Senior Creative Associate

Access Your Potential. Join us to create and deliver experiences that inspire people, spark connection, and bring imagination to life—while having a lot of fun doing it.

We are seeking a Senior Creative Associate based in the Chicago area. While this is a remote role, the Chicago-based team meets in person once per month. In addition, the role may require occasional travel to visit vendors alongside the team, so comfort participating in in-person meetings and partner visits is important.

ABOUT THE JOB

As a Senior Creative Associate at Access, you will work within the Creative Team to produce strategic and creative proposals and sales/marketing collateral. This involves working with a variety of suppliers. The Senior Creative Associate position is also responsible for administrative functions to provide day-to-day support to the Creative Team.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Creative & Technical Expertise

• Applies creative tools and platforms to enhance visual storytelling, modify imagery, and support proposal development.
• Begins contributing to content conceptualization and leading smaller-scale proposals, while collaborating on larger programs with Creative Managers in proposal splits and owning asset-based projects like

Destination and Dine Around Guides

• Apply creative tools and industry platforms (e.g., Pinterest, BizBash, PartySlate) to craft unique concepts that drive engagement and differentiate Access in the market.
• Continues to develop expertise in SOW creation, vendor negotiations, and resolving client budget challenges.
• Builds gross profit strategies by incorporating transportation logistics and value-padding tactics.
• Gains proficiency in managing pricing sheets, sourcing quotes, and ensuring margin goals are met through accurate SOW integration—carefully factoring in concessions and commissions.

Operational & Data Management

• Build and maintain personal dashboards to track vendor activity, data accuracy, and project progress, ensuring information integrity across systems.
• Initiate and manage vendor relationships through account setup, vetting, and ongoing updates in Salesforce to maintain complete and current supplier records.
• Strengthen supplier partnerships by sharing creative insights, maintaining visibility on vendor capabilities, and identifying opportunities for collaboration.
• Continuously source and evaluate new vendors with innovative or destination-specific offerings that align with Access’ creative and operational goals.
• Represent Access at tradeshows and industry events to identify emerging trends, expand supplier networks, and inform strategic sourcing decisions.

Business Impact

• Incorporate creative strategy into daily work by aligning design, pricing, and delivery with overall program goals and client objectives.
• Partner with Creative Managers and Sales to understand the strategy behind creative and pricing decisions, ensuring all deliverables reflect cohesive, goal-driven storytelling.
• Stay informed on industry trends, regional preferences, and design innovations to refine creative instincts and strengthen proposal impact.
• Approach projects with strategic curiosity—referencing past proposals, asking insightful questions, and ensuring all creative concepts align with project scope, goals, and budget.

Collaboration

• Collaborates with Creative, Sales, and Events teams to plan and execute large-scale programs, ensuring seamless coordination, alignment, and consistent delivery across functions.
• Demonstrates adaptability, proactive communication, and a solutions-oriented mindset to support cross functional success.
• Leads logistical preparation and site visit support with precision, initiative, and a strong sense of ownership throughout project execution.
• Actively contributes to team growth by sharing feedback, seeking learning opportunities, and applying insights to continuously improve personal and collective performance.

Productivity & Adaptability

• Manages multiple priorities with efficiency and accuracy, balancing 3–5 concurrent proposals of varying scale while maintaining high creative and operational standards.
• Demonstrates advanced time management by leveraging prioritization techniques, time-blocking, and proactive communication to meet tight deadlines.
• Thrives in fast-paced, high-pressure environments—adapting quickly to last-minute changes, client pivots, and evolving project needs without compromising quality.
• Collaborates seamlessly with cross-functional partners and national teams to align on timelines, deliverables, and vendor responses, ensuring smooth proposal execution.
• Anticipates challenges by asking clarifying questions early, assessing workload and constraints, and developing effective, realistic solutions.
• Approaches complex situations with composure and a solution-oriented mindset—resolving issues efficiently through teamwork, critical thinking, and sound judgment.

Access Values

• Consistently displays the Access Values (Imagine First, Demand Integrity, Embody Excellence, Always Collaborate, Service Obsession).

ABOUT ACCESS

Access is a women-owned and women-led destination management company that collaborates with clients to design and execute corporate events and programs. Our expert teams are in coast-to-coast destinations, designing and producing ultimate experiences for our clients.

ABOUT YOU

We know that there’s no one in the world like you. And we know that you have a lot to offer the next company you work with. Below is a list of “nice-to-haves”, but don’t let those deter you from applying. Access believes that an inclusive team and culture is important. We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.

Nice-to-haves

• 2 - 3+ years in a DMC or a related field.
• Demonstrated success with creative problem-solving and taking initiative.
• Ability to independently manage smaller-scale proposal development
• High client satisfaction scores across all programs
• Meeting or exceeding gross profit goals on programs
• Excelling in Key Areas of Responsibility
• Consistently meeting or exceeding performance targets (Revenue, Average Invoice, etc.)
• Consistently demonstrating all Access Values
• Completing the required training and certification
• Showing initiative in problem-solving
• Maintaining a positive attitude

WHY ACCESS?

CULTURE & EXTRAS

• Certified as a Great Place to Work – 3 years in a row and counting!
• 50+ years in the industry!
• Women-owned and women-led
• Fun, creative, and supportive culture
• Focus on recognition and employee value – including annual and quarterly awards
• Paid day off to serve your local community
• Annual all-company retreat to connect, learn, and have fun together
• Annual qualifier-based incentive trip for top performers (certain departments eligible)
• Regional team outings
• Monthly companywide meetings to connect, learn, and celebrate wins

COMPENSATION

• Highly competitive total compensation, including strong base salary and quarterly bonuses
• Very strong performance-based quarterly commission plans
• 401k with company match (eligible after 1 year, up to 4% of salary matched, vested immediately)
• Monthly cell phone stipend

WORK LIFE BALANCE

• Flexible schedule opportunities
• Generous PTO
• Sick days
• 9 full holidays
• 5 half days off prior to holidays to unplug early
• 2 floating holidays off to be used on holidays of your choice
• ½ day Fridays in July & August (based on achievement of goals)

HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND FAMILY

• Extensive menu of health plans to choose from
• Paid parental leave
• Pet insurance program
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Mentorship program
• “Masterclasses” in industry/department-specific topics
• State-of-the-art technology platforms and tools – including training
• Annual and monthly meeting content that focuses on professional development

What are you waiting for? Scroll back to the top and apply!

Access is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at careers@accessdmc.com.