Initiative - Director, Strategy

Position Summary

At Initiative, strategy is at the heart of our communications design process. The Strategy Director role is unique we're looking for a thinker, a doer, and a builder. Someone deeply curious, passionate and able to shape innovative thinking into actionable insights, compelling narratives, and clear points of view.

Let's skip the typical job description formalities and get straight to what we really care about.

Thinking:

• Produce innovative, culturally relevant and best in class connections planning

• Identify and share thought leadership that addresses client challenges and elevates the agency's reputation with clients, industry press, and partners

• Lead the development and identification of new & interesting opportunities to meet & surpass the required business goals

Doing:

• Facilitate integrated planning, ideation and workshop sessions with both internal and external stakeholders

• Lead (and take responsibility for) the strategic responses for your clients from briefing to final document

• Lead and participate in new business initiatives

Building:

• Elevate the craft by providing inspiration and championing ideas across the agency

• Develop industry best relationships with agency partners, media partners and clients; be a valued advisor and coach

• Support the expansion of the strategy function and help develop tools, processes and workshops that enhance capabilities and outputs

QUALIFICATIONS:

• You are looking to do the best work of your career.

• Proven experience (typically 8+ years) in strategic planning, business development, or a similar strategic leadership role.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to analyze complex data, and market trends.

• Proven success developing strategic plans that drive growth and competitive edge.

• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to present complex concepts in a clear and concise manner.

OUR BEHAVIORS

Initiative respects that everyone has something unique to contribute to the agency.

We are a bunch of eclectic and brilliant misfits with diverse backgrounds that represent the unique fabric of consumers and culture.

We want you to be yourself. We want to hear your opinions. We want to see your passion and energy.

If you disagree with something you see or hear then speak up. We will never punish or penalize you for bringing something important to our attention.

If you believe you can improve something in the agency then speak up. We will always listen to your ideas and suggestions.

We will not tolerate harassment, bullying or corporate politics. We will not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

We are committed to continuous learning and your development. Training is a priority — and we expect you to treat it as such.

Initiative unlocks business growth for the world's most ambitious brands. We believe in the power of media to reshape our industry and orchestrate a brand's entire consumer experience, by balancing both what unites people and what makes them different. When brands unite people in culture, they build Fame, and when brands connect individuals to their unique journeys, they build customer Flow. Initiative builds Fame and Flow for brands like Amazon, RBC, LEGO, Nintendo and Canada Goose. Media responsibility is at the forefront of everything we do, whether it's creating media plans that reflect the diversity of our communities, promote brand safety, and foster sustainability. Our agency celebrates diversity in an inclusive environment where all of our 9,000+ strong talent across 90+ markets feel seen, heard, and valued. Our vision is to create not only a better media company, but also a better media industry, and maybe even a better world. Initiative Canada has received many of the industry's most coveted awards, including two gold Strategy Media Agency of the Year awards, eight Cannes Lions, and a position on WARC's Top 50 Most Effective Media Agencies in the World. In 2023 Initiative was named the North American Network of the Year by the Festival of Media, and Global Network of the Year by both Ad Age and Ad Week. To learn more, visit initiative.com.

• Generous paid time off with a minimum of 37 paid days off including vacation and monthly wellness days. We also have four-day long weekends, half-day summer Fridays, and meeting-free Friday afternoons year-round.
• A flexible hybrid work model that works for you.
• A focus on personal development with formal training opportunities, including mental health training and inclusion education for everyone.
• A chance to be part of and grow within a global network of agencies.
• The opportunity to contribute to our company culture by joining one of our many community-based employee groups, such as Black Employee Network, Girls on Fire, Hispanic or Latinx Alliance, Neuro Network, Pan-Asian Network, and Rainbow Lounge.

Initiative is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, colour, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, provincial, or municipal law. If you require an accommodation in any aspect of the selection process, please reach out to [email protected]