Associate Creative Director

Position SummaryAt Kick, the Associate Creative Director is both a maker and a leader a creative force who sets the bar for excellence, inspires the team to think bigger, and turns smart strategy into work that moves people and brands forward. This position provides best practice leadership in copywriting for the agency, which includes developing compelling, brand-centric narratives across all channels, seamlessly integrating copy with design to maintain a consistent and impactful brand voice. With a strong understanding of B2B and B2C marketing, this role creates integrated campaigns that resonate across multiple touchpoints. This position requires an ability to navigate challenges with professionalism to work cross-functionally across teams, upholding brand standards and fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. This role reports to the Executive Creative Director and operates as a strategic partner to guide concepting and creative development.Essential Duties & Responsibilities Creative Leadership & VisionLead the creative development of brand, campaign, and experience work setting a high creative standard rooted in concept, craft, and cultural relevance.Guide designers, writers, and art directors through the creative process, from blue-sky ideation to polished execution.Ensure every piece of work embodies Kicks creative ethos: strategically grounded, emotionally resonant, and beautifully made.Foster an environment of inspiration, where experimentation and bold thinking are encouraged and rewarded. Partnership with the Executive Creative DirectorAct as a trusted partner to the ECD translating vision into action, helping steer the creative department, and elevating work.Manage up with foresight and clarity: communicate progress, anticipate needs, and surface opportunities for the ECDs attention.Collaborate on high-stakes projects, pitches, and presentations, contributing both conceptual thinking and craft finesse.Represent the ECD and the broader creative vision in reviews and client conversations when needed. Concept Development & Strategic CreativityTurn insights into big, brave ideas work thats as smart as it is striking.Lead ideation sessions that push the boundaries of storytelling across branding, digital, experiential, and campaign platforms.Partner with Strategy and Account teams to ensure every concept is tightly aligned with brand objectives while delivering creative surprise and delight.Champion originality and push for ideas that challenge conventions and stand out in the marketplace. Mentorship & Team DevelopmentCoach and inspire the team to do their best work nurturing talent, developing voices, and celebrating diverse perspectives.Model creative excellence and professionalism, leading by example in both process and output.Cultivate a collaborative, inclusive team culture that values curiosity, craft, and accountability.Manage direct reports, as may be assigned. Collaboration Across DisciplinesWork fluidly with Strategy, Account, and Production to deliver integrated, cohesive creative solutions.Translate creative ambition into clear deliverables, managing timelines and priorities without compromising the integrity of the idea.Collaborate with leadership to evolve Kicks creative methodologies and raise the overall quality of output across the agency. Client Partnership & PresentationPresent creative work with confidence and clarity, telling the story behind the idea in a way that inspires trust and excitement.Build meaningful relationships with clients, earning their confidence as a strategic and creative partner.Advocate for brave, insightful ideas that strengthen both the clients brand and Kicks reputation for world-class work. Process & Operational ExcellenceSupport the ECD and leadership team in refining creative processes, helping to streamline communication and collaboration across departments.Balance creative direction with hands-on making ensuring each project reflects both vision and precision.Manage multiple projects, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery, without losing sight of the details that make work extraordinary.Oversee project files, assets, and outputs through to completion. Industry Insight & Creative CuriosityStay ahead of creative, cultural, and technological trends bringing fresh thinking and inspiration into the work.Contribute to Kicks creative culture through thought leadership, mentorship, and participation in industry conversations.Constantly push for whats next: new ideas, new technologies, new forms of storytelling that keep Kick at the forefront of the industry. CopywritingDevelop creative, thought-provoking copy that aligns with brand objectives and maintains a consistent voice across multiple touchpoints, including campaigns, social content, video scripts, blog posts, and more.Take complex, technical and/or regulatory concepts and simplify for a general audience in a written/visual format.Accurately convey findings and data for the intended audience.Ensure all content aligns with the brands positioning and resonates with key target audiences.Conduct research and interview subject matter experts to inform and elevate storytelling. Other responsibilities, as may be assignedPosition Requirements, Qualifications & SkillsBachelors degree in Advertising, Journalism, or related field; or equivalent work experience8-12+ years of copywriting experience within an agency or in-house creative environmentExperience leading or mentoring creative team membersA strong portfolio showcasing conceptual campaign work and a breadth of writing expertise, from compelling headlines to engaging long-form copyExperience managing creative campaigns and cross-functional projects; demonstrated collaboration and communication skills to work effectively across teamsDemonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively, translating insights into compelling narrativesAbility to thrive in a fast-paced and collaborative environmentA proactive, problem-solving mindset and a passion for storytellingStrong organizational and time-management abilities to juggle multiple projects and prioritiesProven ability to partner with clients and team members to achieve intended resultsProficiency with the Microsoft Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint Preferred:The ideal candidate will bring experience copywriting with regulatory, healthcare, CPG and/or pet and animal health industryExperience contributing to or leading brand strategy, including brand positioning, messaging frameworks, audience insights, and creative platform developmentUnderstanding AP style in order to create long form content for use in blogs and websitesFamiliarity with Adobe Creative SuitesFamiliarity with medical legal review (MLR) requirements and processes Working ConditionsThis is a hybrid position, working primarily at the Kick Office in Northeast Minneapolis. Dependent on scheduling needs for this role, this position may work from a remote location two days per week. Occasional travel for client meetings may be required. CompensationCompensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. In addition to the base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, 401K, agency perks, and the flexibility of a hybrid work environment. Kick is an equal opportunity employer. About KickKick is a Minneapolis-based branding and design agency specializing in helping organizations stand out and make an impact through strategic brand development, creative storytelling, and innovative design solutions. With a multidisciplinary team, Kick partners with clients across industries to craft distinctive brand identities, engaging campaigns, and cohesive digital experiences that drive results. The agency is known for its collaborative approach, combining strategic insight with bold creativity to deliver work that is both effective and memorable. By focusing on clarity, originality, and measurable outcomes, Kick empowers brands to connect with the audiences and achieve their business goals. For more information, visit
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