Job Opening: Brand Strategist (part-time + hybrid)

About Our Independently Owned Consultancy 

We are a Monticello, Illinois-based woman & Latina owned Brand Strategy + Corporate Communication + Facilitation consultancy with clients and partners in Illinois, California, Georgia, Michigan, Texas, Puerto Rico, and South America. 

At Santos McLeese, we believe...  

• Data drives creative brand and communication solutions with measurable business results. 
• Conscious, heart-centered leadership fosters impactful collaboration at all levels.  
• Authentic, purpose-driven brands and leaders always “win.”  

In addition to delivering brand strategy and corporate communication counsel, Stefanie Santos McLeese is also a sought-after facilitator, moderator, speaker, and workshop leader with endorsements and testimonials from her executive and C-suite clients. 

At Santos McLeese, our brand promise is to come alongside our clients as a business partner, helping them clearly articulate and live their brand with authenticity and integrity across their operations, multiplying their business value now and in the future.  

About the Role 

As a part-time, hybrid Brand Strategist, you will be responsible for developing strong brand positioning; identifying and recommending specific partnerships and approaches; and actively coaching, writing and preparing clients to deliver a consistent brand voice. You will also directly craft strategic, integrated marketing-communication plans for our clients based on primary and secondary research, benchmarking, comp and market analysis you will spearhead during our Discovery process. 

The ideal candidate is someone who has proven national or global brand and/or marcomm leadership experience; can work with little supervision to keep projects moving; an unshakable commitment to meeting deadlines; and a personal passion for our craft as a business solution.  

Roles and Responsibilities 

• Develop brand differentiation strategies, brand positioning, brand stories, and brand message based on consumer data and market analysis 
• Develop and support brand strategy implementation for the clients we serve 
• Collaborate with clients to identify new strategies and opportunities of growth that align with core values 
• Establish clients brand guidelines, voice, and metrics, and ensure alignment with the rest of the organization 
• Closely work with clients to implement brand guidelines 
• Conduct primary and secondary research and stay up to date with market trends and consumer insights 
• Conduct competitive analysis to identify opportunities and gaps 
• Monitor and optimize brand performance across the board 
• Analyze market trends and identify new opportunities and challenges 
• Identify key customer segments, determine needs, and develop messaging that align with those segments 
• Define and deliver recommendations and counsel (Word, Canva, or PP format)
   

Job Requirements 

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, business management, or related field 
• 8+ years' experience in brand strategy, brand management, or marketing roles is preferred 
• Experienced in developing brand guidelines and differentiation strategies 
• Strong writing skills 
• Great presentation skills 
• Creative, innovative thinker 
• Strong, positive mental attitude 
• Brand narrative development  
• Messaging and positioning writing 
• Project management  
• Critical and analytical thinking  

Benefits 

• Work from home/In person hybrid 
• Flexible hours 
• Work with a small but mighty team 
• Enjoy Stefanie’s personal, vintage collection of vinyl spinning in the background as we work! 

To Apply 

Please submit your resume to stefanie@santosmcleese.com and CC Hannah@santosmcleese.com using the subject line: Candidate + [Insert Name] 

Please also include a cover note in the body of your email and attach at least one “case study” file that demonstrates your ability to serve in this role. You are welcome to attach any additional supporting files you think would be appropriate for consideration in your candidacy.  

This job posting will remain open until filled with an anticipated start timeframe of early/midsummer 2024.