Vice President of Marketing Strategy

HKS inc•Washington, MN

70d

About The Position

Overview: Responsible for overseeing the performance, strategy, and executional excellence of all Sector/Practice Marketing Directors within HKS. Reporting directly to the Chief Marketing Officer, this individual will act as the strategic and operational mentor, coach, and quality assurance lead across all sector-specific marketing efforts. Ensures that every practice marketing plan is audience-centered, insight-led, aligned with firmwide goals, and executed in collaboration with Marketing's Centers of Excellence (COEs). Works with both a strategic and operational mindset, responsible for driving consistency, innovation, and measurable business impact across all sectors.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Advertising, Marketing or related degree
Typically with 15+ years of progressive marketing leadership experience, ideally in complex matrixed organizations
Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint preferred
Prior experience in professional services, architectural or design industries preferred
Experience leading high-performing B2B marketing teams and building integrated marketing strategies
Experience working with or managing marketing Centers of Excellence (COEs)
Strong understanding of market research, competitive intelligence, and performance analytics
Successful track record with managing a team and performing duties in a fast-paced environment
Proven ability to work across stakeholder groups, functional areas, geographies, and differing levels of seniority
Proven record of aligning marketing strategies with business growth and delivering measurable outcomes
Excellent writing skills with leadership experience in creative direction, storytelling, and visual communication
Excellent attention to detail and commitment to excellence
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with all levels of staff and clients; ability to forge trusting relationships within a diverse team
Strong presentation skills
Strong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time
Ability to partner seamlessly with BD to align marketing activity with client growth
Ability to manage team with diplomatic and collaborative leadership style which puts value on relationships and collaboration, both internal and external
Ability to communicate and present ideas in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing
Ability to proactively problem solve and apply innovative solutions
Ability to collaborate and encourage collaboration in a team environment, and ability to work independently and prioritize work
Ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality
Travel may be required

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in professional services, architectural or design industries preferred
Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint preferred

Responsibilities

Leads, develops, and manages the team of Sector & Practice Marketing Directors across all HKS sectors (e.g., Health, Community, Hospitality, Interiors, etc.)
Pressure-tests marketing strategies to ensure alignment with firm goals, client insights, competitive dynamics, and brand positioning
Ensures all Sector/Practice Marketing Directors follow HKS marketing best practices, frameworks, campaign calendars, and performance measurement protocols
Serves as the strategic liaison between SMDs/PMDs and the CMO, surfacing key sector learnings, opportunities, and risks
Drives consistency in value proposition development, messaging, campaign briefs, and sector marketing scorecards
Facilitates peer learning and cross-pollination across sectors by leading regular SMD/PMD roundtables and strategy sessions
Mentors SMDs/PMDs on effective stakeholder engagement, especially with Sector CEOs and COE leads
Collaborates with all COEs including Marketing Ops, Market Data, Communications and Brand to align resources and support strategic needs
Regularly assesses sector marketing performance and recommend improvements to people, processes, and priorities
Contributes to broader marketing leadership, including governance, budgeting, capability building, and succession planning
Models and holds others accountable to the firm's cultural values, including a commitment to quality, innovation, learning and growth
Oversees and actively invests in the professional development of staff through mentoring, performance management and career planning
Leads efforts in attracting, training, retaining, growing and recognizing diverse talent
Manages conflict effectively and encourages a healthy team environment
Fosters and maintains a collaborative professional working relationship with the project team, including promoting communication and creating approachability
Takes personal responsibility for fostering a green workplace through sustainable work practices
Develops budgets and timelines of team projects in collaboration with Chief Marketing Officer
Responsible for the financial implications of overhead and chargeable time, including accountability to project plan and planned utilization rate
Collaborates in managing projects to satisfy requirements with best possible ROI and delivering projects on defined budget requirement
Coaches practice leadership, BD and Marketing to create go-to-market strategies to successfully deliver against the firm's growth and revenue goals