Freelance Creative Strategist (Full-Time: Hybrid, on-site 2 days per week)

Complex; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team at a leading youth entertainment network, where creativity meets strategy! As a Creative Strategist, you'll craft compelling pitch decks that resonate with brands and consumers alike. You'll leverage cultural insights and audience data to develop innovative brand opportunities, ensuring profitability through meticulous P&L management. This role is perfect for a strategic thinker with a passion for youth culture and digital media. If you're ready to redefine the shopping experience and engage with communities, this is the opportunity for you!

Qualifications

• 5+ years in brand or creative strategy within media or advertising.
• Strong writing skills to translate ideas into engaging narratives.

Responsibilities

• Create engaging client-ready decks aligned with brand objectives.
• Own pre-sale campaign P&Ls, tracking costs and margins.

Skills

Brand Strategy

Creative Strategy

Visual Storytelling

Cultural Insights

Presentation Design

Writing and Storytelling

Time Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Marketing or Related Field

Tools

Keynote

PowerPoint

Google Slides

Figma

Job description

Company And Culture

Created in 2002 by Marc Eckō, Complex is a leading global youth entertainment network showcasing the evolution of major pop culture categories, including streetwear and style, music, sneakers, and sports. Complex is a juggernaut in the content and culture space, delivering unprecedented global reach.

Complex is the world’s definitive cultural commerce, content, and experiential platform. We have created an all-new operating system built for the next generation, seamlessly integrating discovery, inspiration, community, and shopping. The company represents an expansion of the original vision with a deep understanding of convergence culture and its impact on contemporary society.

Whether through video, long-form editorial, or social content, Complex tells stories that engage dynamic conversation with our communities. Our internet-breaking cover stories document the heroes of culture and take them to the next level through product collaboration and shoppability.

Complex has become experts in creating immersive environments at our IRL experiences and cultural events. ComplexCon is our flagship festival bringing together the world’s most influential brands and artists for an unforgettable weekend of style, sneakers, art, design, food, music, inspiration, and more.

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Join us to help redefine the way people shop, while building a global marketplace that moves at the speed of culture. Complex is committed to building a high-performing team that is passionate about what they do and the communities we serve.

Everyone at Complex truly believes in the company and its mission; it’s a requirement for working here. There is synergy within the teams that make Complex what it is—a well-oiled machine. Employees are at the forefront of the company's success because each of us is given the opportunity to provide suggestions, feedback, and direction.

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The Creative Strategist is a key pre-sale role within Complex’s Brand Partnerships team. They are responsible for crafting compelling pitch decks that showcase innovative brand opportunities for advertisers. From major tentpole events like ComplexCon to custom content programs and digital initiatives, this role requires a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and business acumen. The Senior Creative Strategist will leverage cultural insights, audience data, and market trends to develop ideas that resonate with brands and consumers, while ensuring programs are profitable through detailed P&L management. This client-facing role drives revenue by transforming big ideas into tangible, buyable opportunities for advertisers.

Who You Are

• 5+ years of experience in brand strategy, creative strategy, or related fields within media, advertising, or entertainment.
• Proficiency in Keynote, PowerPoint, and/or Google Slides, with understanding of visual storytelling. Figma skills a plus.
• Deep knowledge of youth culture, digital media, branded content, and emerging creative trends.
• Strategic thinker with a sharp creative sense and an eye for presentation design.
• Strong writer and storyteller, able to translate big ideas into concise, engaging narratives.
• Adept at synthesizing cultural insights, audience data, and creative concepts into compelling brand stories.
• Experienced in crafting high-budget brand proposals, campaign decks, and vision documents.
• Highly detail-oriented, with a strong sense of ownership and pride in delivering polished work.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with shifting priorities.
• Excellent time management and ability to handle competing priorities and deadlines.
• Familiarity with the Complex brand voice and tone.

What You'll Do

• Create engaging, client-ready decks translating brand objectives into culturally relevant creative concepts aligned with client KPIs and Complex’s editorial voice.
• Develop dynamic pitch decks showcasing event concepts, sponsorships, and branded content programs for advertisers.
• Own pre-sale campaign P&Ls, tracking costs and margins across experiential, content, and commerce programs.
• Stay updated on cultural, digital, and social trends, especially within youth culture, to inform creative recommendations.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, Production, and Editorial teams to ideate and package brand opportunities that feel authentic and relevant.
• Uphold high standards for presentation design and narrative flow, collaborating with the Creative Director to ensure consistency and quality.

$8,000 - $10,000 a month

The pay range, which includes salary and commission, varies based on location, experience, and performance.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

The above statements describe the principal functions of the job. Circumstances may require some incumbents to perform different duties.

Complex participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm your eligibility to work in the U.S.