual salary: USD 100,000 - 120,000 per year, dependent on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Health coverage
• Comp time
• Retirement benefits with an employer match
• Paid sick, bereavement, and vacation leave
• Paid parental leave
• Paid FMLA leave
• Access to life insurance coverageAccess to the Student Loan Repayment Program

Location / Work Arrangement

• Onsite senior staff position in Washington, DC 20515.
• Occasional travel and telework opportunities.
• Depending on location, work may be based out of Capitol Hill, D.C.; DeKalb, IL; or Joliet, IL.
• Illinois-based candidates should have a valid driver's license and reliable access to a car (mileage reimbursement offered).