Director, Creative Strategy, Contract

About the role

The Director, Creative Strategy at DEPT® is a critical strategic architect responsible for shaping how iconic brands show up in the world. You will develop sharp brand positioning, craft creative briefs and territories, and design holistic creative strategies tailored for full-funnel media plans, focusing on driving upper-funnel brand awareness and mid-funnel consideration.

Responsibilities

• Develop compelling campaign-level brand positioning that differentiates clients in crowded markets and resonates with targeted audiences.
• Craft sharp, inspiring creative briefs and define creative territories that fuel breakthrough ideas across creative, production, and design teams.
• Design holistic creative strategies tailored for full-funnel media plans, with a strong focus on driving upper-funnel brand awareness and mid-funnel consideration.
• Partner closely with Creative leads, Comms Planners, and Cross-Discipline Media Activation specialists to ensure strategic alignment from concept through execution and optimization.
• Lead high-stakes client presentations, workshops, and share-outs, establishing trust with senior marketing stakeholders and executive leaders.
• Uncover deep audience, cultural, and competitive insights through qualitative research and social listening to inform creative direction.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in creative strategy, brand strategy, or integrated planning within a fast-paced agency or brand environment.
• Proven track record of developing campaign-level positioning, creative briefs, and creative territories that result in award-winning or business-driving creative execution.
• Deep knowledge of 360-degree integrated campaigns, specifically how creative strategy adapts to upper- and mid-funnel media channels (e.g., CTV/OOH, social, creator/influencer, digital, content, experiential).
• Exceptional storytelling and presentation skills, with a history of confidently pitching to and managing relationships with C-suite and senior client stakeholders.
• Mastery of qualitative and research methods to synthesize complex data into simple, actionable creative springboards.
• A value for curiosity and creativity, with a drive to make things that are new, culturally relevant, and compelling—not just sensible.
• A proactive, resilient mindset that thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments with minimal processes.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Marketing, Communications, Advertising, or a related field.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams including Creative, Comms, and Media.
• Strong understanding of brand strategy, consumer behavior, and market trends.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving.
• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Client relationship management.
• Research and analysis.
• Storytelling and presentation.

Benefits

DEPT® offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement savings options, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development and growth.

Pay

The anticipated salary range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000 USD per year, based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling. Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, expertise, physical location, and organizational impact.

Schedule

This role is available for remote work and operates on a standard 40-hour workweek.