Creative Director
About HLK
We believe in the power of people to drive brands. Together, we help shape a brand's identity and inspire its next move. We believe brands have the power to influence behavior, create meaningful connections, and drive change. That's why we build brands in constant motion—brands that connect, surprise, and inspire action. Our mission is to create an environment where passionate problem solvers can thrive. Every day, we challenge ourselves to:
- Be Curious. Seek out the right problems to solve.
- Embrace feedback. Dig deeper and dream bigger.
- Be Thoughtful. Turn awareness into understanding and information into insight.
- Remove obstacles, solve problems, and support others in moving work forward.
- Be Brave. Take calculated risks. Push the work. Move forward fearlessly.
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.
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
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