Creative Strategist; Onsite

Pay Range: $88,700 - $116,400

Basic Function

The Creative Strategistleadsdevelopmentofmarketingcampaignsforthe Communications department .Shapes METRO’s brand voice with data-driven and action-inspiring concepts for external and internal projects across traditional and digital channels. Translates project requirements into strategic marketing plans aligned with business goals and brand standards.

Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with applicable rules, procedures, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Collaborateswithcross-functionalteamstogatheranddistillprojectrequirements;share ideas;formulate and refine strategy; and produce creative briefs for execution.
• Developsstrategicapproachesforexternalmarketingcampaignsinformedbyknowledgeandunderstanding of METRO transit services, customer insights, and market research.
• Buildsrelatablenarrativesandstorytellingframeworksinformedbyinternalandexternalinformationsources and understanding of brand experience.
• Ensurecampaigncontentdeliverablesandmessagingarestrategic,compelling,andalignedwithMETRO brand guidelines.
• Incorporatesdepartment-wideactivitiesintoholistic,integratedstrategiesforcampaignexecutionand development of recyclable content.
• Createstailoredstrategiesforkeyaudiencesincludingbutnotlimitedtoprospectiveriders,METRO employees, individual communities, and the public.
• Presentscreativeconceptstoseniorleadershipincollaborationwithdesigners,writers,contentdevelopers and marketing account managers.
• Leadsrigorouscreativetestingwithinternalteamsandvendorstovalidateconcepts,optimizemessagingand maximize Return On Investment (ROI).
• Supportsreviewandproofingofcopyacrossalldesign projects.
• Stayscurrentwithindustrytrends,accessibility standards,andnewtechnologies. Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies Safety Management System (SMS) methodsandprinciplesindailyroutineandsupportsalla aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotessafetyawarenessandfollowssafetyprocedurestoreduceoreliminateaccidents.
• Performsotherjob-relateddutiesasrequired.

Education Requirement

• Bachelor’sdegreein
  
  Marketing,Advertising,Communications,Business Administrationorrelatedfieldrequired. Master’s degree is preferred.

Years & Experience Required

• Minimum seven (7) years in creative strategy, brand planning, and/or campaign development in an agency or brand setting, and preferably within a matrixed organization.
• Multidisciplinary experience across advertising, partnerships,experiential,andinternalcommunications.
  
  Strongcreativeinstinctsinformedbyaudienceinsights and analysis.
• Qualitative and quantitative research skills, with proven track record of gathering data and synthesizing findings into clear strategic narratives.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating measurable business impact and award-winning creative across multiple communication platforms, multicultural channels and brand touchpoints.
  
  Experience with brand design and campaign design processes.

Knowledge & Skills Required Additional Information

• Highlycreativewithstronganalyticalandproblem-solving skills.
  
  Adeptatsimplifyingcomplexinformationand providing clear strategic direction.
• Comprehensive knowledge of principles for design, layout, hierarchy, composition, typography, and UX/UI. Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, In Design, Photoshop) and AI-supported creative tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365. Detail-oriented, with superb project and time management skills. Excellent (verbal/written) communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Additional Information

• The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.
• Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submitto drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.
• We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.