Senior Strategist

Who is VBP? We are an independent, creatively led advertising agency from San Francisco who prides itself on being founded on a simple principle: Do right by people. We believe that doing right starts with strategy, with an obligation to look at every opportunity and ask "why is this worth people's time and attention?" That means our strategists are tireless in finding the truth, seeking out differentiation and spreading belief. They seek original, compelling ways to connect the dots between people, culture, and brands. We're looking for such a strategist - a Senior Strategist - to join our team, driving strategy for an exciting new automotive company and bringing fire to our new business pipeline. This role will work closely with our Head of Strategy (HOS), internal leadership and client partners to develop tight, awesome strategies to help get more smart, amazing work into the world. This person is obsessed with understanding, equally comfortable mining the library and uncovering what's up on the street. We want someone who is passionate about ideas that drive both business transformation and lasting impact on culture. Defining Success: Driving the brand/work forward by leading day-to-day planning needs on a key automotive account; with seamless collaboration with creative teams and key clients Partnering with the HOS on new business opportunities- both learning from the experience and bringing new thinking to the story. Translating thinking into clearly articulated strategies that hype and excite creatives and clients alike. Bringing added value to every corner of the strategic-creative process with cultural, consumer and category insights, demonstrating deep empathy with audiences. Mining the cracks of culture to manifest new, bleeding-edge trends and inspiring everyone around you. Unlocking new ways-of-thinking and uncovering inspiration for creatives, with boundless enthusiasm around the work. Championing creative work from a strategic perspective at every turn, internally and externally. Thinking proactively and entrepreneurially, illuminating fresh opportunities for clients and ourselves as an agency. Be a cultural "go-to" to those around you, sharing inspiring, interesting and relatively relevant work/stories/trends/art/music/memes/you-name-it. Crafting captivating strategic narratives that break corporate speak and shine with craft and creativity. Staying present and valuable from execution, rollout, and, importantly, measurement, proving that the work works. Qualifications: Below are some of the skills and experience we're interested in. If you don't meet all of them, don't count yourself out. 6-8 years of experience in a Creative Agency working directly with clients Experience leading and launching breakthrough campaigns in creatively led agencies A problem-solving mindset, unafraid to provoke and push as needed A inclination for simplicity, bringing focus to a sharp starting point with a clear path ahead A hybrid strategist ideally, with both strong brand, comms and social chops Sharp qualitative research and quantitative data analysis fundamentals "One-team, one-dream" ability to build rapport and relationships with creatives and clients. A sense of presence in the room with clients, including senior clients. Note: JDs are great, we love them But the truth is, they can be ever evolving, and we may find ourselves leaning in and outside of our set role. This flexibility is important and appreciated. We encourage open and honest communication between employees and their managers, keeping ourselves honest about what is on everyone's plate and how we can support each other. Ask as many questions as possible - we are here to help. At Venables Bell Partners, we celebrate and support our differences. We know building a team rich in diverse thoughts, experiences, and opinions allows our employees, our work and our community to flourish. VBP is an equal opportunity workplace. We are dedicated to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or any protected class or social identity. We value equity here at VBP as much as equality.