We are looking for an Associate Director to join our Strategy team. Our team works hand-in-hand with disciplines across the studio, setting the strategic foundation for wide-ranging projects from branding to exhibitions, campaigns, and more. Associate Directors are leaders on our team and in the studio, interfacing directly with clients and guiding a team of strategists to conduct research, uncover insights, and develop compelling, differentiated strategic platforms. Those who thrive in the studio are deeply collaborative, equal parts analytical and creative, and lifelong learners. This position is on-site in New York.
Role:
- Independently own and lead projects from start to finish, managing a team of strategists and collaborating with lead designers and the managing partner.
- Develop compelling, differentiated brand strategies encompassing vision, mission, values, and tone – expressed in engaging brand narratives.
- Define robust brand architecture and the strategic foundation of design systems in collaboration with designers.
- Lead the development of naming systems, guiding workshops with clients and internal collaborators alike.
- Facilitate individual and group interviews with client stakeholders and category experts
- Serve as a trusted partner for clients alongside project management, cultivating collaborative long-term relationships.
- Spearhead internal initiatives that contribute to the intellectual development of the discipline, as well as the culture of the team and studio at large.
- Assist in New Business conversations and proposals.
- Guide and mentor junior members of the strategy team.
Qualifications:
- 7-9 years relevant experience in brand strategy, design strategy, or creative strategy, preferably in a design studio/agency.
- At minimum a Bachelor’s degree in a field with a strong research and writing focus; advanced degrees are a plus.
- Strong, proven skills in primary and secondary research, writing, crafting strategic frameworks and brand architecture. A confident communicator and presenter.
- Experience leading projects as the primary strategist, establishing collaborative and trusting client relationships.
- Familiarity developing scopes and new business proposals for prospective clients
- Ability to comfortably manage multiple projects at any given time.
- A fluid, flexible writer, able to reflect the tone of 2x4 as well as the diverse brand personalities of our client partners.
- A curious creative and strategic thinker with strong visual acumen, engaged in culture, design and the arts.
- Enthusiastic interest in working to continually evolve the culture and strategy process of the strategy team and studio.
Please send a CV in PDF format to jobinquiries@2x4.org along with a letter of interest. Please include “Associate Director of Strategy” in the subject line of your email.
The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $115,000.