Creative Director

HLK seeks a Creative Director to set and steward creative vision, mentor creative talent, and deliver integrated work that supports client objectives. This role is onsite in either the St. Louis or Chicago office.

Responsibilities

• Define and champion creative vision across brands, campaigns, and initiatives, ensuring outputs are strategically sound, creatively distinctive, and aligned with client goals
• Lead, inspire, and mentor creative teams, building a culture of collaboration, accountability, and creative excellence
• Partner with strategy, account, media, production, and client teams to develop integrated solutions that address business challenges
• Build trusted client relationships by confidently presenting and defending ideas while guiding conversations toward successful outcomes
• Improve creative quality through thoughtful direction, constructive feedback, and a commitment to high standards
• Support concept development, ideation, and execution when direct contribution is needed
• Identify opportunities for agency growth through new business efforts, pitches, and thought leadership initiatives
• Remove obstacles and solve problems proactively, helping teams navigate ambiguity with confidence and clarity

Requirements

• Experience leading creative teams in an advertising agency environment, including Associate Creative Director or Creative Director-level experience
• A portfolio showcasing breakthrough, integrated work across multiple channels and platforms
• Curiosity about client businesses, customer behavior, and market dynamics beyond the creative brief
• Proven ability to mentor and develop creative talent
• Strong strategic instincts and the ability to translate business objectives into compelling creative solutions
• Experience building trusted client relationships and presenting ideas with confidence and influence
• A hands-on approach to leadership, with the ability and willingness to contribute directly to the work when needed
• Demonstrated success leading complex projects from concept through execution
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
• Must be located in Chicago or St. Louis and able to work onsite

Benefits

• Flexible work environment
• Casual and creative atmosphere
• Unlimited time off
• Paid sabbatical
• Parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match

About the Role

HLK is hiring a Creative Director to lead great work, develop great talent, and help clients grow. The role blends creative leadership, mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on making, guiding multidisciplinary teams to develop ideas that move brands forward while strengthening trusted partnerships with clients and colleagues.

The company aims to elevate creative work across the agency by fostering an environment where people can do their best work and helping raise creative standards. HLK also emphasizes that the best ideas emerge through collaboration, mentorship, and shared experiences, which is why this position is based onsite in either the St. Louis or Chicago office.

About HLK

HLK believes in the power of people to drive brands. Together, the agency helps shape a brand’s identity and inspire its next move, supporting brands that influence behavior, create meaningful connections, and drive change. HLK builds brands in constant motion, creating work that connects, surprises, and inspires action.

The mission is to create an environment where passionate problem solvers can thrive. HLK challenges its team daily to be Curious, Thoughtful, and Brave by seeking the right problems, turning awareness into insight, removing obstacles, and taking calculated risks to push the work forward.