Vice President, Strategy

About us: Highwire is a modern strategic communications and digital marketing agency designed for disruptive companies. We work with high-growth technology companies and established brands looking to reinvent themselves.

At Highwire, we believe that storytelling fuels transformation. And the most impactful stories represent all voices and perspectives. As a values-driven agency, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone—regardless of age, race/ethnicity, size, shape, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and different abilities–can feel safe, celebrated and worthy.

We ensure every Highwire Walker has unique support to climb to success. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging is permanent and foundational to our business and culture. We aspire to change our industry and build a better future for all.

Our people-first culture is driven by four core values:

1. Inclusion Always
2. Growth Mindset
3. Team Empowerment
4. Fierce Distinction

We’re looking for individuals with big ideas, strong opinions, and the energy to bring them to life. If you thrive in an environment that values personal accountability, high standards, and boundless motivation, this is the opportunity for you. Be part of our award-winning culture and contribute to an exciting and growing business where you can make a real impact.

We are based in San Francisco, with offices in New York and Chicago. We are open to hiring in the following states: California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C.

The Vice President, Strategy will be a critical leader in supporting the growth and execution of Highwire’s strategy function. Reporting directly to the EVP, Head of Strategy, the VP will work cross-functionally to implement strategic frameworks that solve clients’ business and marketing challenges. You will play a pivotal role in collaborating with internal teams and external clients to craft innovative, insight-driven strategies that deliver measurable results. You will guide the thinking of our account and specialist teams, coaching and mentoring them through critical thinking, codifying and conveying their tacit knowledge of clients, industries and competitive landscapes, and working closely with our Insights and Analytics teams to create briefs which surround first-hand knowledge with data-driven insight. Your strategic direction will inform and guide all our work, from the development of overarching creative platforms to deeply integrated channel activation plans.

This role will support new business efforts, guide the execution of client engagements, and ensure strategic excellence across the board. The VP, Strategy will partner closely with Highwire’s Digital, Strategic Communications, Creative, Analytics & Insights, and Account teams to deliver fully integrated campaigns and grow the strategy function.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Framework Development:
  • Collaborate with the EVP, Strategy to develop and implement strategic frameworks that address clients’ business challenges and deliver innovative solutions
  • Support the creation of experience and engagement strategies that align with clients' business objectives, working with various internal teams (e.g., Creative, Digital, Analytics)
  • Assist in driving the value story for brand experiences and strategic projects, ensuring alignment with client goals and measurable outcomes
• Client & Account Leadership:
  • Act as a co-leader on key accounts alongside client portfolio leaders, providing strategic counsel and ensuring the successful delivery of client objectives
  • Lead strategic discovery sessions, gathering insights and experience requirements to develop solutions that meet client needs
  • Partner with the Highwire Intelligence Group to ensure strategies are grounded in measurable frameworks and can be tracked for performance over time
  • Build and nurture long-term client relationships, contributing to business growth through exceptional strategy execution and insights
• New Business & Growth Support:
  • Play a key role in the new business process, helping to develop engagement strategies and craft persuasive pitch narratives that resonate with prospective clients
  • Work closely with the EVP, Strategy and the business development team to pitch new ideas and expand Highwire’s client base, focusing on how strategic solutions can drive results
  • Identify opportunities for innovation within existing client relationships to expand the scope of strategic services
• Team Mentorship & Development:
  • Mentor and guide junior strategists and team members, helping to elevate their strategic thinking, storytelling, and client engagement skills
  • Provide leadership in the ongoing development of the strategy function, helping to refine processes, define success metrics, and drive operational excellence
  • Foster a collaborative and empowering team culture, encouraging creativity and innovation while maintaining high standards of execution
• Cross-functional Collaboration:
  • Partner with cross-functional teams, including Digital, Creative, and Analytics, to ensure the seamless integration of strategy into larger client campaigns and initiatives
  • Ensure that strategy informs every aspect of client work, from creative ideation to execution, and that each project is aligned with overarching client goals
  • Work closely with the strategy and account teams to document requirements, gather insights, and develop comprehensive strategic roadmaps

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in strategic communications, marketing, or related fields, with a proven track record of leading successful client engagements
• Demonstrated ability to create strategic frameworks and deliver integrated solutions that address business challenges
• Strong client-facing skills, with the ability to build and nurture senior-level client relationships
• Experience working across disciplines, including digital marketing, creative, and analytics, to deliver comprehensive solutions
• Proven success in supporting new business development, including pitching strategies and driving growth within existing accounts
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills, with experience developing and guiding junior team members
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas to internal teams and clients
• Collaborative mindset with experience working in fast-paced, client-driven environments
• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related field is preferred

Highwire Perks

• Competitive salary
• Merit-based bonuses and promotions
• Hybrid work model to suit your schedule and lifestyle
• Excellent vacation policy including extended break for summer and winter holiday
• Participate in Empower Hours on Fridays; Team has the ability to log off by 3pm
• 401K Match
• Medical and dental benefits/ FSA
• Paid Parental Leave
• Commuter Benefit
• Home office equipment stipend
• Growth Mindset Stipend of $100 annually for books, exhibitions, etc
• Technology reimbursement
• Wellness benefit
• Donation Match
• Mentorship
• Monthly recognition programs
• Employee referral bonus
• New business referral bonus
• Quarterly Highwire fun events – Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday
• Dog friendly work environment
• Extremely supportive, nurturing environment with many opportunities for learning and growth

The duties delineated above will vary depending on the needs of each specific account, and in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. This individual will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisors.

We are actively seeking candidates who possess a genuine passion for tech PR and are excited to expand our team. As we continue to grow our agency, we are proactively building a pipeline of exceptional individuals to connect with and consider for future opportunities.

If you are enthusiastic about the world of tech PR and are eager to embark on a rewarding career in this field, we encourage you to start the conversation by applying today. We value your interest in our agency and look forward to hearing from you.

Apply now and let's explore the possibilities together!

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