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.

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

Creative, innovative thinker

Strong, positive mental attitude

Brand narrative development

Messaging and positioning writing

Project management

Critical and analytical thinking

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!

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.