Brand Strategy Lead: Shape Futures & Activation

twentysix; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 93,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

AKQA Copenhagen studio is seeking a senior brand strategist to shape brand futures, lead activation concepts, and translate research into compelling, measurable brand and campaign work. You will drive strategy across brand, campaign, and experience with senior stakeholders and creative partners in a hybrid, in-office setting.

You’ll dissect market shifts, craft differentiated positions, and own the narrative from foundational work to activation.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years in brand, marketing, or creative strategy.
• Agency background preferred; consultancy or client-side experience valued.
• Proven ability to translate market shifts into strategic brand ideas.
• Strong evidence-based reasoning and communication.
• Fluency in brand architecture, positioning, and performance measurement.
• Curiosity about culture, technology, and behaviour.

Responsibilities

• Define brand futures: Lead brand platforms, positioning, and narrative frameworks; uncover differentiated positions; show how brands can shape culture, not just respond to it.
• Develop activation strategy: Turn insight into sharp creative concepts; define audience insights and communication territories; craft briefs that inspire breakthrough creative work and campaigns.
• Collaborate on creative: Partner with creative teams to develop ideas rooted in strategy; ensure work ladders back to brand strategy while pushing creative boundaries.
• Build the case: Ground strategies in research and evidence; translate them into measurable business value; craft narratives that build client confidence.
• Lead in the room: Present recommendations to senior stakeholders; facilitate workshops; be a trusted strategic voice with clients and creative partners.
• Collaborate across disciplines: Work with creatives, designers, technologists, and experience strategists; contribute to new business and pitches across categories.

Skills

Brand strategy

Market analysis

Creative storytelling

Stakeholder presentation

Workshop facilitation

Cross-functional collaboration

Brand architecture

Job description

AKQA Copenhagen studio is seeking a senior brand strategist to shape brand futures, lead activation concepts, and translate research into compelling, measurable brand and campaign work. You will drive strategy across brand, campaign, and experience with senior stakeholders and creative partners in a hybrid, in-office setting.

You’ll dissect market shifts, craft differentiated positions, and own the narrative from foundational work to activation.