Job Description

About Northern Trust:

Northern Trust, a Fortune 500 company, is a globally recognized, award-winning financial institution that has been in continuous operation since 1889.  

Northern Trust is proud to provide innovative financial services and guidance to the world’s most successful individuals, families, and institutions by remaining true to our enduring principles of service, expertise, and integrity. With more than 130 years of financial experience and over 22,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

Reporting directly to the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, the  Head of Creative Service will lead a dynamic team of creative professionals, bringing a blend of marketing expertise and business acumen to foster innovative and impactful design solutions. Acting as a player-coach, this role combines strategic leadership with day-to-day creation contribution- concepting, designing, and writing alongside the team to bring marketing campaigns and brand initiatives to life. The ideal candidate will be an experienced manager of people, inspiring and mentoring the creative services team while rolling up their sleeves and taking  creative output to a new level as we continue to grow. The ideal candidate will also have a natural eye for design and be a prolific generator of dynamic ideas that connect with all types of audiences.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the creative team, including graphic designers, UX, UI, photographers, videographers, animators and project managers.
Serve as the lead creative strategist and contributor, developing campaign concepts and brand assets across channels.
Develop and oversee creative content for all marketing channels, including digital, social media, paid media, mobile, offline, print and experiential.
Manage relationships with a broad and diverse group of external agencies
With the CMO, plan and supervise the development of all advertisements and brand campaigns.
Collaborate with executives to determine visual needs for packaging, video, advertisements, events, digital and other marketing materials.
Conduct brainstorming sessions to generate innovative ideas and actionable initiatives within budget constraints.
Review and approve all creative work, ensuring alignment with marketing goals and brand strategy.
Present project concepts, including deadlines and budgets, to executives and clients.
Recruit, train, and mentor creative team members.
Develop and manage the creative budget, forecasting expenses and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Analyze market trends, consumer needs, and competitor landscape to inform creative strategies.

Required Skills and Qualifications

15+ years of relevant experience in a creative role, with at least seven years in a leadership position.
Proven success in creating and leading marketing/advertising campaigns across multiple channels.
Strong creative vision and ability to translate complex ideas into compelling visuals and narratives.
Excellent leadership and team management skills, with a track record of fostering creative talent.
Proficiency in project management and experience in overseeing creative production processes.
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a related field.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

Experience as a copywriter, graphic designer, or production artist.
Advanced understanding of digital marketing trends and techniques.
MBA or equivalent advanced degree.