Overview

Must be located in Chicago and able to go into the office in accordance with our hybrid office model. DDB Chicago is a communications agency dedicated to making creative work that works. We believe in the power of creativity to create the change we want to happen in the world and develop audacious and famous ideas for our clients that help to grow their businesses and shape culture by driving behavior change at scale. We are a global network of agencies who believe firmly in respect, kindness, openness, self-expression, and creativity, making spaces for the lived and learned experiences of all our people, and helping them to be the best they can be. We are intellectually curious about difference, embracing change for the better, and are committed to opposing injustice and constantly challenging the status quo. We are a place packed with the energy and passion to make things happen. We’re looking for a thinker and a doer who is equal parts intellectually rigorous and creatively curious, with an instinct for relating a good story and a penchant for making the complex simple. At DDB, the Strategy Director is a curious, ambitious, and passionate person who brings a holistic and innovative understanding of contemporary culture, consumers, and brands to everything they do. The Strategy Director will serve as a lead team member on the businesses they are directly responsible for, ultimately assuring the quality and excellence of the strategic and creative products the team produces. This position is Strategy Director at TeamDDB, an integrated organization consisting of nine agencies for one of the largest accounts in our network: the U.S. Army. The U.S. Army provides an enormous array of opportunities for young people who want to make a dent in the Universe, but misperceptions and functional barriers loom large. TeamDDB’s ambition is to make the Army the most irresistible life choice for a diverse new generation. Responsibilities

Key responsibilities: Lead strategy for a cross-functional team of innovators, employing an adaptable, test-and-learn mindset Brief & inspire this team to find unexpected solutions to complex challenges, utilizing relevant research, insights, and trends Actively guide the development and refinement of creative ideas and ensure they provide consumer and client value. Utilize data in decision-making wherever possible. Acts as a catalyst to the team, seeking out new ways to add value to the brand and identifying future opportunities Partner with Research and Analytics teams to to test, refine, and scale innovative ideas, always showing the connection between the objective and the findings and recommendations Plan, organize and present findings for agency and client consumption Lead ideation of activation strategies for innovative ideas Skills & Experience Ability to use a structured problem solving approach to address complex strategic/management issues Skill in using data and research to tell a story Experience leveraging a range of research techniques (both qualitative and quantitative) to better understand idea potential Strength and interest in collaboration with cross-functional teams Experience with the Agile process helpful but not required Qualifications

8+ years of relevant industry experience Questions everything, reshapes assignments and always looks to work on the next big thing Is a knowledgeable leader, interested in growing and mentoring Planners at all levels, as well as growing shared knowledge in the Planning department Passion for understanding Gen Z and youth culture Please let us know should you require any additional support or assistance through the recruitment process. DDB is an equal opportunities employer and will never favor or discriminate against anyone based on their age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, gender identity, expression, or realignment. This role requires regular in-office presence with a minimum of three days per week, to engage and collaborate in in-person team interactions and meetings as required. Options