Director, Research + Brand Strategy

At this time, we are only considering candidates located near one of our four office locations who is open to a hybrid work environment and is able to be in-person to collaborate on a regular basis (Columbus OH, Detroit MI, Toledo OH, Washington DC).

About Hart

Hartis a full-service, independent brand transformation agency that creates growth for middle-market companies in the new experience economy. For over 60 years, Hart has been a valued strategic and creative partner to brands aiming to reach higher. Our promise of Every Day Greater™ is an outgrowth of our distinctive capability to move audiences from apathy to advocacy by designing and deploying empowering, unified brand experiences. Join us in our never-ending quest to move brands to better places for a better world.

SUMMARY

Hart seeks a Strategy Director to lead the development and execution of brand, messaging, and integrated marketing strategies across multiple client accounts. This role blends research, cultural insights, and market analysis to provide actionable recommendations that inform strategy, including brand positioning, messaging platforms, and creative inspiration, collaborating closely with department strategists, account and creative leads, and cross‑functional teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support qualitative, quantitative, and cultural research initiatives, translating insights into brand strategy, messaging frameworks, and creative recommendations.
• Assist in preparing foresight decks, insight reports, and story-driven strategic recommendations that align business objectives with creative execution.
• Collaborate with Creative, Media, PR, and Account teams to ensure strategy contributions are embedded in campaign development, messaging platforms, and omnichannel communications.
• Track cultural, consumer, and industry trends to inform brand opportunities, positioning refinement, and creative inspiration.
• Contribute to new business efforts with research support, audience insights, points of view and strategic branding recommendations.
• Ensure all deliverables meet high standards of accuracy, clarity, strategic relevance, and creative applicability.

QUALIFICATIONS

KEY COMPETENCIES

ROLE IMPACT

This position plays a crucial role in strengthening collaboration and alignment across strategy, creative, media, and account teams. By combining research, insights, and cultural intelligence with brand strategy and messaging expertise, the Strategy Director ensures teams and clients have the information and context needed to make data-driven, culturally informed, and creative decisions. The work contributes to strategies that are rooted in truth, responsive to market and audience signals, and designed to inspire transformative creative work and business outcomes.

PERSONAL SKILLS AND CHARACTER TRAITS

WHAT WE OFFER

We employ great people from an ever‑widening variety of backgrounds – not just because it’s the right thing to do but also because we believe that diverse perspectives make our agency stronger and more innovative. If you share our values, come find your place in our community. Meet us on @_hartinc and hartinc.com / careers to learn more.

Hart is an equal opportunities employer and continually seeks to advance the concepts of equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees. As such, Hart does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, or status as a protected veteran. This policy applies to all personnel activities and conditions of employment.

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