GROUP CREATIVE DIRECTOR – ART & DESIGN (Ad Agency)
WE WANT YOU … TO WANT US
This is no Cheap Trick: Plan B is on the hunt for a dynamic, rockstar creative leader with serious art, design, and conceptual chops to help our inclusive, equitable, and sustainability-minded agency soar to even greater heights — and our talented band of creatives wants you … to want us.
See:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj9dDSE3ceQ
WE WANT YOUR LEADERSHIP. The Group Creative Director (Art & Design) is responsible for the overall supervision of the agency’s creative department and product – both design and copy, but with an emphasis on the quality of the design.
WE WANT YOUR STRATEGIC & CREATIVE VISION. The Group Creative Director (Art & Design) interfaces with the client, account teams, creative department, production department, and management team, and is responsible for taking strategic marketing plans and interpreting them into “big ideas” with a unique point of view.
WE WANT YOUR SAVVY MANAGEMENT SKILLS. The Group Creative Director (Art & Design) advises the Creative Directors regarding which creative team members to assign to which creative assignments. He/she works closely with creative staff to ensure quality results, fostering professional growth while working to bring everyone’s work to the highest standard possible.
WE WANT YOUR EYE FOR DETAIL. The Group Creative Director (Art & Design) ultimately approves all work before presentation to the client, reviewing it with account leaders and taking their requests into consideration. Most of all, the Group Creative Director (Art & Design) recognizes the importance of the creative product with regard to the future success of the agency and is a steward of excellence behind all work the agency produces.
This Group Creative Director (Art & Design) role is primarily an on-site position at our Chicago River North location. Regularly attending work in-person (5 days a week, M-F) is essential for the success of the company, our clients, and the entire Plan B team.
WE WANT YOU … TO APPLY NOW!
CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Directs the creative product, striving for excellence from concept to completion of every project.
- Provides insightful, groundbreaking, and/or original creative concepts as required for specific assignments.
- Produces director-level art direction and design for mobile-first digital experiences, including websites, landing pages, emails, e-newsletters, microsites, and digital display ads across client accounts as needed.
- Collaborates with account group to joint estimate projects, assign resources, and define scope/schedule.
- Works closely with account teams to solve marketing problems through smart advertising and best practices.
- Manages Creative department, Creative Directors, Creative Production Services, and Freelance resources.
- Confirms delivery schedules with account teams and oversees assignment of jobs to creative team members.
- Oversees creative solutions produced by team and offers valuable input to elevate quality of creative product.
- Serves as client-facing representative of the agency and effectively “sells” creative at client presentations.
- Responsible for the selection and management of freelance services.
- Assists in screening and interviewing applicants for creative positions, hiring and terminating to ensure creative department is appropriately staffed.
- Actively promotes the agency’s growth and exposure via new business pitches, self-promotional efforts, and RFP response/proposal development.
- Maintains current working knowledge of computer-related skills, software, and programs to ensure entire creative department and staff remain on the leading edge of essential technology and skills.
- Makes recommendations to ensure profitability for the agency.
- Recommends hardware and software purchases to keep department current and efficient.
- Supports agency operations as a senior member of the agency’s management team.
WHY PLAN B?
Plan B is never boring. We’ve managed to maintain a flat organizational structure, an agile development style and the entrepreneurial spirit of a start-up, even after 20 years in business. We work with both Fortune 500 companies and the innovative startups who move culture forward – so the work is rewarding, relevant and dialed into the exciting ambience of our connected world.
As a highly strategic creative boutique, we understand how game-changing, category-killing creative work emerges from powerful insights that are properly driven through complex multi-channel executions.
- Highly-Competitive Salary
- Equity/Profit-Sharing Program
- 401K
- Liberal PTO Program (including summer hours)
- Continuing Education Support Opportunities
- Full Health Benefits
- Limited Matching Contributions to Any Non-profit of Your Choice
- Decent coffee
- Smart, fun, passionate, ass-busting colleagues
- We don’t do weekends (or many late nights)
We also recognize the critical difference today’s companies can (and must) make with regard to corporate responsibility and environmental sustainability. The values of conservation and efficiency have long been core to Plan B’s cultural and operational foundation, and are even more of a priority today in light of how much our world is changing. In partnership, we work best with clients and vendors who share our passion for protecting the planet – companies whose operational and cultural priorities have shifted toward placing less value on GDP, and more value on GDH.
In practice, we are habitually seeking ways to do more with less, to reduce unnecessary waste and emissions, and to eagerly assist clients looking to promote their efforts to be responsible global citizens.
Plan B doesn’t discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
DESIRED REQUIREMENTS:
- 10+ years of experience, including 3+ years of creative leadership and team management.
- Expertise with both traditional and digital tactic development and execution.
- Enough “scrappy” experience to never become paralyzed by time or budget realities that might restrict creative process.
- A generous, collaborative spirit and a seeker of mentoring opportunities.
- A desire to innovate and help the creative team learn and grow on a professional level.
- Comfortable managing a multitude of projects simultaneously.
- A thinker, a day-dreamer, a non-traditional outlier who wants to believe in what they’re doing, who they’re doing it with, and who they’re doing it for.
- A stellar portfolio of cross-channel creative work.
- Expert working knowledge of current design tools, including Adobe Creative Suite, Premiere Pro, After Effects and WordPress.
- A desire to work onsite at our River North office.
APPLY TODAY
Please send a short cover letter, link to your portfolio and attached resume to groupcreativedirectorart@thisisplanb.com.
Local Chicago candidates only.
IF YOU ROCK, HERE’S HOW WE’LL ROLL …
You made the first cut! Now what?*
1. First, we’ll email you a few additional qualifying questions (there are no wrong/right answers)
2. Next, we’ll schedule you for a 30-minute Google Meet video call with some of our team
3. If we think you’re the jam, we’ll have you take an online personality test (just to make sure you’re weird enough)
4. And finally, an in-person interview with the Creative Team at the Plan B HQ, 116 W. Illinois St. #3W, Chicago (please be prepared to present a work case study)
(*We’re not looking to drag the process out! Our aim is to complete these steps within 10 working days.)
Plan B®
Related jobs:
Job Description
An event production team is seeking a polished and professional Box Seat Concierge to assist at a classical concert in Brooklyn. This guest-facing role involves providing premium service to attendees, including champagne service and coat check assistance, ensuring a high-end experience for guests.
Job Responsibilities
- Provide concierge-level service to guests in box seating areas
- Assist with champagne service and coat check operations
- Maintain a professional, welcoming, and attentive demeanor
- Ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for event attendees
- Follow event guidelines and coordinate with the event team
Requirements
- Strong customer service and communication skills
- Professional appearance; must wear black-on-black attire
- Polished, friendly, and attentive personality
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment
- Reliable and punctual for scheduled event shifts
Compensation
- $30 per hour
- Minimum 3-hour shift
- 1099 contractor position with direct deposit
Job Description
A USC student production is seeking dedicated crew members for an upcoming short film shooting on a professional sound stage. This collaborative project offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, work alongside fellow filmmakers, and contribute to a creative production environment.
Job Responsibilities
- Assist in various on-set production roles depending on position
- Collaborate with the director and production team to ensure smooth operations
- Support lighting, camera, art direction, and set preparation
- Maintain organization of equipment, props, and set elements
- Contribute to a positive, efficient, and professional set environment
Requirements
- Interest or experience in film production or related fields
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Willingness to take direction and adapt on set
- Passion for filmmaking and storytelling
Roles Available
- Grips
- Gaffers
- Assistant Camera (ACs)
- Art Director
- Set Dresser
- Prop Master
- Production Assistants (PAs)
Compensation
- Unpaid
- Meals provided
- Copy and credit included
- Opportunity to network with USC School of Cinematic Arts filmmakers
Casting Wrangler for Film Production
Job Description
A Los Angeles production is seeking a casting wrangler to assist with talent coordination. This role is ideal for individuals with strong communication skills and experience managing talent on set.
Job Responsibilities
- Coordinate and manage talent on set
- Assist with casting logistics
- Communicate with production and talent
- Ensure smooth talent flow during filming
Requirements
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Experience working with talent preferred
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Based in Los Angeles
Compensation
- $200–$300 per day (approx. 4 hours)
- Valuable on-set coordination experience
Runner for Film Production Crew
Job Description
A Los Angeles production is seeking runners to assist with various on-set needs. This role is ideal for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in the entertainment industry.
Job Responsibilities
- Run errands across set
- Assist different departments
- Support setup and breakdown
- Maintain efficiency on set
Requirements
- Reliable and punctual
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to multitask
- Must be local to Los Angeles
Compensation
- $100–$200 per day (3 hours)
- Great entry-level opportunity
Production Assistant for Film Crew
Job Description
A Los Angeles production is hiring production assistants to support daily operations on set. This is a great entry-level opportunity for those looking to start a career in film.
Job Responsibilities
- Assist with general production tasks
- Support crew across departments
- Maintain organization on set
- Run errands as needed
Requirements
- Strong work ethic and reliability
- Ability to follow instructions
- Interest in film production
- Must be local to Los Angeles
Compensation
- $100–$200 per day (3 hours)
- Entry-level production opportunity
Props Specialist for Film Production
Job Description
A Los Angeles production is hiring a props specialist to support the art department. This role involves sourcing and managing props for various scenes.
Job Responsibilities
- Source and organize props
- Maintain prop inventory
- Collaborate with art department
- Ensure props match creative vision
Requirements
- Experience with props or set work
- Strong organization skills
- Ability to multitask
- Must be local to Los Angeles
Compensation
- $500–$800 per day
- On-set production experience
Set Designer for Film Production
Job Description
A production team in Los Angeles is seeking a creative set designer to build and style environments for an upcoming shoot. This role is ideal for those with strong visual design skills.
Job Responsibilities
- Design and execute set concepts
- Collaborate with art and creative teams
- Prepare and adjust sets as needed
- Ensure visual consistency
Requirements
- Experience in set design or art direction
- Creative and detail-oriented
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Must be local to Los Angeles
Compensation
- $500–$1,500 per day
- Opportunity to showcase creative work
Gaffer for Film Production
Job Description
A Los Angeles production is looking for a gaffer to support lighting needs on set. This role is ideal for professionals experienced in film lighting setups.
Job Responsibilities
- Set up and manage lighting equipment
- Work with the director of photography
- Maintain lighting consistency
- Follow safety protocols
Requirements
- Experience as a gaffer
- Strong knowledge of lighting systems
- Reliable and team-oriented
- Must be local to Los Angeles
Compensation
- $500–$1,000 per day
- Professional production experience
Assistant Wardrobe Stylist and Props Assistant
Job Description
A Los Angeles production is hiring an assistant wardrobe stylist and props assistant to support the creative team. This role is perfect for individuals with a passion for styling and set preparation.
Job Responsibilities
- Assist with wardrobe styling and prop organization
- Support wardrobe and art departments on set
- Maintain organization of costumes and props
- Follow direction from department leads
Requirements
- Experience in wardrobe or props preferred
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to work efficiently on set
- Must be local to Los Angeles
Compensation
- $300 per day (3 hours)
- Hands-on production experience
Music Artist with Equipment for Film Production
Job Description
A Los Angeles production is seeking a skilled music artist with their own equipment to support an upcoming shoot. This role is ideal for creative professionals who can bring energy and technical expertise to a fast-paced production environment.
Job Responsibilities
- Provide music or DJ services during filming
- Set up and manage your own equipment
- Collaborate with the production team to match the project’s tone
- Maintain professionalism on set
Requirements
- Experienced music artist with own kit
- Strong understanding of live or on-set audio
- Reliable and professional
- Must be local to Los Angeles
Compensation
- $600–$1,200 per day
- Opportunity to work on a professional production
Gaffer with Grip Truck for Film Production
Job Description
A Los Angeles production is seeking an experienced gaffer with a grip truck to support lighting operations. This role is essential to achieving the visual quality of the project and requires technical expertise.
Job Responsibilities
- Manage lighting setup and execution on set
- Provide and operate a grip truck
- Collaborate with the cinematography team
- Ensure safe and efficient lighting practices
Requirements
- Experienced gaffer with grip truck
- Strong knowledge of lighting equipment
- Ability to work on a professional set
- Based in Los Angeles
Compensation
- $1,500–$2,500 per day
- Key role in production lighting
Job Description
A production team is seeking experienced and motivated crew members for an upcoming shoot in Los Angeles. This is a paid opportunity open to non-union professionals. The team is looking to fill multiple key roles across production, including hair and makeup, wardrobe, lighting, set design, and on-set support staff. Ideal candidates are reliable, collaborative, and ready to contribute to a fast-paced production environment.
Job Responsibilities
MU&H Artist (with kit)
- Provide professional makeup and hairstyling for talent
- Maintain continuity and touch-ups throughout filming
- Bring and manage personal kit and supplies
Assistant Wardrobe Stylist / Props
- Assist with wardrobe preparation and styling on set
- Help manage props and ensure continuity
- Support quick changes and organization
Gaffer (with grip truck)
- Oversee lighting setup and execution
- Provide and manage grip truck equipment
- Collaborate with director and cinematographer
Gaffer
- Assist in lighting setup and breakdown
- Ensure proper lighting execution for scenes
Set Designer
- Design and execute set aesthetics
- Coordinate with production team for visual consistency
Props
- Source, organize, and manage props on set
- Ensure proper placement and continuity
Casting Wrangler
- Coordinate and manage talent on set
- Assist with scheduling and organization
Production Assistant (PA)
- Provide general on-set support
- Assist departments as needed
Runner
- Handle errands and logistical tasks
- Support production team operations
Requirements
- Prior experience in the applied role
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work efficiently in a production environment
- Must be available for the full production schedule
- Portfolio, resume, or relevant work samples preferred
Compensation
- MU&H Artist (with kit): $600–$1,200/day
- Assistant Wardrobe Stylist / Props: $300/day
- Gaffer (with grip truck): $1,500–$2,500/day
- Gaffer: $500–$1,000/day
- Set Designer: $500–$1,500/day
- Props: $500–$800/day
- Casting Wrangler: $200–$300/day
- Production Assistant (PA): $100–$200/day
- Runner: $100–$200/day