Applied Strategist; Level I

Applied Strategist (Level I)

Open to candidates in New York or Cincinnati.

Citizen Relations is at the forefront of AI transformation. We are moving beyond the traditional boundaries of PR and earned media into the broader, more impactful territory of Reputation. To lead this evolution, our Applied Strategy & Intelligence group has evolved beyond the traditional agency approach in favor of a high‑functioning Pod Model. This team is a flat, skills‑first structure where intelligence, technology, and strategy converge.

We are seeking an Applied Strategist (Level I). This entry‑level role will support the team as a Consultant‑Doer that helps clients bridge the gap between high‑level business ambitions, and brand, channel and measurement strategy. This role is designed for those who are eager to learn, think critically, and are curious about the lifecycle of Mar Comm efforts driving real‑world business impact.

This role sits within our Applied Strategy & Intelligence (Ap‑SI) team. We are a forward‑leaning team, modernizing our ways of working through our unique approach:

• Dedicated teams
• Value‑based, outcomes focused
• Integrated workflows
• Coordinate across all shades of strategy
• Strategic counsel and decisioning from planning through to optimizations
• Applied solutions across the full customer lifecycle from discovery to loyalty
• Connects brand, reputation and creative strategy to performance and business.

As a Level I Applied Strategist, you will work in support of a strategic lead overseeing a portfolio. You will provide support, and lead in critical areas of projects while partnering cross‑functionally with our PR, Creative, and Experiential departments.

• Strategic Support:
  Develop an understanding of key shades of strategy, and how the work creates impact for brands by supporting Sr. Applied Strategist
• Research, Insights & Planning:
  Through access to our tech stack, and available online resources, identify and determine opportunities for brand Mar Comms across the category, competitors, and audience segments.
• Applied Execution:
  Moving from the insights into action, help deploy or orchestrate key tasks in the go‑to‑market phase.
• Measurement & Outcomes:
  Determine the results and identify optimizations for continued campaign engagement, or define impact of the program.
• Continuous Learning:
  This entry‑level role requires an ability to learn, evolve and adapt to the market and constant changes shaping the industry.

Our team is tech‑agnostic, but tech‑enabled. You will support the work through a robust tech‑stack to find insights others miss:

• Human‑in‑the‑loop:
  Leveraging Google AI (Gemini, AI Studio), and proprietary AI agents to optimize Human‑in‑the‑Loop workflows.
• Governance:
  Strong POVs and practice when it comes to managing client data and brand safety in an AI ecosystem.
• Data Fluency:
  Orchestrating tools like SEMRush, Talkwalker, and various Analytics platforms (Google/Adobe/Social/CRM) to track and optimize reputation in real‑time.
• Systems Thinking:
  Working as a multi‑specialist expert in service of connecting dots between strategic disciplines (business, brand, channel, and measurement).

Ideal candidates will possess some, if not all, of these critical skills:

• Strategic Agility:
  Connecting dots across the entire marketing motion, from commercial goals to channel execution.
• Data Fluency:
  The ability to read, decide, and consistently optimize based on performance signals.
• Creative Partnership:
  Fusing proactive ideation with creative expertise to turn insights into Earned moments.
• Tool Adaptability:
  Ability to onboard and learn legacy platforms and emerging tech‑agnostic tools.
• Consultative Communication:
  The high‑level ability to articulate the "Why" and the "How" to leaders internally, and on the client side.
• Bias for Action: A proactive, thoughtful willingness to bring ideas forward and execute without friction.

• 0-2+ years of experience in agency strategy, management consulting, or digital transformation roles.
• Degree in Marketing, Communications,…