Brand Strategist

Morningstar Inc.•Chicago, IL

54d•Hybrid

About The Position

We're looking for a Brand Strategist to help define, evolve, and activate the strategic foundation of our brand. This is a hands-on role that blends strategic thinking with practical execution - you'll not only craft positioning and messaging frameworks but also ensure they're embedded into campaigns, creative, and go-to-market activities across the organization. In this role, you'll translate audience insights, market dynamics, and competitive analysis into actionable strategies that differentiate our brand - and then partner across marketing, product, and creative teams to bring those strategies to life in the market. This position is based in our Chicago office. We follow a hybrid policy of at least 4 days onsite. Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.

Requirements

5-8 years of experience in brand strategy, integrated marketing, product marketing, or related roles.
Proven ability to craft positioning, messaging, and value propositions - and translate them into actionable marketing assets.
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills; experience partnering with creative, campaigns, and product marketing teams.
Excellent research, storytelling, and communication skills, with a knack for simplifying complex ideas and being mindful of compliance.

Nice To Haves

Experience with brand architecture, naming frameworks, and product portfolio strategy preferred.
Experience working in a matrixed, global organization preferred.
Background in financial services or other B2B regulated entity a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and refine brand positioning, value propositions, and messaging frameworks that resonate with key audiences.
Translate strategic concepts into practical messaging toolkits and enablement resources used across campaigns, sales, and marketing materials.
Ensure consistency and alignment of brand voice and story across all touchpoints.
Partner closely with integrated campaign and creative/design teams to activate brand strategy through multi-channel campaigns and brand initiatives.
Review campaign briefs, content, and creative assets to ensure they ladder up to brand strategy.
Collaborate with product marketing to adapt messaging for specific products, audiences, and go-to-market programs.
Partner with audience strategy and insights teams to conduct and synthesize competitive, audience, and market research to inform brand positioning decisions.
Identify opportunities for differentiation and new messaging angles based on trends, customer needs, and market dynamics.
Support the development and evolution of brand architecture, ensuring clarity and cohesion across products, sub-brands, and solutions.
Provide strategic guidance on product naming to ensure consistency and clarity across the portfolio.
Contribute to brand guidelines and governance to maintain a unified global brand presence.
Help define and track key brand health metrics and campaign effectiveness.
Gather feedback from internal teams and external audiences to continuously refine messaging and positioning.

Benefits

75% 401k match up to 7%
Stock Ownership Potential
Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission
Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance
Trust-Based Time Off
6-week Paid Sabbatical Program
6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave
Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Bonding Leave
Adoption Assistance
Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
Annual Education Stipend
Tuition Reimbursement
Charitable Matching Gifts program
Dollars for Doers volunteer program
Paid volunteering days
15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups