Brand Strategy Director — Chicago, IL

dkDhz UTeKu

nQDMj RGWu7y4 a full-service, certified B Corp agency building enduring relationships between forward-thinking brands and consumers. From sparking a national movement to ban airplane seat reclining with La-Z-Boy to hosting a fully improvised “Big Game” sketch show powered by fan suggestions for Perdue Chicken Wings, our work shapes how people shop, what they notice, and what they crave.

Recognized as a Fast Company Most Innovative Company, Adweek Midsize Agency of the Year, Ad Age A-List honoree, and SABRE Disruptive Agency of the Year, dkDhz UTeKu brings a nimble talent model that unlocks holistic creative problem-solving across the entire marketing ecosystem. Our capabilities span brand and influencer strategy, design, experiential, social, content, media, and earned creative/PR.

Backed by an award-winning culture and 15 consecutive Best Place to Work honors, dkDhz UTeKu is part ofDonerCollePartners — a strategic alliance built to help brands win between the coasts through integrated strategy, creative, media, and AI-powered innovation.

Job Overview

Brand Strategy Director

As a Brand Strategy Director at dkDhz UTeKu, you will craft brand identities and marketing campaigns, grounded in a keen understanding of cultural drivers and consumer behavior. Your dual role involves ideating strategies and leading cross-functional teams—including media, design, technology, PR, and data science—to launch cohesive campaigns and immersive digital experiences.

You should be a pragmatic doer, someone who is at home in a collaborative, team-focused workspace. Our mission is to leverage every brand interaction to create and amplify value, forging stronger, more enduring relationships between brands, consumers, and employees.

Responsibilities

• Lead overarching strategic direction across client accounts, ensuring strategies align with business goals and inspire innovative outcomes

• Synthesize diverse insights into actionable strategies that address complex client challenges

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior-level clients, providing strategic counsel to drive brand and business growth

• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level strategists, fostering a culture of creativity and analytical rigor

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver cohesive brand strategies across campaigns, design, social media, and experiential marketing

• Advance the agency's mission as a Certified B Corporation, crafting strategies that reflect our dedication to social and environmental stewardship

• Facilitate workshops and strategic planning sessions to deliver clear, actionable outcomes

• Contribute to agency and departmental initiatives, enhancing capabilities, processes, and operations

• Integrate emerging AI technologies into daily workflows to support innovation, automation, and operational excellence

Required Skills

• Proven ability to lead teams in crafting innovative brand strategies that integrate cultural and technological trends.

• Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with senior-level clients.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to inspire both internal teams and clients.

• Ability to distill research and insights into strategic opportunities that drive creative excellence.

• A creative thinker with a keen curiosity about culture, technology, and emerging industry trends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent industry experience

• 10+ years of experience in strategy roles, with extensive experience leading strategic initiatives and managing cross-functional teams across multiple client accounts

• Experience across diverse categories, including consumer goods, digital, and integrated marketing

• Proficient in essential software (Microsoft Office, Mintel, Canvas8, etc.), with hands-on experience using AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E

• Demonstrated ability to translate business objectives into actionable strategies that deliver measurable outcomes

• Ability to travel as needed

• Located in Chicago, Minneapolis or Detroit

At the time of posting, the base salary for this position ranges from $120,000 to $140,000. Compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. In addition to the base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health and wellness options, agency perks, and the flexibility of a hybrid work environment.

About f7uUU vhjBD

dkDhz UTeKu is a full-service, certified B Corp agency that builds enduring relationships between forward-thinking brands and people through integrated strategy, creative, media, and communications. Recognized as an Adweek Agency of the Year honoree, an Ad Age A-List Standout Agency, and a Fast Company Most Innovative Company, the agency partners with iconic brands including 3M, Dairy Queen, Perdue Farms, McCormick & Company, Revlon, Target, U.S. Bank, and more.

dkDhz UTeKu is part of DonerColle Partners, a strategic alliance built to help brands that moveAmerica gofurther through integrated, AI-enhanced creativity and production.

For more information, ••••••••,or follow us onLinkedInandInstagram.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.