Creative Director

The Office of Congresswoman Lauren Underwood is seeking a Creative Director to lead the office’s digital and visual communications. This onsite role in Joliet, IL focuses on building creative strategy, guiding branding and production, and partnering with internal leadership to deliver paid and organic communications.

Working with Rep. Underwood’s team, the Creative Director will manage content from concept through delivery across multiple platforms, ensure brand consistency across channels and formats, and oversee a communications team that supports day-to-day and campaign-style priorities.

Role overview

• Lead digital content strategy and production for official channels and the office website.
• Oversee visual communications, branding, and graphic design across digital and print materials.
• Manage a communications team that includes interns, freelance photographers/videographers, and at least one additional full-time staffer.
• Coordinate paid communications strategy in partnership with senior leadership, including budget management and platform placements.
• Support digital communications in Democratic leadership and other special projects.

Responsibilities

• Drive digital content strategy and production, including managing relationships with content creators, community partners, other Member offices, and digital outlets.
• Track and monitor digital performance to adjust strategy as needed.
• Create graphics, videos, and other creative content in the Member’s voice from ideation to final production across relevant platforms.
• Develop and implement the Member’s style and branding guides.
• Produce consistent, high-quality graphics for social media assets, handouts, posters, digital ads, and more.
• Serve as the Member’s primary photographer and videographer day-to-day.
• Manage interns, freelance creatives, and at least one other full-time staffer, including creating and maintaining approval and production processes.
• Assist with hiring and onboarding new communications staff.
• Lead paid communications strategy in coordination with the Chief of Staff, District Director, and Member, including managing a budget and selecting strong content and messages to uplift.
• Directly place paid ads for campaigns across digital platforms and billboards.
• Ensure compliance with House rules and regulations related to mass communication.
• Support the Member’s digital communications work in Democratic leadership and other special projects.

Requirements

• 3-5+ years of experience in creative and digital strategy, with a focus on graphic design and digital content creation.
• Political campaigns, organizing, nonprofits, or government office experience preferred.
• Strong videography and photography skills, including the ability to correctly capture multiple skin tones in a wide range of environments.
• Experience managing direct reports, developing and maintaining systems and processes, and delivering projects with a team.
• Ability to manage multiple competing projects, produce high-quality work under tight deadlines, and maintain strong attention to detail in a fast-paced team environment.
• Curiosity, commitment to public service, and strong interest in culture, storytelling, and design.

Compensation and location

• Salary: $100,000 to $120,000 per year (dependent on experience and qualifications).
• Work arrangement: In person.
• Primary location: Joliet, IL (onsite).

Travel and work arrangements

• In-person senior staff position located in Washington, D.C., or northern Illinois, with occasional travel and telework opportunities.
• Depending on location, the Creative Director can work out of any three offices in Capitol Hill, D.C.; DeKalb, IL; or Joliet, IL.

Illinois-based requirements

• Illinois-based candidates must have a valid driver’s license and reliable access to a car (mileage reimbursement is offered).

Benefits

• Health coverage
• Comp time
• Retirement benefits with an employer match
• Paid sick, bereavement, and vacation leave
• Paid parental leave
• Paid FMLA leave
• Access to life insurance coverage
• Access to the Student Loan Repayment Program
• 401(k) and 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

How to apply

Email [email protected] with “CREATIVE DIRECTOR” in the subject line and include:

• Résumé
• Cover letter
• 2-3 professional references including name, current title and organization, phone number, email, and a one-sentence description of your relationship to each reference
• Examples or a link to a portfolio of design, video/photo, and content work