Creative Director

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants - Downers Grove, IL

Full-time - Senior

Downers Grove, IL

Food Services and Drinking Places

About the position

The Creative Director at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants is a visionary leader responsible for overseeing the creative direction and brand identity of the company. This role ensures that all marketing materials, campaigns, and brand initiatives align with the company's values, drive engagement, and create a consistent brand image across all platforms. The Creative Director collaborates closely with the Marketing team and other cross-functional groups to innovate and produce high-quality creative content that resonates with both new and existing guests.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the overall creative strategy and execution for Cooper's Hawk, ensuring consistency across digital, print, and in-restaurant campaigns.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across various departments including marketing, operations, and human resources development, to deliver cohesive and innovative brand messaging that achieves business objectives.
• Develop and oversee all visual and creative elements, including email, digital content, social media, Wine Club campaigns, product launches, website design, and print materials.
• Facilitate creative project kick-offs with clear briefing and implement brainstorming sessions with the internal creative team while ensuring consistency with brand standards.
• Provide guidance, leadership, and mentorship to the creative services team by managing performance and developing team members, both professionally and personally.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and competitive activity, continually updating the creative strategy to stay current and engaging.
• Oversee the production of high-quality content for seasonal and ongoing marketing initiatives, including photography, videography, and graphic design.
• Manage the creative budget and resources efficiently, ensuring timely delivery of projects within set parameters.
• Lead multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment including creation of work plans and budgets, management of timelines, and building a culture of accountability.
• Foster an environment of creative innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging team collaboration and professional development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Graphic Design, or a related field, preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in a creative leadership role, preferably in the restaurant, hospitality, retail, or lifestyle sectors; at least 2 years of experience directly managing a team.
• Collaborative leader with excellent communication skills.
• Strong portfolio showcasing creative leadership, branding, and campaign execution.
• Excellent organization and presentation skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to juggle several projects at one time.
• In-depth knowledge of branding, graphic design, and marketing principles.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, video editing tools, and other creative software, including Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strategic thinker with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling through visual and written content.

Benefits

• Wellness program
• Paid parental leave
• Health savings account
• AD&D insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Gym membership