Job Opening: Director of Brand and Marketing Strategy

The RW Jones Agency is the nation’s largest and most experienced strategic consulting firm focused solely on the education space. We provide our partner institutions with the research, strategy and action they need to identify audiences, gauge public perceptions, strengthen reputations, and articulate the points of distinction that set them apart.

As trusted collaborators for more than 30 years, we have served hundreds of organizations across the nation — from R1 flagship and regional public universities to mid-sized private universities, small liberal arts colleges, education nonprofits and associations. Our people understand the challenges and opportunities that education leaders face. We engage to help our partners lead critical conversations, tackle issues of impact, identify and amplify their brands and make the connections that count.

About the position

The RW Jones Agency is looking for a Director of Brand and Marketing Strategy to join our growing Brand and Marketing team. But we’re not just looking for any strategy director; we’re looking for a pragmatic thinker, seasoned framework builder and analytical problem solver who possesses the following essential traits:

1. Exceptional and relatable writing skills — because we believe that great writers write better strategies. 
2. An understanding of, and experience utilizing, qualitative and quantitative research as the essential foundation for building brands that stand out.
3. The experience necessary to do something new: to innovate how you (and we as an agency) think about, talk about and frame brand strategies.
4. A desire to work with mission-driven higher education brands to help them find their footing through sound research, sophisticated yet pragmatic strategy and actionable creative. 
5. A passion for the creative process. 

This position not only requires a deep understanding of branding but also a passion for engaging and inspiring others to achieve collective success. The Strategy Director will be pivotal in shaping the trajectory of our brand as an agency, as well as our client’s brands in the higher education space. That’s why we’re looking for a visionary strategist who has experience guiding clients and brands forward in new and exciting ways through the power of language and visual storytelling. 

The ideal candidate will be able to speak to their immediate past experience aligning their brand strategies with the mission, vision, values and strategic plans of the institutions they have served — and how they have employed creativity, persuasion and tenacity to ensure that the brands they have built have seen the light of day. In addition, the ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader, exceptional listener and gifted orator who also has experience working on collaborative teams to turn brand strategies into creative platforms that deliver.

Responsibilities

• Project Plans and Workflows: Collaborating with our project management team, develop the timelines and workflows necessary for success. 
• Qualitative Research: Working closely with RW Jones Research, lead the qualitative interview process and contribute to the construction of quantitative surveys. 
• Workshop Development and Execution: Devise and personally facilitate collaborative workshops with client teams to share research, solicit feedback and answer unresolved questions.
• Construct Presentations: Build presentations for all components of the branding process — from research reports to workshops to full-blown strategies and brand style guides — and present them in-person, and via virtual modalities. 
• Brand Strategy Development: Utilizing qualitative and quantitative research, build comprehensive brand strategies that clearly identify audiences, positioning, value and values. 
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work seamlessly with all corners of the RW Jones Agency — from strategic communications and project management personnel, to designers, writers, marketers, researchers and other key staff to synchronize brand messaging across all channels​. 
• Creative Execution: At RW Jones, we believe that the best creative happens when there is a seamless transition from strategy to creative development. Which is why our strategy team works in lockstep with our design team to build brand platforms. 
• Present to Clients (and to Industry): In addition to presenting brand and creative work to clients, the Director of Brand and Marketing Strategy will also present at association conferences and other venues.
• New Business Pursuits: Contribute to the development of prospective client relationships — including meetings, calls, proposals, pitches and other avenues. 

Required skills and qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, English, Business, or a related field is required; Master’s degree is a bonus.
• At least 7 years of proven experience in brand management or a related strategic role​ at a branding and/or marketing agency — preferably within the higher education space. 
• Strong leadership capabilities with experience managing dynamic client relationships that require persuasion and the bringing together of hearts and minds. 
• Exceptional communication skills to effectively convey ideas and persuade others based on your vision for branding success. 
• Highly analytical mindset with proficiency in utilizing market research and data to guide decisions​ and creative execution. 
• Innate creativity with an eye for design and aesthetics.
• Experience working within brand strategy frameworks, and developing creative platforms.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced agency environment — and to adapt strategies in response to market changes and business needs​. 

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Proofreading/editing experience and familiarity with AP style and other standard style guides.
• Experience working within Web content management systems and the Asana project management system.
• Familiarity using the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience building marketing and/or recruitment strategies — including marketing and media plans. 

What We Offer: 

A welcoming company where talented people want to stay, grow and do their best work, with a commitment to becoming a more diverse and inclusive firm. RWJ recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or veteran status. 

Interesting and challenging work you can take pride in with a knowledgeable, high-performing and fun team.

Salary & Benefits: Salary commensurate with experience. The range is between $87,000 and $100,000. We provide access to medical, dental and vision. There is a 401K with an employer match and an unlimited vacation schedule.  

How To Get Started:

Please send a cover letter, resume and any applicable work samples to Joseph Master at joe@rwjonesagency.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity 

It has been and will continue to be the policy of RW Jones and Rankin Climate to promote equal opportunity in all of our employment practices. We will continue to recruit, hire, train, and promote into all job levels the most qualified persons, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, non-job-related handicap and any other protected class under local, state and federal law. Similarly, all other personnel matters, such as compensation, benefits, layoffs, company-sponsored training, education and social programs will continue to be administered in accordance with this policy. 

Americans with Disabilities Act 

RW Jones and Rankin Climate are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities, which may include providing reasonable accommodations where appropriate. In general, it is your responsibility to notify senior leadership of your need for accommodation. Upon doing so, we may ask for your input on the type of accommodation you believe may be necessary for the functional limitations caused by your disability. When appropriate, we may need your permission to obtain additional information from your physician or other medical or rehabilitation professionals.