Creative Strategist

Sunshinesachs; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedule

Work from Anywhere program

Summer Fridays

Wellness Days

4-week sabbatical

Job summary

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis in New York is seeking a Creative Strategist who bridges rigorous research with breakthrough storytelling. You will conduct qualitative and quantitative research, synthesize findings into clear strategic frameworks and creative briefs, and partner with account leaders, media strategists, and creative teams to uncover human insights that anchor PR and integrated campaigns.

You will also present research findings, lead strategic sections of new business pitches, and

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years in strategic planning or creative strategy within PR, communications or integrated advertising agency settings.
• Proven track record designing research methodologies, interviews, and pulling insights from social listening/desk research tools.
• Strong storytelling and synthesis to connect disparate data into persuasive narratives.
• Clear understanding of how earned media, influencer landscapes, social platforms, and owned channels work together for brand building.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to facilitate workshops or strategic alignment sessions with clients.

Responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to uncover cultural and market insights.
• Distill datasets, market dynamics, and briefs into clear strategic platforms and actionable briefs.
• Collaborate with creative directors, strategists, copywriters, and PR teams to translate insights into ideas.
• Present findings and lead strategic sections of new business pitches to clients.
• Track cultural and industry shifts to keep strategies relevant.

Skills

Insight & research design

Strategic synthesis

Creative collaboration

PR & earned media acumen

Communication skills

Job description

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis is a leading global communications agency built to navigate the complexities of a hyper-connected world. We represent the icons and innovators shaping culture—from global heritage corporations and high-growth tech startups to the non-profits, creative legends, and visionary founders who define the global discourse.

Our expertise spans the full cultural spectrum. We operate at the intersection of entertainment, social impact, corporate reputation, and consumer lifestyle, executing seamlessly across traditional media, social-first outlets, brand partnerships, and influencer ecosystems. Whether we are navigating complex crisis management, elevating advocacy campaigns, or launching global consumer brands, we are storytellers at our core.

You may notice our digital presence is purposefully understated. While our clients are global household names, we believe the best work happens when the spotlight stays firmly on those we represent. We fly under the radar by design - preferring to let our campaigns, and our results, speak for themselves.

If you're driven, intentional, and ready to do good, we're ready for you!

We are looking for a Creative Strategist who bridges the gap between deep research and breakthrough storytelling. In this role, you will move beyond high-level trend spotting to conduct, synthesize, and translate rigorous research into clear strategic frameworks and creative briefs. You will partner with account leaders, media strategists, and creative teams to uncover human insights that anchor compelling PR and integrated communications campaigns.

• Insight & Research Design: Conduct qualitative and quantitative research—including audience segmentation, competitive benchmarking, social listening, media audits, focus groups, and executive interviews—to uncover non-obvious cultural and market insights.
• Strategic Synthesis: Distill complex datasets, market dynamics, and client briefs into clear, narrative-driven strategic platforms, positioning frameworks, and actionable creative briefs.
• Creative Collaboration: Work alongside creative directors, social strategists, copywriters, and PR strategists to translate insights into big creative ideas and pitch concepts.
• Client Advisory & Pitching: Present research findings, strategic narratives, and campaign concepts to client stakeholders and lead strategic sections of new business pitches.
• Cultural & Industry Tracking: Stay ahead of consumer behavior, emerging media channels, platform algorithms, and cultural shifts to ensure client strategies remain fresh and relevant.

• Experience: 3–5+ years in strategic planning, brand strategy, or creative strategy within a PR, communications, or integrated advertising agency setting.
• Research Mastery: Proven track record of designing research methodologies, conducting audience interviews, and pulling insights from social listening and desk research tools.
• Storytelling & Synthesis: Superior ability to connect disparate data points into a cohesive, persuasive narrative.
• PR & Earned Media Acumen: Clear understanding of how earned media, influencer landscapes, social platforms, and owned channels work together to build brand reputation and cultural momentum.
• Communication Skills: Confident presenter with strong writing skills and experience facilitating workshops or strategic alignment sessions with clients.

We go well beyond the benefits that you’re looking for like medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with matching, annual merit-based bonuses, PTO, fertility, FSA for medical, childcare, and commuter expenses. Eligible employees at Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis may access these benefits, along with many additional perks including, a flexible work schedule, Work from Anywhere program, Summer Fridays, Wellness Days, and a 4-week sabbatical or trip to celebrate select anniversaries. We love to socialize so, we have collaborative workspaces, some offices even have rooftops, celebrations, networking opportunities, and community volunteering. We frequently mark opportunities to listen, learn and act throughout the year (Juneteenth, Election Day, International Women’s Day, etc.).

SSM&L is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and ability. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, identity and expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

There’s more!

From day one, employees are carefully matched with a mentor to guide them on their path to success. Training and mentoring are a big deal here and since we are into promoting from within, we make sure to provide more than enough tools for you to learn and grow. We are proud to offer training throughout the year on topics for professional growth as well as personal growth. We have also developed a series of teaching workshops that are structured for each level of the company. Sunshiners also take love to take advantage of the monthly Meet the Industry series where industry thought leaders provide valuable insider info on how to work with them and their colleagues.