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Associate Director, Brand Strategy

imre
Full-time
On-site
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
🎨 Brand & Creative Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Associate Director, Brand Strategy

πŸ”Ή Company: imre

πŸ”Ή Location: Philadelphia, PA

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Hybrid (Remote/Hybrid)

πŸ”Ή Category: Advertising Services

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: July 12, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 5-10 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Hybrid

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Leading brand strategy for healthcare clients, focusing on Pharma
  • Developing and implementing strategic plans
  • Mentoring and growing internal and external demand for brand strategy
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive agency growth
  • Applying empathy, emotional insights, and optimism to understand problems and unlock innovative solutions

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the healthcare and Pharma industries, as well as experience working with these clients.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Own a point of view and vision for human-centric marketing, communicating it within the context of the larger client category landscape for healthcare clients, specifically Pharma

βœ… Mine new methodologies and frameworks for understanding the experiences of stakeholders

βœ… Ensure the integrated agency approach and work product is strategy-led

βœ… Grow internal and external demand for brand strategy and insights across the business

βœ… Lead ongoing client strategy initiatives while remaining focused on medium and long-term planning and growth opportunities

βœ… Mobilize support for strategies within the agency and in front of clients, fostering confidence and enthusiasm for the strategic direction set forth

βœ… Implement strategy, providing strong strategic leadership throughout the work process lifecycle, both internally and externally

βœ… Mentor others to understand and enhance the application of strategy and insights

βœ… Troubleshoot and problem-solve in collaboration with senior cross-functional team leaders around client and team challenges, seeking continued improvement

βœ… Apply strategy to help support agency growth and revenue

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset and the ability to balance both short-term client needs and long-term agency growth.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field

Experience: 5+ years of industry/sector academic and practical experience with a wide array of new product, brand, advertising, and research methodologies, with a focus on healthcare/pharma clients

Required Skills:

  • Proven track record in establishing and managing effective strategic plans
  • Highly motivated, with strong strategic leadership skills
  • Ability to engage, inspire, and make complex subjects understandable
  • Exceptional written and oral communication and presentation abilities
  • Drive to be successful and perform well in all aspects of strategic work in an entrepreneurial environment
  • Flexibility to work over a number of projects and balance workload

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with specific healthcare/pharma clients or brands
  • Knowledge of specific research methodologies or tools used in the industry

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in brand strategy and experience working with healthcare/pharma clients will be most successful in this role.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a mid-level brand strategy role in Philadelphia)

Benefits:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible hours and the option to work remotely

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: imre is an independent, award-winning, brand-engagement creative agency that helps consumer and healthcare brands connect authentically with people in some of the most important decisions of their lives.

Company Size: imre has 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized agency environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: imre was founded in 1993 and has since grown to become a leading agency in the advertising services industry.

Company Description:

  • imre is an independent, award-winning, brand-engagement creative agency
  • The agency helps consumer and healthcare brands connect authentically with people in important life decisions
  • imre's culture is steeped in the personalities of its three home cities (New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore) as well as its WFA employees around the USA

Company Specialties:

  • Strategy
  • Creative
  • Social
  • Content
  • Web Development
  • Public Relations
  • Media Strategy
  • Research
  • User Experience

Company Website: http://www.imre.com

ASSUMPTION: imre's independent and entrepreneurial nature provides an environment where strategic thinkers can thrive and make a significant impact.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior brand strategy role, with opportunities for growth and leadership

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the agency's leadership team and collaborates with cross-functional teams, including creative, media, and research

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Remote/Hybrid) with flexible hours and the option to work remotely

Growth Opportunities:

  • Advancement to a Director or Vice President role within brand strategy
  • Expansion into other areas of the agency, such as creative or media
  • Opportunities to lead and mentor junior team members

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance within the brand strategy team or explore other areas of the agency.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: imre's Philadelphia office is located in a vibrant, urban environment, with a collaborative and creative work space

Office Location(s): 1701 Walnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, US

Geographic Context:

  • Philadelphia is a major East Coast city with a rich history and diverse culture
  • The city offers a variety of amenities, including museums, parks, and a thriving food scene
  • Philadelphia is home to several Fortune 500 companies and a growing tech industry

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours and the option to work remotely

ASSUMPTION: imre's Philadelphia office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with easy access to the city's many amenities.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Phone or video screen with the HR team
  • In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or other team members
  • Case study or presentation to showcase strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Final interview with the agency's leadership team

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving
  • Communication and presentation skills
  • Industry knowledge and experience with healthcare/pharma clients
  • Cultural fit and alignment with imre's values

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your brand strategy experience and relevant industry knowledge
  • Prepare a case study or presentation that demonstrates your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Research imre's values and company culture to ensure a strong fit

ATS Keywords: Brand Strategy, Healthcare, Pharma, Consumer Behavior, Empathy, Emotional Insights, Strategic Leadership, Communication, Problem Solving, Mentoring, Innovation, Disruption, Collaboration, Research Methodologies, Entrepreneurial Environment

ASSUMPTION: imre's interview process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for both the candidate and the agency.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides)
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
  • Research and analytics tools (e.g., Nielsen, Kantar, MRI-Simmons)

ASSUMPTION: imre uses industry-standard tools and technologies to support its brand strategy and research efforts.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Empathy
  • Optimism
  • Kindness
  • Innovation
  • Disruption

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Entrepreneurial and innovative
  • Adaptable and flexible

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • How do you demonstrate empathy in your work and personal life?
  • Can you provide an example of a time when you used optimism to overcome a challenge?
  • How do you balance innovation and disruption with the need for practical, actionable solutions?

ASSUMPTION: imre's values-driven culture is a key aspect of the agency's success, and candidates who align with these values will be most successful in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Balancing short-term client needs with long-term agency growth
  • Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
  • Working with diverse teams and stakeholders, including creative, media, and research
  • Keeping up with the fast-paced and ever-changing advertising industry

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth, and candidates who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments will be most successful.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is similar to a Senior Brand Strategist or Associate Director of Brand Strategy at other advertising agencies
  • However, imre's independent and entrepreneurial nature provides a unique opportunity for strategic thinkers to make a significant impact
  • Candidates with experience in healthcare or pharma brand strategy may find this role particularly appealing

ASSUMPTION: While this role is similar to other brand strategy roles at advertising agencies, imre's independent and entrepreneurial nature provides a unique opportunity for strategic thinkers to make a significant impact.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing a brand strategy for a newly launched Pharma product
  • Conducting consumer research to inform brand positioning and messaging
  • Creating a strategic plan for a healthcare client looking to expand into new markets

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are representative of the types of strategic challenges candidates may face in this role, but the specific projects will vary depending on the client and their needs.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • How does this role fit into the agency's overall strategy and growth plans?
  • Can you describe the team structure and how this role will collaborate with other departments?
  • How does imre support the professional development and growth of its employees?
  • What are the biggest challenges facing the agency and this role in the next 12-24 months?
  • How does imre approach work-life balance and employee well-being?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the agency, and the cultural fit, allowing them to make an informed decision about their application.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your brand strategy experience and relevant industry knowledge
  • Prepare a case study or presentation that demonstrates your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submission to express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.