Executive Director Strategy

Who We Are:

At VML, Human First is our guiding creative philosophy: we create value for people first, knowing this drives authentic and sustainable brand impact. We are a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

We connect Brand Experience, Customer Experience, and Commerce to craft unified, emotionally resonant consumer journeys.

Our 26,000 people across 50-plus markets are the heart of our company. Their perspectives, local expertise, and cultural insights drive creativity and innovation, making talent our most critical competitive advantage.

About Passport Brand Design:

With offices in Newport Beach, New York, Toronto and Montréal, Passport Brand Design (a VML company) is rapidly putting itself on the map as a trusted brand partner. We’re passionate about offering creative leadership to global businesses seeking direction on high-level brand strategy, evergreen and seasonal campaigns, and creative executions across all touch points. Our holistic approach to brand identity begins by creating a strategic positioning and brand purpose, which is then translated into a core creative idea that has the power to align teams and guide a fully integrated marketing process. We are looking for people who love what they do, who want to stay inspired and inspire others, who want to do great work and work with great people.

Who we are looking for:

The Executive Director Strategy is a seasoned strategic leader responsible for elevating Brand Strategy at Passport Brand Design.  This role demands a highly experienced and innovative individual capable of driving full-funnel strategic excellence across a top client for the agency, fostering team growth, and elevating the visibility, quality and scoping representation of strategy and the strategy team within their book of business. This role requires a results-oriented person with a proven track record of driving commercial effectiveness, developing groundbreaking insights, delivering award-winning executions, leading successful teams and influencing C-suite executives. This is an integrated role necessitating fluency across brand and CX strategy. Please note this role is to work on a leading North American client in the nicotine category on a wide variety of brands.

What you’ll do:

Strategic Leadership & Client Growth:  

• Develop and execute innovative brand strategies that deliver measurable business results
• Proactively identify and present growth opportunities to existing clients, partnering closely with Client Leadership
• Ensure appropriate scoping of strategic projects across the book of business, balancing resources and maximizing impact 

Thought Leadership & Innovation:  

• Conduct original research and analysis to generate groundbreaking insights that inform strategic recommendations. 
• Develop innovative strategic frameworks and methodologies that push the boundaries of brand strategy 
• Originate and champion big ideas that win in the marketplace, driving significant impact for our clients 
• Invent new artifacts and approaches to expand our ability to engage target audiences 
• Drive use of VML Strategic Toolkit across teams including use of shared artifacts such as the creative brief and process, the growth challenge and WPP Open  
• Build cross functional integration between BX, CX and Commerce strategic capabilities – demonstrate how to deliver an effective connected brand   
• Lead new business pitches, craft compelling narratives and strategic frameworks and ideas that win new clients 

C-Suite Engagement & Influence:   

• Confidently present to and engage with C-suite executives, creating compelling narratives and fostering productive discourse 
• Provide strategic counsel to C-suite stakeholders that directly and positively impact their business 
• Effectively navigate complex organizational dynamics and influence key decision-makers to achieve high-stakes outcomes 

Change Management & Execution:  

• Adapt approach in real-time to ensure winning outcomes, regardless of the situation or dynamic 

Team Development & Mentorship:  

• Lead, manage, and mentor a diverse team of strategists, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth 
• Contribute meaningfully to the growth and well-being of each team member, providing guidance, support, and opportunities for development 
• Drive a high-performance culture within the team, setting ambitious shared goals and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential 

What you’ll need: 

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