Creative Strategist

Salt; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Salt in Dubai is seeking a Creative Strategist to join a global creative agency, working across a portfolio of high-profile international brands. This role sits at the intersection of creative strategy, social and culture, translating briefs and audience context into strategic platforms that flow across campaigns, content and social.

You will partner with Creative, Account and Planning teams to shape ideas, build social-first strategies, and present recommendations to clients.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in creative/advertising/digital agency
• Experience in Creative Strategy, Planning or Social Strategy
• Proven experience developing strategies for major brands
• Strong understanding of social media and brand engagement
• Experience translating strategy into creative ideas
• Confident presenting to clients and senior stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic thinking across integrated campaigns, digital, content and social
• Translate client objectives into clear strategic briefs
• Develop creative territories and campaign platforms with creative teams
• Build social media strategies linking objectives with audience behaviour and trends
• Present strategic recommendations and creative thinking to clients
• Ensure social is considered from the start of the creative process

Skills

Creative Strategy

Social Strategy

Brand Strategy

Client Presentations

Audience Insights

Job description

We are looking for a Creative Strategist to join a global creative agency in Dubai, working across a portfolio of high-profile international brands.

This is a role for someone who sits at the intersection of creative strategy, social and culture - someone who can take a client brief, understand the audience and cultural context, and turn that into strong strategic thinking and creative platforms that can live across campaigns, content and social.

The Role

You will work closely with Creative, Account and Planning teams to develop strategic thinking that inspires creative work and delivers results for clients.

A strong understanding of social media strategy is essential. You should be comfortable developing social strategies, identifying cultural and platform opportunities, and understanding how brands can build relevance through social-first ideas and content.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop creative and communication strategies across integrated campaigns, digital, content and social
• Translate client and business objectives into clear, compelling strategic briefs
• Develop creative territories, campaign platforms and big ideas alongside creative teams
• Build social media strategies that connect brand objectives with audience behaviours, culture and trends
• Identify opportunities across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and emerging platforms
• Bring cultural, audience and social insights into creative development
• Work closely with Creative Directors, Copywriters, Art Directors and Account teams to develop ideas
• Present strategic recommendations and creative thinking confidently to clients
• Use audience insights, cultural trends and social listening to inform strategy
• Ensure social is considered from the beginning of the creative process, rather than as an afterthought
• Help shape content and campaign ecosystems across paid, owned and earned channels
• Contribute to pitches and new business opportunities
• Stay ahead of changes in social platforms, consumer behaviour, technology and culture

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years' experience in a creative, advertising, digital or integrated agency
• Strong experience in Creative Strategy, Planning or Social Strategy
• Proven experience developing strategies for major brands and integrated campaigns
• Strong understanding of social media and how brands can use platforms to build engagement and cultural relevance
• Experience working with creative teams and translating strategy into creative ideas
• Strong understanding of audiences, culture, trends and consumer behaviour
• Confident presenting to clients and senior stakeholders
• Strong communication and storytelling skillsAble to work across multiple projects and manage competing priorities
• A genuinely creative thinker who can challenge briefs and bring fresh perspectives

Experience That Would Be a Plus

• Experience working within a global/network agency
• Experience across international or regional markets
• Beauty, skincare, FMCG, lifestyle or consumer brand experience
• Experience working with influencers, creators and UGC

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to join a global agency in Dubai and work on high-profile brands, with the chance to play a key role in shaping both the strategic and creative direction of campaigns across the region.

If you're a strategist who understands both big creative thinking and how brands need to behave in social, we'd love to hear from you.