Director, Creative Strategy

Brands have long come to The Atlantic for the same reasons our audience does: our credibility built up over 167 years, our editorial sensibility, and our uncommon perspective. We build deep, best-in-class partnerships that drive tangible value for the advertiser brands we work with. We synthesize The Atlantic's journalistic commitment to the American Idea with world class innovation across creative, media, product, content, insights, and experiences.

We are seeking a Director, Creative Strategy to join our renowned marketing team.

Our Strategists are both great writers and great ideators. They are responsible for developing smart, compelling proposals: coming up with creative positioning, developing the overarching idea and strategy, and crafting a winning client pitch. The Strategist sits at the center of the pre-sale process with the Partnerships lead. Together, you determine how best to leverage The Atlantic's offerings to deliver a custom proposal that specifically meets (or even better, exceeds) the client request and convinces media buyers that The Atlantic is a necessary and timely investment. The Strategist will work end to end to bring their creative ideas to life by informing and shaping the creative in post sale through an editorial lens that aligns with the initial intention of the creative concept.

This essential role requires someone who is equal parts problem-solver and skilled storyteller. Since the primary responsibility will be to create written proposals that identify and bring to life the best possible solution for our clients, experience within media and/or across these disciplines is a priority: branded content, media strategy, product marketing, live events, research and insights, and brand positioning. The strategic editorial vision of pitched & sold branded concepts will require continued oversight from the Strategist to ensure we're publishing content unique to The Atlantic.

What you'll do:

Your most important job is to own the proposal. Here's what that means:

• Strategy Development: Deeply understand the client's objective and target audience and identify what tools you can use (or create!) to both creatively and strategically solve their challenges in a way that's unique to The Atlantic.
• Creative Ideation: Lead brainstorms and answer RFPs with big, unexpected ideas that draw upon solutions from across The Atlantic's full-slate of offerings.
• Persuasive Narrative: Communicate what we're proposing and most importantly, why. The deliverable most often takes shape as a presentation deck or one-sheet write up. Live pitching is also frequent.

You will also have responsibilities for conveying and delivering editorial prowess on sold branded content ideas. Here's what that means:

• Creating comprehensive editorial briefings that encapsulate and convey the creative concept that aligns with advertiser expectations and The Atlantic's unique editorial vision for Re:Think's branded content
• Own/Collaborate on the development of written content that stay true to the originally pitched creative concept
• Edit/Revise concepts throughout the deal lifecycle to align with changing client direction

As a function of the role, you will also:

• Work cross-functionally with sales/partnerships, media planning, the entirety of the pre-sale marketing team (including brand marketing, insights, product marketing, and the content studio).
• Be exposed to a broad range of brands and categories across premium consumer and B2B categories, yet will likely specialize in a few. (e.g. automotive, tech, entertainment, healthcare, consulting, financial services, travel, luxury)
• Join high-level meetings with sales and pitch to clients as necessary.
• Write well and write better. This is the primary function of the job and a growth opportunity at every level.
• Edit work by freelance writers to bring content programs to life.
• Be supported by a team of creatives, producers, sellers and media experts who will work with you collaboratively to create The Atlantic's best, and most monetizable, work.
• Manage at least one direct report.

Who you are:

• A curious creative who thinks big. You want to know the why behind the ask and you want to understand how things work together. You like to know a little about everything, and you have a pulse on what's happening in our industry and in broader culture. And you understand how to apply that to breakthrough marketing campaigns.
• A results-oriented strategist. You take action to see your ideas move forward and drive the business.
• An exceptional communicator and listener. You have a natural ability to craft persuasive arguments both verbally and in writing.
• A collaborator. This role is 50% solo "thinking and making" work and 50% teamwork. You are comfortable working independently, but enjoy collaborating with others to get the job done. (i.e. sharing ideas, giving and receiving feedback, seeking out answers, etc.)

Role Requirements

• 7+ years qualifying experience in digital media, preferably as an integrated marketer or similar.
• Excellent proposal writer, strategist, and original ideator.
• Analytical thinker with the ability to combine products and ideas in ways that meet specific needs.
• Strong verbal communication skills to effectively interact with all levels of management as well as sales teams and clients with confidence and diplomacy.
• Strong presenter, able to clearly communicate brand positioning and value of opportunities for advertisers.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter who can work independently and collaborate within a matrixed organization
• Expertise and/or interest in AI/tech, consumer brands and arts/entertainment categories a plus

Similar job titles:

Integrated Marketing, Pre-Sale Marketing, Commercial Sales Marketing

This role is based in New York City.

Salary Minimum: $100,000; Salary Maximum: $130,000

About The Atlantic:

The Atlantic has, for more than 160 years, advanced ideas that matter and sparked global conversation on the most important issues of our time. We aim to bring clarity and original thinking to questions of consequence, on topics ranging from politics, the economy, and global affairs to technology, science, and culture. As the third-longest-running magazine in America, we find ourselves at a remarkable moment: one of both continuation and transformation, of upholding our legacy while continuously reinventing ourselves for the future.

The Atlantic Monthly Group LLC ("The Atlantic") is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Atlantic is committed to diversity and encourages members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, LGBTQ people, people of color, and people with disabilities. We do not discriminate against our applicants because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Job offers to work at The Atlantic are contingent upon the candidate's successful completion of reference checks and compliance with The Atlantic's COVID-19 vaccination policy. The Atlantic requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including subsequent boosters, and submit proof of vaccination status. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical contraindication or sincerely-held religious belief may request an accommodation (e.g., an exemption) to this requirement.