Lead ideation and concept development to drive brand, product, and marketing creative direction. Partner with strategy and product teams, mentor designers and writers, explore trends and new formats, build concept decks and presentations, and ensure creative excellence across multi-channel campaigns.
Creative Lead Role Overview
The Creative Lead is responsible for driving the strategic and conceptual exploration of innovative creative directions that support brand, product, and marketing objectives. This role leads the ideation phase, develops breakthrough concepts, and guides teams in discovering fresh, relevant, and high-impact creative opportunities across channels.
The Creative Lead ensures creative excellence, fosters experimentation, and translates insights into compelling creative territories that align with business goals and audience needs.
Key Responsibilities Creative Discovery & Concept Development
- Lead creative discovery processes including brainstorming, concept sprints, and creative workshops.
- Develop original creative territories, campaigns, and storytelling approaches.
- Translate strategic briefs into innovative, insight-driven creative concepts.
- Explore new formats, emerging trends, and technologies to enhance creative output.
- Build concept decks, mood boards, and creative narratives for stakeholder alignment.
Strategic Collaboration
- Partner with strategy, marketing, product, and brand teams to understand objectives and audience insights.
- Contribute to campaign planning by shaping creative direction from early stages.
- Align creative concepts with brand voice, positioning, and long-term vision.
Creative Leadership & Mentorship
- Guide designers, copywriters, and creative team members during ideation and development.
- Foster a culture of creativity, curiosity, and experimentation.
- Provide constructive feedback to elevate creative quality and effectiveness.
Innovation & Trend Exploration
- Stay ahead of industry trends, cultural shifts, and creative innovations.
- Identify opportunities for differentiation and creative breakthroughs.
- Introduce new creative tools, formats, and processes to improve output.
Presentation & Stakeholder Management
- Present creative concepts and rationale clearly to internal teams and leadership.
- Communicate creative vision and inspire stakeholder confidence.
- Incorporate feedback while maintaining creative integrity.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Design, Advertising, Communications, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 6–10+ years of experience in creative roles, with at least 2–3 years in a leadership capacity.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating concept development and creative thinking.
- Proven ability to lead ideation and creative discovery processes.
- Excellent storytelling, presentation, and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in digital, brand, marketing, or product creative environments.
- Exposure to multi-channel campaigns (social, digital, video, experiential, product).
- Strong understanding of brand strategy and user-centered design principles.
- Experience working in fast-paced, cross-functional teams.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Creative strategy and concept development
- Creative discovery and ideation leadership
- Visual and narrative storytelling
- Trend analysis and innovation
- Leadership and team mentorship
- Stakeholder communication and presentation
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
Compensation, Benefits and Duration
Minimum Compensation: USD 64,000
Maximum Compensation: USD 225,000
Compensation is based on actual experience and qualifications of the candidate. The above is a reasonable and a good faith estimate for the role.
Medical, vision, and dental benefits, 401k retirement plan, variable pay/incentives, paid time off, and paid holidays are available for full time employees.
This position is available for independent contractors
No applications will be considered if received more than 120 days after the date of this post
Photon Chicago, Illinois, USA Office
11 East Adams Street Suite 1100, Chicago, IL, United States, 60603
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