Senior Creative Associate

Access Destination Services•Chicago, IL

1d•Remote

About The Position

As a Senior Creative Associate at Access, you will work within the Creative Team to produce strategic and creative proposals and sales/marketing collateral. This involves working with a variety of suppliers. The Senior Creative Associate position is also responsible for administrative functions to provide day-to-day support to the Creative Team.

Nice To Haves

2 - 3+ years in a DMC or a related field.
Demonstrated success with creative problem-solving and taking initiative.
Ability to independently manage smaller-scale proposal development
High client satisfaction scores across all programs
Meeting or exceeding gross profit goals on programs
Excelling in Key Areas of Responsibility
Consistently meeting or exceeding performance targets (Revenue, Average Invoice, etc.)
Consistently demonstrating all Access Values
Completing the required training and certification
Showing initiative in problem-solving
Maintaining a positive attitude

Responsibilities

Applies creative tools and platforms to enhance visual storytelling, modify imagery, and support proposal development.
Begins contributing to content conceptualization and leading smaller-scale proposals, while collaborating on larger programs with Creative Managers in proposal splits and owning asset-based projects like Destination and Dine Around Guides
Apply creative tools and industry platforms (e.g., Pinterest, BizBash, PartySlate) to craft unique concepts that drive engagement and differentiate Access in the market.
Continues to develop expertise in SOW creation, vendor negotiations, and resolving client budget challenges.
Builds gross profit strategies by incorporating transportation logistics and value-padding tactics.
Gains proficiency in managing pricing sheets, sourcing quotes, and ensuring margin goals are met through accurate SOW integration—carefully factoring in concessions and commissions.
Build and maintain personal dashboards to track vendor activity, data accuracy, and project progress, ensuring information integrity across systems.
Initiate and manage vendor relationships through account setup, vetting, and ongoing updates in Salesforce to maintain complete and current supplier records.
Strengthen supplier partnerships by sharing creative insights, maintaining visibility on vendor capabilities, and identifying opportunities for collaboration.
Continuously source and evaluate new vendors with innovative or destination-specific offerings that align with Access’ creative and operational goals.
Represent Access at tradeshows and industry events to identify emerging trends, expand supplier networks, and inform strategic sourcing decisions.
Incorporate creative strategy into daily work by aligning design, pricing, and delivery with overall program goals and client objectives.
Partner with Creative Managers and Sales to understand the strategy behind creative and pricing decisions, ensuring all deliverables reflect cohesive, goal-driven storytelling.
Stay informed on industry trends, regional preferences, and design innovations to refine creative instincts and strengthen proposal impact.
Approach projects with strategic curiosity—referencing past proposals, asking insightful questions, and ensuring all creative concepts align with project scope, goals, and budget.
Collaborates with Creative, Sales, and Events teams to plan and execute large-scale programs, ensuring seamless coordination, alignment, and consistent delivery across functions.
Demonstrates adaptability, proactive communication, and a solutions-oriented mindset to support cross functional success.
Leads logistical preparation and site visit support with precision, initiative, and a strong sense of ownership throughout project execution.
Actively contributes to team growth by sharing feedback, seeking learning opportunities, and applying insights to continuously improve personal and collective performance.
Manages multiple priorities with efficiency and accuracy, balancing 3–5 concurrent proposals of varying scale while maintaining high creative and operational standards.
Demonstrates advanced time management by leveraging prioritization techniques, time-blocking, and proactive communication to meet tight deadlines.
Thrives in fast-paced, high-pressure environments—adapting quickly to last-minute changes, client pivots, and evolving project needs without compromising quality.
Collaborates seamlessly with cross-functional partners and national teams to align on timelines, deliverables, and vendor responses, ensuring smooth proposal execution.
Anticipates challenges by asking clarifying questions early, assessing workload and constraints, and developing effective, realistic solutions.
Approaches complex situations with composure and a solution-oriented mindset—resolving issues efficiently through teamwork, critical thinking, and sound judgment.
Consistently displays the Access Values (Imagine First, Demand Integrity, Embody Excellence, Always Collaborate, Service Obsession).

Benefits

Certified as a Great Place to Work – 3 years in a row and counting!
50+ years in the industry!
Women-owned and women-led
Fun, creative, and supportive culture
Focus on recognition and employee value – including annual and quarterly awards
Paid day off to serve your local community
Annual all-company retreat to connect, learn, and have fun together
Annual qualifier-based incentive trip for top performers (certain departments eligible)
Regional team outings
Monthly companywide meetings to connect, learn, and celebrate wins
Highly competitive total compensation, including strong base salary and quarterly bonuses
Very strong performance-based quarterly commission plans
401k with company match (eligible after 1 year, up to 4% of salary matched, vested immediately)
Monthly cell phone stipend
Flexible schedule opportunities
Generous PTO
Sick days
9 full holidays
5 half days off prior to holidays to unplug early
2 floating holidays off to be used on holidays of your choice
½ day Fridays in July & August (based on achievement of goals)
Extensive menu of health plans to choose from
Paid parental leave
Pet insurance program
Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
Mentorship program
“Masterclasses” in industry/department-specific topics
State-of-the-art technology platforms and tools – including training
Annual and monthly meeting content that focuses on professional development