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Creative Director (Copy)

About the role:

HLK is growing and looking for a hands-on, forward-thinking Creative Director (Copy) to join our team! Based in our St. Louis or Chicago office, this hybrid role calls for an engaged leader who thrives on collaboration, builds big ideas, and delivers impactful results. As a Creative Director at HLK, you’ll roll up your sleeves to work across disciplines, inspire teams, and push our creative work to bold new places—driven by curiosity, thoughtfulness, and bravery, the values at the heart of everything we do.


Responsibilities
  • Set the creative vision for campaigns, ensuring every idea is strategically sound, audience-driven, and built to make an impact
  • Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of creatives—creating an environment where big thinking thrives, collaboration is second nature, and people grow
  • Work hand-in-hand with account directors, strategists, and media teams to craft integrated, pitch-winning solutions
  • Build and deliver compelling client presentations, championing ideas with clarity and confidence while helping your team sharpen their own present-to-sell skills
  • Keep our creative sharp by staying ahead of trends, technologies, and cultural shifts—always pushing for fresher, more innovative ideas
  • Bridge the gap between creative and other teams, streamlining processes and elevating the work at every touchpoint
  • Tackle complex challenges—whether they’re client roadblocks or internal hurdles—with a strategic and solutions-first mindset
  • Deliver bold, award-worthy ideas across digital, social, content, print, broadcast, and brand-building initiatives
  • Consistently push creative boundaries to surprise, connect, and drive meaningful results for our clients


Qualifications
  • 7+ years of creative leadership experience in a fast-paced agency, with a portfolio of award-winning, multi-channel work
  • A track record of leading and inspiring teams as a Creative Director (Copy)—balancing hands-on execution with high-level creative direction
  • A strategic mindset and strong collaboration skills, working seamlessly with account, planning, and media partners
  • A roll-up-your-sleeves mentality—ready to go deep, solve problems, and jump into the work when needed
  • Deep expertise across digital, social, content, print, broadcast, and brand-building campaigns
  • A passion for innovation, keeping up with emerging trends and technologies to drive creative excellence
  • Exceptional presentation skills, plus the ability to coach others on how to own the room and sell great work
  • A problem-solving mindset—proactive, adaptable, and always thinking ahead
  • A commitment to mentorship, helping grow the next generation of creative talent
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, uniting teams to work smarter and deliver stronger results
  • A natural alignment with HLK’s core values—Be Curious, Be Thoughtful, Be Brave
  • Experience in Agriculture or Finance is a plus
  • Must be based in Chicago or St. Louis and able to work onsite


About HLK:

HLK is an independent creative and technology agency with offices in St. Louis & Chicago.

We believe in the power of people to drive brands. Together, we shape a brand's identity and inspire its next move.

We believe that brands have the power to influence people. We create brands in constant motion, on a mission to connect, surprise, and change behavior.

Our mission is to provide an environment where passionate problem solvers can thrive. Every day we encourage our people to do 3 things: Be Curious. Seek out the right problems to solve. Embrace criticism. Dig deeper and dream bigger. Be Thoughtful. Empathy transforms information into insight. We remove roadblocks to solutions, helping and supporting each other to solve client problems. And Be Brave. Take calculated risks, push the work, and move forward fearlessly.


There are many benefits to working at HLK, including the following:

A flexible work environment

A casual and creative atmosphere

Unlimited time off

Paid sabbatical

Parental leave

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan with a company match


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

What You Should Know About Creative Director (Copy), HLK

HLK is on the lookout for an engaging and innovative Creative Director (Copy) to elevate our creative efforts! This position is all about rolling up your sleeves and diving into the action. As a Creative Director, you'll be at the helm of our creative vision, guiding a talented team while collaborating with account directors, strategists, and media teams to craft compelling campaigns that resonate with audiences. You’ll inspire creativity that drives results across various channels—digital, social, print, and broadcast. With over 7 years of leadership experience under your belt, you’ll mentor your team to break boundaries and deliver award-winning work. Your strategic mindset and hands-on nature will be crucial as you tackle challenges and push the envelope for fresh ideas. Being part of HLK means living our values: Be Curious, Be Thoughtful, and Be Brave—qualities that will guide your approach as you keep pace with trends while fueling your passion for innovative storytelling. Join us in shaping brands that connect, surprise, and enhance consumer behavior! If you’re ready to lead with courage and creativity, HLK is the place for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Creative Director (Copy) Role at HLK
What are the main responsibilities of a Creative Director (Copy) at HLK?

A Creative Director (Copy) at HLK is responsible for setting the creative vision for campaigns, ensuring each idea is strategically sound and audience-driven. This role includes leading and mentoring a team of creatives, collaborating with other departments to craft pitch-winning solutions, and delivering compelling client presentations that champion innovative ideas. Staying current with trends and technologies is essential to push the creative boundaries and deliver impactful results.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for the Creative Director (Copy) position at HLK?

To apply for the Creative Director (Copy) position at HLK, candidates should possess over 7 years of creative leadership experience in a fast-paced agency. A strong portfolio showcasing award-winning, multi-channel work is essential. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate expertise in digital, content, print, and broadcast campaigns, along with exceptional collaboration and presentation skills.

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How does HLK support the professional growth of the Creative Director (Copy)?

At HLK, they are committed to growth, providing a nurturing environment where the Creative Director (Copy) can mentor and inspire the next generation of creative talent. By encouraging curiosity and collaboration, HLK ensures that professionals have the resources and support they need to advance their skills and explore innovative strategies that lead to creative excellence.

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What is the work culture like for a Creative Director (Copy) at HLK?

The work culture at HLK is casual yet creative, emphasizing flexibility and collaboration. As a Creative Director (Copy), you’ll thrive in an environment that encourages big thinking and innovation. HLK fosters a culture by embracing their core values—Be Curious, Be Thoughtful, and Be Brave—allowing creative professionals to explore ideas without fear of failure while working collaboratively across disciplines.

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What benefits does HLK offer to Creative Director (Copy) employees?

HLK offers a comprehensive benefits package for its employees, including unlimited time off, a paid sabbatical, parental leave, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan with company match. The company prioritizes a flexible work environment, making it an attractive place for creative professionals to thrive without compromising on work-life balance.

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Common Interview Questions for Creative Director (Copy)
Can you give an example of a successful campaign you led as a Creative Director (Copy)?

Certainly! When answering this question, focus on a specific campaign that showcases your creative vision, collaboration, and leadership. Detail the challenges you faced, the strategic decisions you made, and the impact it had on the audience and client, highlighting metrics or accolades when possible.

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How do you inspire and mentor creative teams?

Discuss your approach to mentorship, such as providing constructive feedback, encouraging team members to explore new ideas, and creating a safe space for experimentation. Mention specific techniques or processes you’ve implemented to foster creativity and collaboration within your team.

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What methodologies do you use to remain ahead of industry trends?

Explain your strategies for staying informed about industry trends. This could include attending workshops, reading industry publications, networking with other professionals, or utilizing trend analysis tools. Show how you apply these insights to keep your creative work fresh and impactful.

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Tell us how you handle criticism of your creative work?

Express your open-mindedness and willingness to learn from feedback. Describe how you view criticism as a valuable tool for growth and improvement, and provide an example of a time when you incorporated feedback to enhance your work or that of your team.

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How do you balance a hands-on role with high-level creative direction?

Talk about how you prioritize tasks and allocate time for both hands-on creative work and overseeing broader project strategies. Highlight specific strategies you use to maintain this balance, ensuring quality and creativity while supporting team collaboration.

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What role does empathy play in your creative process?

Discuss how empathy helps you understand your audience better and tailor creative messages that resonate. Emphasize your belief in the importance of building connections and how this has shaped past projects positively.

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How do you approach collaboration with non-creative teams?

Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with various departments. Discuss how you ensure everyone remains aligned on project goals by actively listening, sharing creative insights, and finding common ground to streamline processes and enhance outcomes.

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What would your ideal creative environment look like?

Share your vision of a collaborative space that fosters creativity, open communication, and innovation. Mention elements like flexible workspaces, brainstorming areas, or a culture that encourages risk-taking and recognition of creative efforts.

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How do you prioritize multiple projects as a Creative Director?

Explain your project management approach, such as using prioritization techniques, setting clear deadlines, and communicating effectively with your team to ensure everyone is on the same page while managing expectations with stakeholders.

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What is your process for creating compelling client presentations?

Walk through your approach to crafting client presentations that engage and convince. Discuss elements like understanding the client's needs, incorporating storytelling techniques, and practicing delivery to ensure clarity and confidence.

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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, hybrid
DATE POSTED
March 23, 2025

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