SVP, Creative Director at Gatesman Chicago, IL

Salón Večná kráska; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Work Schedule

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

401k with employer match

Unlimited PTO

Flex Fridays

Sabbatical

Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave

holiday time off between Christmas and

Job summary

Gatesman is seeking an SVP, Creative Director with 15+ years in the creative industry. The role blends hands-on work with guiding the creative teams to deliver outstanding integrated content across channels. Ideal candidates have an art direction/design background, strong client-facing skills, and a strategic mindset.

Reporting to the CEO, this hybrid role requires leadership across teams and up to 20% travel. A portfolio of successful business-building creative solutions is essential.

Qualifications

• 15+ years minimum in the creative industry with an art director background.
• Experience creating integrated content across all marketing channels and tech stacks.
• A digital forward mindset, with understanding of AI in the work.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a broad range of agency and client people.
• Portfolio showing proven business-building creative solutions.

Responsibilities

• Drive creative excellence by guiding the work and elevating ideas.
• Lead and mentor teams to deliver high-quality creative output.
• Direct resources and manage the Creative Department to optimal levels.
• Present compelling concepts to senior clients and brand teams.
• Support growth and development of staff and day-to-day workflows.

Skills

Art Direction

Leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Digital & AI savvy

Client relations

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Job description

ABOUT US

Gatesman is an award winning-rapidly growing, fully integrated advertising agency with offices in Pittsburgh and Chicago. We are bound by the intense desire to succeed with a relentless commitment to results. No matter the challenge, we find a path forward always working to elevate our clients’ brands and push the limits of what’s possible. Our goal is to leave a lasting legacy by building a business where creativity thrives and curiosity is rewarded. A place that creates stories that are memorable and meaningful, and most importantly, a place where ideas spark meaningful solutions. To help businesses grow and to connect with people in the process—through insights, conversation, provocation, and inspiration. Our experience spans a wide range of industries, with particularly deep expertise in B2B, higher education, financial services, and retail. We are fiercely independent and proud members of IPREX and AMIN, a global network of leading independent agencies.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We’re searching for an experienced SVP, Creative Director with a minimum 15+ years in the creative industry. B2B experience is a plus. Preference is for candidates with an Art Direction/Design background. The position is a player/coach—both producing great work of their own and guiding the creative teams to create and produce great work. (In this case, a talented person who came up on the art direction/design side). They must recognize the best ideas when they see them and have the gravitas to present and persuasiveness to sell that work to our internal teams and to our clients alike. They can win over a room. They skillfully oversee the creative through rounds of revision ensuring the integrity of the work. You must be modern and forward thinking, and endlessly curious about the latest trends, technology and pop culture. You are a good listener to your team, your agency colleagues and our clients.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drive creative excellence by guiding the work. Continually elevating the level of ideas being developed.
• You possess an entrepreneurial, builder mindset and are excited to shape and guide the Creative Department to a higher level.
• Work with agency operations and other departments to ensure your team and resources are being properly allocated.
• Be a thought leader for our clients and the go-to person for creative focused conversations, inspiration and advice.
• Direct and motivate teams of directors, designers, visualizers, production artists, strategists, art directors, producers, copywriters etc. to help them use and grow their talents effectively.
• Revise content and presentations, approve/reject ideas, provide feedback to the team that inspires and coaches them to implement better work and working habits.
• Deliver powerful creative presentations to senior clients and brand teams.
• Train and guide the team to support their growth and development as well as their ability to deliver day-to-day work.
• Responsibility for managing a team of 5 writers, designers, art directors and crafting a goal path for them.
• Organized, meticulous and an excellent time manager, both for themselves and their staff.

REQUIREMENTS

• 15+ years minimum in the creative industry with an art director background.
• Experience creating integrated content across all marketing channels and tech stacks.
• A digital forward mindset, with a deep understanding of how creative concepts exist in the digital space and beyond.
• Experienced being a critical member of new business efforts, with evidence of success.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a broad range of agency and client people at all levels of an organization.
• Contemporary and digitally savvy, including understanding the importance and evolving role that AI must play in the work.
• Be a fully engaged leader for the agency. Work effectively with the agency directors and leadership team and impact the agency effectively.
• A natural builder who is driven, undaunted, inspiring, collaborative and supportive.
• Functional knowledge of the creative toolset (Adobe Creative Suite, Google Suite, AI, Photoshop, InDesign, etc.)
• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Arts, Advertising, Design or other relevant degree required
• Portfolio that demonstrates proven track record of successful business building creative solutions
• Position reports to the CEO with a dotted line to the President.
• Up to 20% travel may be required

Work Arrangement

Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid schedule, requiring 1-2 days per week in the office. Candidates must be located in Chicago or Pittsburgh or be willing to relocate to one of these areas as a condition of employment.

Compensation: $145,000-$180,000 base salary range exclusive of fringe benefits. Final base salary compensation will be determined on factors such as geographic location, skills, education and/or experience.

GATESMAN BENEFITS

• Hybrid Work Schedule
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance available on the first day of employment
• FSA/HSA’s
• 401k with an employer match
• Unlimited PTO
• Flex Friday’s
• 13 Holiday’s including time off between Christmas and New Years
• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Sabbatical
• Strong culture and supportive working environment