The Role

Insights are your instinct. You have a POV about strategy as it relates to brand, digital, social and retail. Real world understanding is key – What are the current cultural drivers? How do we give clients context about their brands out in the world?

Along with the leadership of the agency's strategic practice, you’ll help clients answer key strategic marketing questions such as how to reach consumers effectively in a digital age and where to allocate marketing dollars to maximize results. You’ll also collaborate with senior leadership to win new business as well as manage the strategic marketing development for some of the most recognized brands in the world.

You’re as interested in your client's business as you are in the end consumer. Ideally, you are equally passionate about business planning, creative output and the changing landscape of lifestyle trends.

Our Director, Strategy will:

Department Management (25%)

Oversee the Strategy department. Provide leadership, coaching and professional development to Strategists. Lead and inspire teams to deliver amazing work that elevates our position with the client and in the industry

Establish and maintain relationships with freelance resources with expertise in social, consumer and market research, digital

Delegate project work to appropriate Strategist; review and approve work

Own department P&L; accountable for success metrics

Be responsible for departmental vision, structure, and management while providing leadership, accountability, and mentorship to individual strategists

Develop and implement new processes to increase efficiencies and effectiveness of research, measurement, and strategy work for teams

New Business and Strategic Vision (25%)

Participate on leadership team with a focus on agency vision

Partner with Client Services team on new business activities; help with identifying and nurturing new business opportunities for the Agency

Develop proactive initiatives that help create new revenue opportunities

Develop process and methodologies for the role of Strategy related to pitches and proposals

Consistently seek new opportunities to add value to existing clients

Act as Roundhouse brand evangelist, ensuring team is following Roundhouse brand values

Represent the agency at conferences and events

Client Work (50%)

Lead strategic conversations, ideation sessions, workshops and then distill key insights into inspiring and actionable briefs

Collaborate with Creative and Client Service teams to develop and execute sound strategic planning and analytical activity from conceptual development through launch for all accounts. Impact the quality of creative work in a direct and positive way

Partner with Production Director to scope and estimate Strategy dept time and budgets. Ensure team is working with realistic budgets, timelines and briefs

Work with Account Managers to develop clear and inspiring creative briefs that contain concise information on the product, audience and strategy

Partner with Creatives to concept, explore and push the creation of great work. Develop unique vision for telling the brand story. Assist in effectively presenting and defending creative work/proposals to clients

Partners with the Client to understand the corporate culture/brand heritage, categories, markets, and business objectives. Monitor and interpret cultural and social trends relevant to client’s business and be aware of industry, customer and competitor information

Please walk in with:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Design, Advertising or Communications

At least 8 years strategy or account planning experience in integrated, brand and digital communications

A proven record of managing teams to high performance and individual professional growth; coaching, leading, inspiring, directing, supporting

Experience in building agency client portfolios. Background in thought leadership and business development from a strategic standpoint

A demonstrated track record of gaining trust and respect by consistently demonstrating sound creative, strategic, and analytical thinking skills

Experience navigating large organizations, gaining access to key stakeholder and building relationships

A compelling presenter and storyteller with effective, clear and concise presentation skills

The ability to interact and collaborate with other departments within the agency to solve problems

A deep knowledge of current trends in the lifestyle and/or footwear arenas

Strong attention to detail

*Some after hours and weekend work required

*Occasional travel required