Principal, Copywriting

Principal, Copywriting

NY, IL

Why Dept®?

We are a Growth Invention company built to help the world's most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, we create what is next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further because standing still just is not in our DNA.

We are drawn to people who stay curious, move with intent, and never stop inventing. Our culture runs on three values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh
* t done. It is how we work, how we grow, and how we make things that matter.

At Dept®, you will find the freedom to explore, the space to collaborate, and the trust to make a real impact for our clients, for each other, and for the world we are helping to build.

The Role

We're looking for a talented and strategic Principal, Copywriter to join a fast-paced, high-performing team supporting one of our most visible, dynamic clients. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who brings conceptual thinking and sharp written capabilities to the table.

You'll partner closely with a team of Art Directors, Copy Writers, Video Editors, Content Creators, Visual Designers and report into the Group Creative Director, collaborating to bring creative briefs to life across digital, social, and video channels. You'll help shape always-on social work streams and campaign direction, lead written execution, and ensure brand and campaign voice excellence from kickoff through delivery.

You'll play a crucial role in owning your workstream and consistently raising the creative bar. You must possess the ability to think conceptually within pop and internet cultures, and contribute proactively through trendspotting, and social listening, in reactive agile work streams. You'll play a crucial role in owning your workstream, managing junior talent, and consistently raising the creative bar.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives in creative collaboration, is autonomous in ideation, enjoys rolling up their sleeves to execute, and has a strong point of view on what makes effective content on social.

For this role, you must be willing to work on EST timezone

What You'll Do

• Deliver High-Impact Creative:
  Together with Associate Director, Creative (Design) the candidate will concept best in class creative in addition to writing compelling copy across channels; everything from scriptwriting to post copy.
• Manage & Mentor:
  Possess the ability to review and deliver thoughtful feedback to team members, and understand how to push the work for best results. Recognize the talent of fellow team members and use their skills to the betterment of the team. Work closely with four direct reports to plan for day-to-day needs and strategically pivot when project deadlines shift.
• Partner Across Disciplines:
  Work closely with Art Directors, Strategists, Producers, Project managers, and client teams to ensure creative aligns with brief goals, brand voice, and business objectives.
• Lead Through Presentations:
  Write compelling presentations for day-to-day to milestone meetings. Direct the narrative, guide the work, and also manage speaking roles with the team. Include Account and Strategy team members in every step of the process to ensure work aligns with strategy at all turns.
• Manage Creative Execution:
  Lead by allowing others to do, and also never be afraid to roll up your sleeves to pitch in. Strategically delegating portions of our projects to our junior team members to support efficiency, mentorship and delivery while remaining accountable for the final output.
• Be a Problem Solver:
  Navigate ambiguity with GCD support, adapt to shifting priorities, and bring proactive solutions to creative and production challenges. These solutions should come in the form of daily brainstorming and inspiration sharing with the team.
• Embody Team Culture:
  Approach every situation with curiosity, kindness, and accountability to help foster an inclusive and collaborative team environment.

What You Bring

• 6+ years of experience in copywriting with a strong portfolio showcasing digital campaigns, social-first content, and video-driven work.
• Prior social agency experience or relevant experience with a track record of navigating high-volume, high-visibility accounts.
• On-set and content production experience (domestic or international), including working with video directors, editors, and producers.
• Strong client presentation and communication skills - you can confidently present ideas, take feedback in stride, and advocate for great creative.
• Excellent written sensibility and a strategic eye for voice, narrative, branding. Additionally, deep knowledge of social best practices for optimal performance.
• A proactive, collaborative mindset - you bring energy to brainstorms, jump in where needed and support your teammates with generosity and respect.
• A creative portfolio that demonstrates your range and ability to turn strategy into scroll stopping creative.

What Do We Offer?

We are a collaborative, open-door, best-idea-wins…