Creative Strategist (Onsite)

METRO•Houston, TX

20d•$88,700 - $116,400•Onsite

About The Position

The Creative Strategist leads the development of marketing campaigns for the Communications department. This role shapes METRO’s brand voice with data-driven and action-inspiring concepts for external and internal projects across traditional and digital channels. The Creative Strategist translates project requirements into strategic marketing plans aligned with business goals and brand standards. The position requires performing duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with applicable rules, procedures, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Business Administration or related field required.
Minimum seven (7) years in creative strategy, brand planning, and/or campaign development in an agency or brand setting, and preferably within a matrixed organization.
Multidisciplinary experience across advertising, partnerships, experiential, and internal communications.
Strong creative instincts informed by audience insights and analysis.
Qualitative and quantitative research skills, with proven track record of gathering data and synthesizing findings into clear strategic narratives.
Strong portfolio demonstrating measurable business impact and award-winning creative across multiple communication platforms, multicultural channels and brand touchpoints.
Experience with brand design and campaign design processes.
Highly creative with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Adept at simplifying complex information and providing clear strategic direction.
Comprehensive knowledge of principles for design, layout, hierarchy, composition, typography, and UX/UI.
Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, In Design, Photoshop) and AI-supported creative tools.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365.
Detail-oriented, with superb project and time management skills.
Excellent (verbal/written) communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy adherence.
Willingness to undergo drug and/or alcohol testing.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree is preferred.
Experience preferably within a matrixed organization.

Responsibilities

Collaborates with cross-functional teams to gather and distill project requirements; share ideas; formulate and refine strategy; and produce creative briefs for execution.
Develops strategic approaches for external marketing campaigns informed by knowledge and understanding of METRO transit services, customer insights, and market research.
Builds relatable narratives and storytelling frameworks informed by internal and external information sources and understanding of brand experience.
Ensures campaign content deliverables and messaging are strategic, compelling, and aligned with METRO brand guidelines.
Incorporates department-wide activities into holistic, integrated strategies for campaign execution and development of recyclable content.
Creates tailored strategies for key audiences including but not limited to prospective riders, METRO employees, individual communities, and the public.
Presents creative concepts to senior leadership in collaboration with designers, writers, content developers and marketing account managers.
Leads rigorous creative testing with internal teams and vendors to validate concepts, optimize messaging and maximize Return On Investment (ROI).
Supports review and proofing of copy across all design projects.
Stays current with industry trends, accessibility standards, and new technologies.
Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
Applies Safety Management System (SMS) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
Performs other job-related duties as required.