What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Consumer Strategy position at SoTalent?
Job Title: Director of Consumer Strategy
Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Type: Full Time
Our Client is seeking a dynamic and forward‑thinking Director – Consumer Strategy to lead the development of culturally relevant, insight‑driven strategies that shape modern brand engagement. This role is ideal for a strategist who not only understands consumer behavior and culture but can translate that knowledge into high‑impact ideas that resonate across today’s digital and social‑first landscape.
About the Role
You will play a critical leadership role in shaping strategic direction for key clients and new business opportunities, partnering closely with creative and account teams to deliver work that is both culturally relevant and commercially effective. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll be deeply involved in developing insights, guiding creative thinking, and crafting narratives that drive meaningful brand growth.
Key Responsibilities
Social‑First Strategy Development
- Develop consumer strategies rooted in real‑world behaviors across social platforms, communities, and cultural trends.
- Ensure strategies are designed to inspire creative work that is native to modern channels and optimized for engagement and performance.
Creative Partnership
- Collaborate closely with creative teams from ideation through execution.
- Translate insights into compelling briefs that inspire innovative, socially driven campaigns.
- Help shape ideas that encourage participation, sharing, and cultural relevance.
Client & Business Leadership
- Lead strategy for priority client accounts, ensuring alignment with business goals and market opportunities.
- Stay closely engaged in project execution, refining ideas and elevating outputs throughout the process.
New Business & Growth
- Play a key role in new business development, crafting strategic narratives for pitches and proposals.
- Present clear, differentiated strategies that demonstrate how brands can thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Consumer & Cultural Insights
- Leverage data, research, and cultural intelligence to uncover impactful insights.
- Translate insights into ideas that resonate with audiences and drive measurable outcomes.
Integrated Strategy
- Partner across creative, media, and cross‑functional teams to deliver cohesive, omni‑channel strategies.
- Ensure strategic alignment across channels for consistent and effective brand storytelling.
Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Mentor and develop junior strategists, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing team environment.
- Contribute to the growth of the strategy function through knowledge sharing and thought leadership.
What We’re Looking For
- 7 years of experience in consumer strategy, brand strategy, or planning, ideally within an agency environment
- Strong understanding of social‑first marketing, cultural trends, and digital ecosystems
- Proven ability to deliver impactful, growth‑driving work
- Exceptional storytelling and presentation skills
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into actionable insights
- Curiosity about emerging trends, including AI and evolving consumer behaviors
- Collaborative leadership style with mentoring experience
Core Competencies
- Consumer & Cultural Insight Development
- Social & Digital Strategy
- Creative Collaboration
- Strategic Storytelling
- Client Leadership & New Business
- Team Development & Mentorship
Additional Details
- Occasional travel required (approximately once per month)