Senior Brand Strategy Lead

twentysix; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Dog- or cat-lovers encouraged

Job summary

VML is seeking a Senior Strategist to lead brand strategy for key clients, translating business challenges into growth-driven marketing solutions. You will guide strategic workstreams, mentor juniors, and collaborate with creative and account teams to drive client success.

The role emphasizes research-informed storytelling, data-driven recommendations, and active contribution to pitches and campaign evaluation in a hybrid environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Journalism or a related field.
• 5 - 7 years of brand strategy experience, ideally within an agency setting.
• Experience with a variety of clients across industries.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing and emerging technologies.
• Experience with brand positioning, messaging, and narrative development.
• High emotional intelligence to connect data with human insights.
• Proven ability to build strong client relationships and influence outcomes.
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability and interest to mentor junior team members.
• A passion for innovation and staying ahead of industry trends.

Responsibilities

• Develops and contributes to strategic approaches and outcomes that solve client challenges, aligned with objectives.
• Crafts clear strategic narratives and translates data into opportunities for the Creative Team.
• Demonstrates proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research and uses internal tools.
• Supports implementation of approved strategies and ensures effective execution.
• Makes strategic recommendations backed by data and cultural evidence.
• Contributes to award entries and measures campaign effectiveness.
• Identifies opportunities to grow client business and supports new business pitches.
• Assists in tracking progress and ensuring deliverables are completed on time.
• Engages in client meetings, presenting insights and building relationships.
• Collaborates with internal teams to deliver high-quality work on schedule.
• Mentors junior strategists to foster development.

Skills

Brand strategy

Client relationships

Mentorship

Communication

Storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Journalism or related field

Job description

VML is seeking a Senior Strategist to lead brand strategy for key clients, translating business challenges into growth-driven marketing solutions. You will guide strategic workstreams, mentor juniors, and collaborate with creative and account teams to drive client success.

The role emphasizes research-informed storytelling, data-driven recommendations, and active contribution to pitches and campaign evaluation in a hybrid environment.