Strategy Director

Anticipated future hire pending new business needs.

Department: Strategy 

Supervisory Responsibilities (Y/N): Yes

FLSA Status (Exempt vs Nonexempt): Exempt

Location: Austin

Endlessly curious, GSD&M Strategy team members focus on bringing insightful context, uncommon sense and clear inspiration to our clients. They rely on a strong understanding of how people think and behave, what’s happening in popular culture, how to build memorable brands, and what’s going on in the business, marketing, communications and experience landscape.

Position Function 

As the Strategy Director, you are a true partner and thought leader for your clients—fully understanding the ins and outs of their business while also providing guidance to those you manage. You are responsible for discovering an array of insights and crafting overall business and/or communications strategy that will drive engagement and ROI for your clients. You are a passionate, objective and visionary leader for your team and clients. 

Responsibilities/Duties 

Strategic Thinking & Leadership:

• Ability to see and understand the “big picture” of the client’s universe and look at all independent initiatives through a holistic lens.
• Lead and develop foundational strategic elements (like brand positionings and brand stories) that will serve as long-term road maps for your clients and teams.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and business acumen, identifying a client’s core business problem and developing effective strategic solutions.
• Ability to discuss any aspect of business, industry and key competitors as it relates to your client’s business.
• Provide perspective on the significance and implications of new technologies and cultural shifts that can impact a client’s business.
• Ability to discuss research design, application and analysis at any time, creating a feeling of confidence and security with internal and external audience.
• Facilitate conversations, brainstorms and idea development.

Internal & External Relationships:

• Manage a team of direct reports that may or may not work on your day-to-day client; ability to coach and champion their development.
• Comfortable partnering with Agency Leadership on agency vision and capability development 
• Build and maintain client and industry relationships.
• Manage client expectations regarding strategic timing, resourcing and deliverables.
• Create and maintain a cooperative and collaborative working environment within core team.
• Accurately represent the consumer point of view when reviewing work, leveraging this perspective when providing feedback to team and presenting to client, ultimately focused on doing the best work, founded in consumer understanding.
• Participate and present in New Business efforts and presentations.