We are looking for a Creative Strategist who bridges the gap between deep research and breakthrough storytelling. In this role, you will move beyond high-level trend spotting to conduct, synthesize, and translate rigorous research into clear strategic frameworks and creative briefs. You will partner with account leaders, media strategists, and creative teams to uncover human insights that anchor compelling PR and integrated communications campaigns.
Key Responsibilities:
Insight & Research Design: Conduct qualitative and quantitative research—including audience segmentation, competitive benchmarking, social listening, media audits, focus groups, and executive interviews—to uncover non-obvious cultural and market insights.
Strategic Synthesis: Distill complex datasets, market dynamics, and client briefs into clear, narrative-driven strategic platforms, positioning frameworks, and actionable creative briefs.
Creative Collaboration: Work alongside creative directors, social strategists, copywriters, and PR strategists to translate insights into big creative ideas and pitch concepts.
Client Advisory & Pitching: Present research findings, strategic narratives, and campaign concepts to client stakeholders and lead strategic sections of new business pitches.
Cultural & Industry Tracking: Stay ahead of consumer behavior, emerging media channels, platform algorithms, and cultural shifts to ensure client strategies remain fresh and relevant.
Qualifications:
Experience: 3–5+ years in strategic planning, brand strategy, or creative strategy within a PR, communications, or integrated advertising agency setting.
Research Mastery: Proven track record of designing research methodologies, conducting audience interviews, and pulling insights from social listening and desk research tools.
Storytelling & Synthesis: Superior ability to connect disparate data points into a cohesive, persuasive narrative.
PR & Earned Media Acumen: Clear understanding of how earned media, influencer landscapes, social platforms, and owned channels work together to build brand reputation and cultural momentum.
Communication Skills: Confident presenter with strong writing skills and experience facilitating workshops or strategic alignment sessions with clients.
Skills Required
- 3-5+ years of experience in strategic planning, brand strategy, or creative strategy within a PR, communications, or integrated advertising agency
- Experience designing research methodologies and conducting audience interviews
- Experience extracting insights from social listening and desk research tools
- Strong ability to synthesize disparate data points into cohesive, persuasive narratives
- Understanding of earned media, influencer landscapes, social platforms, and owned channels
- Confident presentation and strong writing skills
- Experience facilitating client workshops or strategic alignment sessions
What We Do
Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis is an independent full-service communications and narrative consulting firm. Our collective helps shape public image via earned, owned, and paid engagements across mediums and platforms. We’re built on the notion that good ideas have the power to change the world, shape our cultural conventions, and create new models of success in every industry. Benefits include; medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with matching, annual merit-based bonuses, PTO, fertility, FSA for medical, childcare, and commuter expenses. Additional perks include: a flexible work schedule, Work from Anywhere program, Summer Fridays, Wellness Days, and a 4-week sabbatical or trip to celebrate select anniversaries. We love to socialize so, we have collaborative workspaces, some offices even have rooftops, celebrations, networking opportunities, and community volunteering. We frequently mark opportunities to listen, learn and act throughout the year (Juneteenth, Election Day, International Women’s Day, etc.). From day one, employees are carefully matched with a mentor to guide them on their path to success. Training and mentoring are important to us and since we are into promoting from within, we are proud to offer training throughout the year on topics for professional growth as well as personal growth. We have also developed a series of teaching workshops that are structured for each level of the company. Sunshiners also take love to take advantage of the monthly Meet the Media series where media contacts provide valuable insider info for pitching them and their colleagues. SSM&L is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and ability. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, identity and expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
