Associate Director, Brand Experience Strategy

dentsu•Los Angeles, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Dentsu Creative is a business-driven, creatively obsessed agency that uses Transformative Creativity—outcome-focused creativity applied to business problems—to help clients grow. Its strategists lead proactively, challenge assumptions, make tangible work, embrace feedback and growth, and collaborate across disciplines. The Associate Director, Brand Experience Strategy reports to the VP, Brand Experience Strategy and joins a team shaping how spirits, alcohol, and non-alcohol brands come to life across retail, restaurants and bars, entertainment, digital, social, experiential, and trade. The role leads day-to-day strategy for assigned accounts, tracks market and consumer trends, translates research and data into points of view and go-to-market plans, and partners with Account, Creative, Analytics, and other teams to bring strategy to market. The position also represents the strategy team in internal and client reviews and mentors other strategists. Dentsu describes its creative community as inclusive and flexible, with opportunities to work across its global network and pursue learning and development. Employees within commuting distance of a hub office are generally expected to work in person three days per week; Los Angeles employees are expected in the office two days per week. Employees outside commuting distance may be designated remote depending on the role and business needs. Regardless of location, employees are expected to be flexible about attending an office when required by company or client needs. The position is full-time and permanent, located in New York. The annual salary range is $114,425–$130,000, with placement based on factors including relevant experience, knowledge, and skills. Benefits include medical, vision, and dental insurance; life and disability insurance; a 401(k); flexible paid time off; at least 15 paid holidays per year; paid sick and safe leave; and paid parental leave. Dentsu provides equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees.

Requirements

At least 6 years of experience developing integrated brand strategies, including at least 2 years in experiential, events, shopper, or retail strategy, or equivalent experience.
Proficiency in using and translating different types of data into insights that drive creative thinking and client growth.
Maturity and leadership to contribute as a key player on a collaborative, multidisciplinary, cross-agency team.
Ability to build strong relationships with middle-level marketing clients.
Passion for solving problems and comfort using AI as a tool to work faster and sharpen thinking.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the spirits or alcoholic beverage category is preferred; experience in other beverage or CPG categories will also be considered.

Responsibilities

Develop actionable strategies, points of view, experiential programs, and go-to-market plans that bring brand experience visions to life for assigned brands.
Lead day-to-day strategy on assigned accounts, projects, and deliverables with minimal oversight.
Monitor market and consumer trends and turn research, data, and observation into clear points of view about where and how brands should show up.
Bring evidence-based ideas to client conversations and represent the strategy voice in internal and client reviews.
Partner with Account, Creative, Analytics, media, data, and other brand teams to improve brand experiences and identify future opportunities.
Mentor and develop strategists and foster a collaborative environment where ideas can flourish.
Build strong relationships with middle-level marketing clients and earn their trust and respect.
Proactively seek collaborative ways to improve the work.