Senior Brand Strategist (Temp to Perm)

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of compelling brand strategies, positioning, and creative briefs that address client business challenges and inspire exceptional creative work
• Independently own strategic workstreams across multiple clients and projects, from research and discovery through strategic development, creative briefing, and execution
• Develop a deep understanding of clients' businesses, competitive landscapes, consumers, and cultural contexts to uncover meaningful insights and growth opportunities
• Translate complex research, consumer behaviors, and cultural trends into clear, actionable strategic recommendations and compelling brand narratives
• Champion the strategic vision for assigned projects, ensuring creative work remains aligned with the brand's positioning, objectives, and overall strategic direction
• Partner closely with Creative and Client Services teams to shape creative development, provide thoughtful strategic feedback, and elevate the quality and effectiveness of the work
• Confidently lead strategic presentations, workshops, and client conversations, clearly articulating recommendations and building trust with key stakeholders
• Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships and contribute strategic thinking to new business pitches and proposals
• Collaborate effectively across disciplines, contributing to a culture of curiosity, strategic rigor, and creative excellence
• Support and mentor more junior team members, helping to strengthen strategic thinking and capabilities across the agency

Requirements

• 5–7+ years of experience in brand strategy, preferably within a creative, branding, or advertising agency
• Proven expertise in brand positioning, consumer and cultural insight development, and translating strategic thinking into creatively inspiring, business-driving briefs
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead strategic projects from initial discovery and research through positioning, creative development, and final recommendations
• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills, with the ability to identify meaningful insights, challenge assumptions, and uncover the real business problems that brand strategy can solve
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling strategic narratives and confidently present recommendations to clients and internal teams
• Deep understanding of the role of brands, design, communications, and consumer experience in driving business growth, particularly within beverage, spirits, CPG, food, and hospitality
• Strong understanding of consumer behavior, cultural trends, and the competitive landscape, with a natural curiosity for how brands connect with people
• Experience designing and facilitating client workshops, leading brainstorming sessions, and contributing to new business pitches
• Ability to balance strategic rigor with creative intuition, serving as both a strong strategic partner and a hands-on contributor
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities independently while maintaining a high standard of strategic excellence

Benefits

• Tavern offers 24 days PTO per year, paid holidays, paid sick leave, 401k matching, medical/dental and access to other benefits like HealthAdvocate, One Medical, Teladoc, TalkSpace, Kindbody. Plus half day Summer Fridays between Memorial Day and Labor Day.