Strategy Director

M+C Saatchi Group•New York, NY

1d•$140,000 - $165,000•Hybrid

About The Position

M&C Saatchi World Services seeks a Strategy Director to lead integrated communications, audience, and engagement strategy within a large federal and DoD-aligned mission environment. The role turns mission priorities, audience insight, research, and performance data into integrated strategies that shape communications, content, creative, media, and digital experience. It also helps shape the enterprise communications posture, harmonize messaging across functions, and guide the long-term communications roadmap in support of mission outcomes. This is a hybrid position. The ideal candidate lives in the greater New York City area or the greater District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia region and can commute regularly to the New York, NY or Washington, DC office. The role requires U.S. citizenship and the ability and willingness to obtain a U.S. Government Secret or Top Secret clearance immediately upon employment, as well as willingness to undergo a rigorous federal background investigation. Fluent written and spoken English is required.

Requirements

At least 12 years of experience in communications strategy, brand strategy, audience and behavioral strategy, integrated campaign planning, or related agency strategy roles.
Experience designing and executing strategic engagement strategies grounded in relational trust-building and ensuring community members feel safe and respected.
Demonstrated success leading integrated communications initiatives across multiple organizations.
Experience advising senior leaders on communication risks, priorities, and strategic direction.
Experience guiding message development and alignment across digital and traditional channels.
Strong understanding of enterprise communications strategy, narrative development, and stakeholder engagement.
Familiarity with federal communication requirements, branding guidance, and accessibility standards.
Experience supporting multichannel communication workflows and governance.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills suitable for senior leadership.
Strong executive communication and narrative-shaping abilities.
Ability to lead cross-functional messaging alignment efforts.
High emotional intelligence and diplomacy in stakeholder environments.
Analytical skills for evaluating communication effectiveness and strategic impact.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, consistency, and clarity.
U.S. citizenship, required by the government contract.
Must be able and willing to obtain a U.S. Government Secret or Top Secret security clearance immediately upon employment.
Must be willing to submit to a rigorous federal background investigation, including review of personal finances, criminal history, employment history, and drug use.
BA/BS in Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, Strategic Communications, or Marketing.
Must be able to commute regularly to the New York, NY or Washington, DC office.
Fluent written and spoken English.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting federal or DoD strategic communications efforts.
Experience with sentiment analysis, communication metrics, or engagement analytics.
Experience contributing to cross-functional digital strategy involving web, UX, content, or social.
Certifications in strategic communications, public affairs, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Oversee enterprise-wide strategic communications planning and execution.
Serve as the lead subject matter expert on integrated communications strategy and narrative cohesion.
Advise leadership on communications posture, message risks, and alignment opportunities.
Define strategic propositions, audience behavior objectives, messaging architecture, and channel approaches for major campaigns and initiatives.
Lead cross-directorate messaging coordination to synchronize communications across mission areas.
Develop enterprise messaging frameworks, strategic guidance, and communication playbooks.
Ensure messaging is consistent and accurate across digital, print, and stakeholder-facing channels.
Support policy-related communications, leadership briefings, and enterprise announcements.
Partner with Research & Analysis to translate audience, cultural, sentiment, and performance data into strategic insight and recommendations.
Partner with Creative and Content leadership to develop strategic and creative briefs connecting mission objectives, audience needs, and desired behaviors.
Coordinate with UX, content, visualization, and technical teams to produce mission-aligned communication products.
Oversee communication analysis, sentiment insights, and performance reporting.
Partner with outreach, engagement, and program teams to integrate stakeholder communications.
Maintain compliance with accessibility standards, federal communications guidance, and branding policies.
Lead, mentor, and develop the strategy team, establishing consistent strategic methods, quality standards, and ways of working.

Benefits

12 weeks of full pay for primary caregivers and 6 weeks for secondary caregivers.
Choice of three medical plans: HSA at no cost, EPO 75% employer funded, and PPO 65% employer funded.
70% employer-funded dental and vision coverage.
Generous paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays, including an office closure between Christmas and New Year's.
401(k) with 5% employer match.
Gym membership reimbursement and/or Wellhub subscription.
Mental health support through EAP and Self Space services.
Work from anywhere for up to 2 weeks per year, subject to approval.
Social events, happy hours, and professional development trainings.
Career development opportunities within a fast-growing global organization.
Flexible hybrid working environment.