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Senior Strategist (TeamDDB)

DdbChicago, ILApril 12th, 2026
About UsDDB 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.The successful candidate will be passionate about finding new ways to bring ideas to life, and be able to communicate those points of view clearly and persuasively.  Lead the divining of integrated insights and strategic planning in a way consistent with the agency's goal of bringing a strong analytical and cultural foundation to uncover: fresh and innovative insights/business opportunities and inspiring creative ideas. Client: US Army via Team DDBTeamDDB is an integrated agency team composed of 8 Omnicom agencies and one outside research agency (i.e. Fors Marsh Group). TeamDDB is exclusively dedicated to servicing the US Army's Recruitment Mission. DDB is the prime agency, positioning it as the leader and chief integrator of the group. TeamDDB is approximately 250 people strong, headquartered in Chicago but with local teams across the country and a few agency specialists in Washington DC and Houston.The US Army account is composed of Task Orders (TOs) ranging from Creative Development and Production (CD&P) to Research, to Media, to Data & Data Infrastructure (D&DI), Innovation, and beyond. On average there are 12-16 TOs active at a time. DDB's Strategy Team—which reports directly to TeamDDB's Strategic Lead Kevin Richey—functions as integrators of strategic excellence across agency partners, and often with specific TO responsibilities and Compo specific stewardship (i.e. National Guard, Active Army, US Army Reserves, Officership, Special Operations, Cadent Command, and Civilian).Responsibilities Help create and present thoughtful and provocative strategies, creative briefs, brand ideas, and experience plans. Maintain a deep knowledge of category and competitive activity, and keep a finger on the pulse of existing and emerging consumer and cultural trends. Support the Strategy Director in day-to-day strategic output by leading a talented, dynamic team of strategists across two offices. Partner with creatives and account supervisors to develop disruptive ideas and experiences at multiple customer touch-points that breakthrough in the category. Support the orchestration of all brand planning, strategic development and analytical activity for the largest and longest-running account in the agency, working closely with integrated agency partners in media, digital/social, multicultural, activation, and PR  Ensure all deliverables required from the group, internally and externally, are met in a professional, efficient and timely manner. Identify opportunities to constantly improve the quality of thinking applied to our client's business by inspiring and facilitating collaboration among client and agency team members. QualificationsMinimum of 4 years' experience in planning, strategic planning and related communications experience.  Marketing background, creative problem-solving, and strong analytical capabilities a must. Ability to think creatively and evidence of success in developing brands and delivering them to market. Strong qualitative and quantitative research acumen; comfortable navigating, monitoring, and divining insight and ideas from search and social media. What We Offer💰 Competitive Salary⚕️Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans🏝️Generous Time Off👶Paid parental leave🎒Tuition Reimbursement🥕Family Planning Assistance📈Stock Discounts🚌Transit Discounts💡LinkedIn Learning Access🧠Employee Assistance ProgramsPlease 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.Your personal information will be used according to our Recruitment Privacy Notice. View our Recruitment Privacy Notice here when you apply.