Associate Creative Director - Copy

Detroit, MI (Hybrid)

Salary Not AvailableMid Level8+ years expFull time

Posted 2 months ago

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Job Summary

Build and lead a high-impact copy function that mentors writers, crafts multi-channel stories, and partners with design leads to present work that elevates brands and wins clients.

  • Own cross-channel copy strategy and mentorship to elevate team craft and storytelling.
  • Coordinate with Art Directors and Creative Directors to brainstorm, refine, and sell innovative concepts.
  • Drive client-facing storytelling with confident, clear presentations and brand-aligned execution.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of creative concepts and write compelling copy for various advertising channels including TV, print, digital, social media, and audio.
  • Mentor and guide copywriters on the team, helping elevate their work and develop their careers.
  • Partner with Art Directors, Creative Directors, and cross-functional teams to brainstorm and execute innovative ideas.
  • Present and sell creative work to clients with confidence and clarity.
  • Ensure all copy aligns with brand guidelines and client expectations while pushing the creative bar higher.
  • Provide thoughtful direction, edits, and feedback to ensure accuracy, quality, and craft.
  • Stay ahead of industry trends and best practices, and bring fresh thinking to the agency and our clients.

Requirements

  • 8+ years of copywriting experience, with demonstrated leadership on accounts and campaigns.
  • A strong portfolio of work, preferably across a wide range of channels, that showcases both big-idea thinking and craft.
  • Exceptional writing skills and an equally strong belief in the power of words and a story well-told.
  • Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire other writers and creative team members.
  • Extraordinarily detail-oriented – we rely on our creative leaders to know our brands inside-and-out, manage multiple projects, and deliver clean, error-free, on-strategy work.
  • Strong Social channel know-how, from best practices to creating breakthrough content, for TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, etc.
  • Confident presentation skills and the ability to articulate and defend creative thinking to clients and internal stakeholders.
  • Ability to understand, take, give, and work with client and agency direction.
  • You are accountable, passionate, and dedicated.
  • Must love – or at least put up with -- office dogs.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary and opportunity for bonus (based on overall company performance)
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Retirement savings plan with company match.
  • Professional development opportunities.
  • Hybrid work model.
  • Fun and inclusive work environment with office dogs.
SMZ Advertising logo

SMZ Advertising

At SMZ, we like to say we’re the overachievers who happily work under the radar, creating noise with a purpose. And we’re proud of the fact that we’ve been quietly making noise for generations. For 90-plus years, we’ve been fiercely independent, so we only answer only to our clients’ needs. We get to know each client’s business like no one else’s business, taking on their challenges as if they’re our own. Because we truly believe they are. That makes us more than an agency. It makes us an ally. Our MissionBe entrusted to create likable ideas for inspiring clients. VisionTo be a dynamic, regional advertising agency that will excite and delight our clients through our Listen. Think. Do. approach. Core ValuesDo right by our clients.Do right by our people.Do something people will love.Do it together and produce the best output and outcomes.Do it relentlessly and respectfully. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter:https://www.facebook.com/SMZAdvertisinghttps://www.instagram.com/smz_advertisinghttps://twitter.com/SMZAdvertising

Founded in 1929
Troy, Michigan, USA
88 employees (26 in marketing)

Traffic Signals

Monthly Visitors
4.3K
Traffic Source Mix
Search
18%
Direct
61.6%
Referral
5.1%
Social
14%
Paid
1.2%

Headcount Trend

Current headcount: ~89

Marketing Team

Marketing Team Size
12 (14% of company)