SVP, Group Creative Director

Edelman•Chicago, IL

About The Position

We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging. Consistent with this approach, we hire the best qualified candidates for all positions. Edelman is a voice synonymous with trust, reimagining a future where the currency of communication is action. Our culture thrives on three promises: boldness is possibility, empathy is progress, and curiosity is momentum. We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration, and belonging. Consistent with this approach, we hire the best qualified candidates for all positions. Edelman is looking for a trend-savvy SVP, Group Creative Director for a top retail client. Ideally, coming from a writing background and having that “yes, and” mindset — maybe even an improv background — not necessarily for humor (although a good sense of humor is always a plus), but for how that mentality fuels creative thinking, open collaboration, and the storytelling process. We want someone with bold instincts and strategic clarity who can help build ideas with the team, not just lead from the top. The perfect candidate is someone who lives for style, fashion/beauty/home decor and knows how to turn those cultural instincts into fresh, distinctive ideas. They should be naturally curious, and love partnering with our strategy and social teams to lead and shape the bigger vision, tapping into cultural trends and human truths to create work that earns attention and connects emotionally. Our team drives some of the world’s most buzz-worthy work, like Ebay's pre-loved runway shows at NY and London Fashion Weeks or Dove’s guide for coding Black hairstyles in gaming. Here, we don’t just follow culture; we aim to change it. Expect a range of creative work that defies traditional PR or advertising norms. One day you’re ideating a content series, the next you’re brainstorming with our AI team or crafting culture-shifting activation ideas. If you’re drawn to projects that land in the NY Times and on Cannes shortlists, you’ll fit right in. What we expect It’s brainstorm day so we need your energy and vision. But also, your ideas. Especially your ideas. You need to have a passion for people and helping others solve problems. Our culture is what sets us apart from traditional ad agencies, and it’s why so many stay with us a while. At Edelman, our most valuable resource is you – our people – with a diversity of backgrounds, ideas, and smarts (with heart). We support one another and encourage each other, and we’re looking for individuals who want to contribute to our culture. If you’re equal parts mentor and maker, fluent in social, allergic to sameness, and hungry to do the kind of work that makes clients braver—let’s talk.

Requirements

A track record of award-winning, earned-centric and 360 creative work that breaks through
Experience leading large, multi-level creative teams—and a reputation for growing talent, not just managing it
Deep understanding of the style/fashion/beauty/home decor, with an eye for cultural nuance and craft
Proven success partnering across cross-functional teams (creative, strategy, production, social, etc.)
The ability to set a high creative bar—and the tools to help others meet it
At least 10 years of relevant experience, preferably in an integrated agency setting.
A bachelor’s degree, preferably in Advertising, Communications, Fine Arts, or other creative concentrations
Demonstrated examples of high-caliber creative work where you specifically lead the transformation of strategic thinking into best-in-class creative work
Relevant agency experience in concept development, art direction, and/or copywriting within an integrated marketing, creative, advertising, or PR agency setting
Understanding of the production process for initiatives of various shapes and sizes, executed across multiple platforms and formats
Ability to craft and deliver presentations that sell ideas and expand client relationships
Ability to build and lead a team of art directors, copywriters, and designers, while also effectively collaborating with other internal and external teams
A natural flare for the unique, the buzz-worthy and the culturally relevant
Experience maintaining client contact as needed, building camaraderie to develop trusting relationships
The ability to collaborate with PMs and other departments to lead and move projects forward, assisting with budget and schedule development, and managing junior creatives’ work
Ability to prioritize and manage work, adhering to critical project timelines while maintaining a high-level of craft and detail in a fast-paced environment
A natural flare for the unique, the buzz-worthy and the culturally relevant