Strategy Director

M+C Saatchi Group • New York, NY

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

M&C Saatchi World Services seeks a Strategy Director to lead integrated communications, audience, and engagement strategy in a large federal and DoD-aligned mission environment. The role translates mission priorities, audience insight, research, and performance data into integrated strategies that guide communications, content, creative, media, and digital experience. The Strategy Director helps shape enterprise communications posture, coordinate cross-functional messaging, and develop a long-term communications roadmap in support of mission outcomes.

This is a hybrid role. The ideal candidate will live in the greater New York City area or the greater District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia region and be able to commute regularly to the New York, NY or Washington, DC office. The role requires U.S. citizenship, eligibility and willingness to obtain a U.S. Government Secret or Top Secret clearance upon employment, and willingness to undergo a rigorous federal background investigation. Fluent written and spoken English is required.

Requirements

• 12 or more years of experience in communications strategy, brand strategy, audience and behavioral strategy, integrated campaign planning, or related agency strategy roles.
• 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, as 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 covering personal finances, criminal history, employment history, and drug use.
• BA/BS in Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, Strategic Communications, or Marketing.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Must be able to commute regularly to the New York, NY or Washington, DC office.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting federal or DoD strategic communications efforts.
• Experience designing and executing strategic engagement strategies grounded in relational trust-building and ensuring community members feel safe and respected.
• Experience with sentiment analysis, communication metrics, or engagement analytics.
• Experience contributing to cross-functional digital strategy, including web, UX, content, or social.
• Strategic communications, public affairs, or related certifications.

Responsibilities

• Oversee enterprise-wide strategic communications planning and execution.
• Serve as the lead subject matter expert on integrated communications strategy and narrative cohesion.
• Provide strategic counsel to 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 consistency and accuracy across digital, print, and stakeholder-facing channels.
• Support policy-related communications, leadership briefings, and enterprise announcements.
• Partner with Research & Analysis to turn audience, cultural, sentiment, and performance data into strategic insights and recommendations.
• Partner with Creative and Content leadership on 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 ensure integrated 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 that is 75% employer funded, and PPO that is 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 two weeks per year, subject to approval.
• Social events, happy hours, and professional development trainings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director