Senior Director, Strategy

SALT XC • Toronto, ON

48d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for a Senior Director, Strategy to lead strategic thinking across multiple client portfolios and creative pods.
This role is responsible for setting the strategic direction, standards and ambition for the Strategy team — ensuring our work translates human insight, culture and behaviour into ideas that drive both creative impact and commercial results.
The Senior Director will act as a senior partner to Creative, Accounts and Clients, shaping the thinking behind the work — from defining the real problem to crafting inspiring briefs and guiding ideas through execution.
You will oversee the development of insight-led strategies, creative briefs, audience and cultural POVs, connections strategies and measurement frameworks that ensure every program is grounded in behaviour change and designed to move people to act.
This role requires someone who can simplify complexity, sharpen the thinking, and inspire great creative work.
The Senior Director is both a strategic leader and cultural catalyst — someone who elevates the work, develops the team, and helps clients see new opportunities for growth.

Requirements

• 7-10+ years of experience in strategy, planning, connections planning, or integrated marketing
• Experience leading strategy across complex, integrated marketing programs
• Proven ability to turn insights and human truths into inspiring creative strategy
• Strong experience connecting culture, behaviour and commerce
• Deep understanding of media ecosystems, consumer journeys and modern marketing channels
• Strong creative briefing and idea development experience
• Exceptional storytelling and presentation skills
• Experience leading senior client relationships and strategic conversations
• Experience mentoring and developing high-performing strategy teams
• Ability to simplify complexity into clear strategic direction

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
• Lead the strategic direction across multiple clients and creative pods
• Define and uphold the quality bar for strategic thinking and output
• Ensure strategy consistently identifies the real business problem and human tension
• Guide the development of insights, strategy narratives and opportunity territories
• Translate complex inputs into clear, simple strategic direction
• Ensure all work connects human behaviour, cultural relevance and commercial impact
• Creative Partnership
• Act as a senior strategic partner to Creative leadership
• Develop creative strategies and briefs that inspire great ideas
• Help shape ideas from concept through execution
• Provide strategic feedback that strengthens the work, not slows it down
• Champion work internally and externally by grounding ideas in human truth and strategic clarity
• Client Leadership
• Serve as a senior strategic voice in client relationships
• Lead high-level strategic conversations with senior client stakeholders
• Present compelling strategy narratives that connect insight, idea and business impact
• Help clients reframe challenges and uncover new growth opportunities
• Connections Strategy
• Lead the development of behaviour-led connections strategies
• Define channel roles, consumer triggers and influence points across the journey
• Ensure strategy integrates media, creative, commerce, retail and experiential
• Guide teams in mapping how ideas travel across platforms and moments
• Team Leadership & Development
• Lead, mentor and develop a team of senior strategists
• Foster a culture of curiosity, creativity and strategic rigor
• Provide clear feedback that helps strategists improve their craft
• Build a team known for clarity of thinking, strong briefs and inspiring insights
• Encourage experimentation and new approaches to strategic thinking
• Business Growth
• Lead strategy on new business pitches and opportunities
• Identify areas for organic client growth and expanded partnerships
• Contribute to the evolution of Salt’s Experiential Commerce™ strategic offering
• Help position Salt as a strategic thought leader with clients and in the industry

Benefits

• Work-Life Flexibility: Hybrid setup, up to 28 paid days off, winter holiday shutdowns, and dog-friendly office vibes.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Health, dental, and vision plans, plus Salt Bucks to spend on what matters to you—wellness, RRSPs, or extra time off.
• Growth-Driven Culture: Dedicated Salt Days, top-tier learning access, and formal leadership development.
• Celebration-First Mentality: Legendary team trips, seasonal socials, and Salt Swag that reps your squad.
• Real Rewards: Referral and new business bonuses, exclusive lifestyle perks, and personalized wellness options.
• Culture of Belonging: DEI programs, active ERGs, and a workplace where every voice counts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees