Job Description
Associate Creative Director (Copy)
Location:
Troy, MI A place for you to Listen, Think, and Do great work. Ready to lead the room — and the writing? SMZ is looking for an Associate Creative Director (Copy) to drive big ideas, mentor a talented team, and help our clients' brands punch above their weight. From guiding campaigns to shaping rapid-fire one-off projects, one thing's guaranteed - you won't get bored. Our diverse client roster keeps the work varied, and because we're channel agnostic, you'll write across the full spectrum: campaigns, TV spots, billboards, social, audio, and beyond. SMZ is a collaborative place. You'll partner with the Creative, Account, and Media teams while setting the bar for concept and craft. We work hybrid, with a minimum of two days in the office, because we believe the best ideas happen when people are in the room together. In return, we'll give you the space to dream big, be challenged, and challenge others — internally and on the client side. Help us grow our agency and our clients' businesses, and we'll help you grow your career. 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. Qualifications:
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. Why SMZ? A Historic Agency:
Join a team recognized for its creativity and innovation in advertising for nearly 100 years. Diverse Client Roster:
Work with a wide range of companies and brands, offering varied and exciting projects. Collaborative Environment:
Be part of a supportive and collaborative team that values your input and creativity. Professional Growth:
We invest in our employees' growth through training and career development opportunities. A Great Place to Work:
We are proud to be one of Crain's Detroit Business Best Places to Work 2024. SMZ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equal treatment of all employees without regard to race, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, physical or mental disability or other basis protected by law. Benefits:
401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Unlimited paid time off Vision insurance Work Location:
Hybrid remote in Troy, MI 48084
