Executive Strategy Director

David; New York (NY); On-site; USD 280,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

DAVID is seeking a senior strategist to elevate brand thinking and lead client ambitions across a global creative network based in New York. You’ll be a trusted partner to the account team, a provocative collaborator with the creative department, and a mentor to the planning group, shaping long-term brand narratives.

You’ll also participate in agency development, new business pitches, and cross-functional initiatives while guiding a high-performing strategy team in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in strategic brand planning within a creative agency setting.
• Experience leading and mentoring other strategists and planners.
• Ability to work directly with clients and develop relationships accordingly on behalf of the agency.
• Rigorous brand building capabilities with flexible approach.
• Strong analytical, communication and presentation skills.
• Experience designing and leading research projects to address client issues.

Responsibilities

• Create, build and manage brand strategies across a portfolio (writing briefs, guiding development and presentation of the creative work)
• Lead annual planning with clients based on yearly business goals
• Bring proactive ideas to clients to push brands into new spaces
• Design and implementation of research projects to address client business issues and audience insight
• Lead and mentor the department
• Provide professional development opportunities and on the job training as needed

Skills

Strategic brand planning

Mentoring strategists

Client relationship management

Quantitative & qualitative research

Analytical & presentation skills

Job description

About DAVID

DAVID is a global creative boutique founded in 2012, with offices in Miami, New York, Madrid, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Bogotá. The network of agencies – which is a part of WPP and Ogilvy's global creative network – is recognized for its creative reputation, with over 200 Cannes Lions in its history, including Grand Prix and Titanium Lions. It has also earned several EFFIE awards, highlighting DAVID's ability to build strong brands through creativity. DAVID has been named Agency of the Year at some of the most prestigious festivals, including D&AD, The One Show, and The Clio Awards.

The network is responsible for campaigns for major brands such as Google (Android and Google), Mondelez, Coca-Cola, Burger King, AB InBev, Supercell, Netflix, and Kraft-Heinz. Some of its most recent standout work includes iPager (Android), Meet Marina Prieto (JCDecaux), Breathe Through It (Halls), #TurnYourBack (Dove), The Bald Thru (Burger King); and Alcaraz Signs (Netflix).

Throughout its history, DAVID has been one of the most recognized agencies for creating Super Bowl commercials, producing 9 spots over 6 years. In 2019 alone, the agency created commercials for three different clients (Burger King, Kraft Heinz, Budweiser).

About the Role

We are seeking someone to elevate the ambition of a brand and lead the client’s thinking about the potential of their business.

This is a business built on human relationships, so the ability to work across different groups and disciplines is key. We need people who can build meaningful relationships within the agency and with clients: the ideal candidate will be a valued partner to the account team, a provocative collaborator with the creative department, a trusted consigliere to clients and, critically, a natural leader and mentor to their planning group.

We would also love this person to take part in larger areas of agency development – new business pitches, committees and task forces, as well as helping mentor, educate and develop our up-and-coming strategy talent.

What You’ll Do

• Create, build and manage brand strategies across a portfolio (writing creative briefs, guiding development and presentation of the creative work)
• Lead annual planning with clients based on yearly business goals
• Bring proactive ideas to clients to push the brands into new spaces
• Design and implementation of research projects to address client business issues, gain insight into target audiences and testing ad concepts
• Lead and mentor the department
• Provide professional development opportunities and on the job training as needed

What You’ll Need

• 15+ years of experience in strategic brand planning within a creative agency setting
• Experience leading and mentoring other strategists and planners
• Ability to work directly with clients and develop relationships accordingly on behalf of the agency
• Rigorous brand building capabilities, without a rigid approach
• Demonstrated talent for abstract thinking, spotting trends and patterns, an innate curiosity and insight into human behavior, instinct for popular culture, and a nuanced understanding of creative work
• Strong command of most forms of quantitive and qualitative research methodologies, and working knowledge of when and how to apply them to a given client challenge
• Excellent analytical, communication and presentation skills

#LI-KS1

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, click here for more details.

$280,000 — $350,000 USD

DAVID is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

If you need any assistance seeking a job opportunity, or if you need reasonable accommodation with the application process, please contact us at [e-mail]. Please note that this contact is only for candidates who are requesting accommodation. Emails for other purposes, including application status requests, will not receive a response.