Senior Creative Director

Company: Ketchum U.S.
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 3, 2026

Job Description:

About Ketchum As a global communications consultancy with 100 years of experience, Ketchum is a trusted partner who is equal parts creative and analytical. Ketchum is a place where all perspectives and points of view are welcome and encouraged. We are a collection of communications specialists, content creators, creatives, researchers, data analysts, media pros, digital strategists, issues and crisis counselors, and tech nerds. And we love when those worlds collide to create the very best teams and solutions for our clients. We work with the world’s leading brands, emerging start-ups, and everything in between. We are beyond proud to have created some of the most celebrated and award-winning campaigns in our industry. We’re just crazy enough to think we can impact the world – and how it responds to ideas – through communication. We encourage our employees to be curious, brave, inspiring, and a force for good. Let’s talk. Come belong at Ketchum! Overview: Ketchum is looking for a Senior Creative Director with a proven passion for smart ideas anchored in human truths, consumer behaviors and cultural connections; a person who champions clever, unexpected and – when warranted – risky thinking that guarantees earned media, consumer excitement and social engagement. In this role you’ll be an important leader on a dynamic team, giving and receiving inspiration, sharing best practices, contributing thought leadership, evolving creative processes and tools, and creating visibility and awareness for Ketchum’s creative reputation among current and prospective clients. With Ketchum’s strong belief in cross collaboration, this role requires the ability to partner a wide range of specialty functions: work with Analytics to identify insight-based strategies; partner with Strategists and other Creatives across North America and beyond to generate exciting concepts within a range of budgets; and partner with others in influencer, content design, social strategy, earned media and more to evolve those concepts from idea to award-winning activations. The ideal candidate will have experience in creating and selling programs of all shapes and sizes in categories including: CPG, food and beverage, , /lifestyle, retail, health & wellness, technology and beyond. Responsibilities: Partner with account leaders to develop programs for current clients and win new clients applying strategic rigor to creative concept development Act as a catalyst to generate and embrace diversity of ideas and thinking across the team/client networks Support planned creative needs and keep the creative dialed up with unsolicited ideas that delight clients Lead solo and group creative ideation for client opportunities; develop/vet ideas generated in brainstorm sessions Originate, source and write concepts Present creative concepts confidently to colleagues, inter-agency teams and clients/prospects Be a creative leader, who is integral to the planning process from table read to presentation. Work collaboratively with Ketchum Analytics & Strategy to develop true insights and creative briefs that drive creative programming Welcome debate and encourage constructive criticism. Communicate clear, progressive direction Contribute to the development of engaged and dynamic teams. Foster respect and collaboration within the team and/or agency partners. Identify issues within the team and drive to resolution Act as brand and talent ambassador internally and externally, participate in development of special practice areas Work closely with select Ketchum’s industry leaders in the industries mentioned above as a dedicated creative resource, helping to build those industries and invigorate client growth. Develop and maintain excellent relationships with multiple clients, agency partners and internal stakeholders Share relevant trends, industry insights and inspiration to promote creative thinking across Ketchum clients Work with account team to identify growth opportunities with client via creative ideation Qualifications: Any combination of education and experience providing the required skills and knowledge for successful performance would qualify. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to: At least 12 years of experience of agency and/or corporate public relations experience Proven track record in growing business through insight-led strategy and/or concept development Deep understanding of earned media and how to develop earned-led creative concepts Excellent facilitation and negotiation skills required to lead a room (virtually and IRL) of people and diverse teams to align around a clear and singular point of view Agency experience required: Public Relations (priority), Social Media, Advertising, Experiential Proven experience in working with clients at the brand manager and CMO and other C-Suite levels Ability to lead and drive to the best client solutions through ambiguity, being adaptable to changing priorities Experience in analyzing research and insight mining Ability to prioritize and juggle multiple client priorities and assignments Self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit with vision and leadership to enact change Exceptional oral and written communications skills; captivating presenter, storyteller and great listener; strong negotiating, persuasion and diplomacy skills Desire to bring your whole self to work with a fun and supportive team across the country. Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Marketing or a related field a plus The salary range for this position is $155,000 to $185,000. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, education, years of experience, past training, skills and abilities of applicant, internal equity and local geographic market data. A range of medical, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and/or other benefits also are available. LI-Hybrid What We Offer Hybrid Workplace: Three days a week in the office Robust benefits program, effective within 30 days of hire Paid maternity/paternity leave Family Forming Benefits Employee Recognition Program Generous paid time off includes vacation, wellness, and extended holiday schedule Various development opportunities to enhance personal and professional life Tuition reimbursement Monthly Cell Phone & Wi-Fi reimbursement Interested? We’ve got an opportunity for you.

Keywords: Ketchum U.S., Chicago , Senior Creative Director, PR / Public Relations , Chicago, Illinois