Associate Creative Director - Design New Chicago, IL

At MERGE, we are Built Different . We are a marketing and technology agency purpose-built for the intersection of health and wellness—where human impact matters most. By weaving storytelling through technology, we move beyond traditional engagement to Whole Human Marketing. This approach recognizes that humans are multidimensional and complex, and uses AI to ensure every brand interaction feels natural, contextual, and relevant. This commitment to human-first innovation is what brings us together and propels us forward. We are united by our North Star: to unite people and brands to empower healthier, happier lives. Emerge to the Top of Your Career At MERGE, we strive to create a superior work experience where talented and ambitious people grow. An experience that encourages people to think higher and feel deeper. An experience where people engage their minds and hearts to do the best work of their careers. Associate Creative Director (Design) As Associate Creative Director (Design), you will shape the digital and physical visual narrative for a fast-paced retail account [major Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) account]. You are a digitally forward design lead—equally comfortable setting high-level creative vision, implementing and guiding design systems, and hands-on execution across dynamic digital touchpoints, retail environments, and integrated campaigns. What You’ll Do As a core member of the team, you’ll craft visually compelling designs, ensuring a consistent and premium presence across diverse channels Produce high-quality assets across digital and animated menu boards, packaging, in-restaurant signage, mobile apps, and web, ensuring pixel-perfect accuracy and timely delivery within budget constraints. Strategically apply design systems across various touchpoints to ensure cohesive and unified execution. Engage in all facets of design, from quick comping and creating design systems to type treatments, consistently delivering polished design solutions Work seamlessly with client-side digital and development teams to create best-in-class UX/UI experiences Articulate the underlying strategy behind design projects, emphasizing the rationale ("why") over the deliverables ("what") to all team members Work seamlessly with the creative team, account managers, developers, studio designers, and most importantly, clients, fostering a collaborative and synergistic environment Guide and inspire other designers by providing valuable direction Has a strong understanding of copy direction and its emotional impact on design Design and/or direct design efforts across multiple mediums and touchpoints, ensuring consistency and alignment with strategic goals You are responsible for holistic project lifecycles—from interpreting high-level business objectives into pixel-perfect execution and measurable post-launch success Qualifications 8+ years of design experience within an ad agency, digital shop, or creative studio, with a portfolio showcasing strong digital, responsive, and cross-channel work Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Digital Design, UI/UX, or equivalent practical experience Proficiency in Figma (auto-layout, components, prototyping) alongside deep mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite Design System Experience: Proven track record of designing digital and physical experiences using component-based design systems. Across both digital platforms and physical/print retail environments Demonstrated ability to manage, inspire, and direct a team of designers while managing multiple fast-paced projects simultaneously Prior experience with QSR, fast-casual, or high-volume retail brands is a major plus At MERGE, we’re committed to fostering an environment where our team members can thrive in both their careers and personal lives, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed. MERGE believes in transparency and equity. In accordance with state regulations, we’re proud to include salary ranges in our job postings to ensure fair compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $ 88,450 - $129,750 , based on the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, location, and other relevant factors. The salary pay range is subject to change and may be modified at any time. MERGE is proud to invest in benefits that includemeaningful Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401K, Lifestyle Spending Account, Employer Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Flexible Time off & Holidays plus many other benefits and rewards. Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States. And here’s how we live our values at MERGE Ability. Mastering our craft Agility. Delivering with a growth mindset Humility. Collaborating for shared success MERGE is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer MERGE welcomes and celebrates diversity regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status or people with abilities. We believe that the more diverse we are, the more creative our work will be! #J-18808-Ljbffr MERGE