Content Strategist

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Content Strategist 🔹 Company: ICF 🔹 Location: Brussels, Belgium 🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site 🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications 🔹 Date Posted: May 21, 2025 🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: - Developing and implementing content strategies for clients' campaign communication goals - Conducting policy research to understand target audiences and content preferences - Collaborating with clients and cross-functional teams to ensure content aligns with brand voice and objectives - Creating and managing high-quality content across various digital platforms - Staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in content marketing and digital strategy ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of audiences, multi-channel distribution, digital storytelling, and EU policies. Expertise in SEO and AI-driven content optimization is a plus. 📋 Key Responsibilities ✅ Conduct policy research to understand the target audience’s specific context and content preferences. ✅ Collaborate with clients to understand their needs, provide content, strategic insights, and ensure the content aligns with their brand voice and objectives. ✅ Develop and implement a comprehensive content strategy that aligns with our client campaign objectives and communication project goals and target audience needs. ✅ Work with cross-functional teams, including marketing, design, and product, to ensure consistency in messaging and brand voice. ✅ Create and oversee the creation of high-quality content, including blog posts, articles, social media posts, videos, and other digital content to ensure coherence across channels. ✅ Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in content marketing and digital strategy. ASSUMPTION: The role may involve working on high-profile campaigns across the European Union, requiring a deep understanding of the digital landscape and EU policies. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: - Master's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field Experience: - Proven experience as a Content Strategist, Content Manager, or similar role for a minimum of 3 to 5 years - Ideally, proven experience working within or with EU institutions Required Skills: - Data analysis: Strong analytical skills for measuring content performance and making data-driven recommendations for improvement - AI and technology proficiency for content optimization (SEO & AI-driven content optimization) and analysis - Proficiency in distributing content across various platforms and understanding each channel’s nuances - Strong understanding of SEO, content marketing, and digital marketing trends - Proficiency in content management systems (CMS) and digital analytics tools - Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills - Ability to create compelling and engaging content for various digital platforms - Excellent command of English Preferred Skills: - Familiarity with the EU policy landscape - Experience working with AI-driven content optimization tools ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong portfolio showcasing their content creation and strategy skills will have an advantage. 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: €45,000 - €60,000 per year (Based on market research for mid-level content strategist roles in Brussels) Benefits: - Competitive benefits package (details not specified) - Opportunities for professional development and growth Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week (Flexible work arrangements may be available) ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research for mid-level content strategist roles in Brussels. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications. 📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context Industry: ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider specializing in large-scale campaigns across the European Union. They combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future. Company Size: ICF has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment. Founded: ICF was founded in 1969, with over five decades of experience in delivering innovative and impactful solutions. Company Description: - ICF Next is one of Europe’s leading integrated communication agencies, specializing in large-scale campaigns across the European Union. - They deliver innovative and impactful content strategies for their diverse clients. - The team thrives on creativity, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the digital landscape. Company Specialties: - Strategy and transformation - Creative engagement - Insights and analytics - Technology - Digital - User experience - Customer experience - Artificial intelligence and machine learning Company Website: ICF Next ASSUMPTION: ICF's extensive experience and diverse client base provide ample opportunities for professional growth and exposure to various industries. 📊 Role Analysis Career Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years of experience) Reporting Structure: The Content Strategist will report directly to the Content Director and work closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, design, and product. Work Arrangement: On-site, with a possibility of flexible work arrangements (to be discussed during the interview process) Growth Opportunities: - Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns across the European Union - Potential to advance to senior roles within the content team or explore other areas of interest within ICF - Access to professional development and training opportunities ASSUMPTION: The role offers ample opportunities for career growth and development within the content team and across ICF's diverse service offerings. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: On-site, with a possibility of flexible work arrangements (to be discussed during the interview process) Office Location(s): - Avenue Marnix 17, 4th floor (1000), Brussels, Belgium Geographic Context: - Brussels is the capital and largest city of Belgium, offering a vibrant cultural scene, rich history, and a multicultural environment. - The office is located in the European Quarter, close to the European Commission and other EU institutions, providing easy access to relevant stakeholders and events. Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week (Flexible work arrangements may be available) ASSUMPTION: The on-site work arrangement may be subject to change based on the company's policies and the candidate's needs. 💼 Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Online application submission 2. Phone or video screening with the HR department 3. In-depth interview with the Content Director and other team members 4. Final interview with the hiring manager or a panel of stakeholders Key Assessment Areas: - Content strategy development and implementation - Understanding of target audiences and content preferences - Ability to collaborate with clients and cross-functional teams - Writing, editing, and proofreading skills - Proficiency in content management systems (CMS) and digital analytics tools Application Tips: - Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant content strategy, creation, and management experience. - Showcase your understanding of SEO, content marketing, and digital marketing trends. - Demonstrate your ability to analyze data and make data-driven recommendations for content improvement. - Prepare examples of your content strategy, creation, and management work to discuss during the interview. ATS Keywords: Content Strategy, SEO, Digital Marketing, Data Analysis, Content Creation, Client Collaboration, Market Research, Communication Skills, Creative Mindset, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Digital Storytelling, Content Management Systems, Digital Analytics Tools, Policy Research, Audience Understanding, AI Proficiency ASSUMPTION: The interview process may vary based on the candidate's experience and the specific needs of the role. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Content management systems (CMS) - Digital analytics tools - AI-driven content optimization tools (if applicable) - Microsoft Office Suite - Google Workspace ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required may vary based on the candidate's experience and the project's needs. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Mission-driven: ICF is committed to improving the world through its work. - Creative: ICF values innovation, creativity, and thinking outside the box. - Collaborative: ICF fosters a collaborative work environment, encouraging teamwork and cross-functional collaboration. - Client-focused: ICF prioritizes understanding and meeting its clients' needs. Work Style: - ICF values a dynamic and fast-paced work environment, with a focus on delivering high-quality results. - The company encourages continuous learning and professional development. - ICF fosters a culture of open communication and collaboration, with a focus on teamwork and collective success. Self-Assessment Questions: - How do you align with ICF's mission-driven approach to work? - How do you approach creative problem-solving and thinking outside the box? - How do you thrive in a collaborative work environment, and how do you support your colleagues' success? - How do you ensure that your work meets the needs of your clients and stakeholders? ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with ICF's values and work style will be more likely to succeed in the role and contribute to the company's success. ⚠️ Potential Challenges - Working on tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously - Navigating the complex EU policy landscape and understanding target audiences' specific contexts and content preferences - Collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders, each with their own priorities and expectations ASSUMPTION: The role may present unique challenges, but ICF's supportive work environment and focus on collaboration can help candidates overcome these obstacles. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison - Content Strategist vs. Content Manager: While both roles focus on content creation and strategy, the Content Strategist role places more emphasis on developing and implementing comprehensive content strategies that align with campaign objectives and target audience needs. - Content Strategist vs. Digital Marketing Specialist: The Content Strategist role focuses more on content creation, distribution, and strategy, while the Digital Marketing Specialist role encompasses a broader range of digital marketing activities, including SEO, social media marketing, and paid advertising. ASSUMPTION: The specific responsibilities and requirements of similar roles may vary based on the company's size, industry, and specific needs. 📝 Sample Projects - Developing a comprehensive content strategy for a high-profile EU campaign, including audience research, content creation, and distribution across multiple channels - Creating and managing a content calendar for a client's blog, ensuring that content is engaging, informative, and aligned with the client's brand voice and objectives - Conducting policy research to understand the target audience's specific context and content preferences, and using this information to inform content strategy and creation ASSUMPTION: The specific projects required may vary based on the candidate's experience and the project's needs. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview - How does this role fit into the broader content team and ICF's overall strategy for its clients? - What are the most significant challenges facing the content team currently, and how can this role help address them? - How does ICF support the professional development and growth of its content team members? - What are the expectations for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days? - How does ICF measure the success of its content strategies and campaigns, and how can this role contribute to improving these metrics? ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates the candidate's interest in the role and commitment to ICF's success. 📌 Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: - Submit your application through this link: - Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant content strategy, creation, and management experience. - Prepare examples of your content strategy, creation, and management work to discuss during the interview. - Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the interview process. - Be prepared to discuss your understanding of SEO, content marketing, and digital marketing trends, as well as your ability to analyze data and make data-driven recommendations for content improvement. ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.