📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Creative Strategist (6-month contract)
🔹 Company: Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE)
🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Contract
🔹 Category: Marketing & Advertising
🔹 Date Posted: May 28, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing strategic marketing programs for major brands leveraging MLSE's teams and properties
- Collaborating with creative teams to deliver on-strategy campaigns
- Conducting research and presenting strategic recommendations to clients and stakeholders
- Managing marketing budgets and ensuring campaign executions remain within the plan
- Working closely with other MLSE departments to integrate partners into sports teams' marketing programs
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker with a passion for sports and culture, who can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and deliver innovative marketing solutions.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead brief intake sessions with MLSE partners to align on marketing objectives
✅ Develop and deliver creative briefs to MLSE creative teams
✅ Develop strategic directions for campaigns using industry-standard frameworks
✅ Present strategic directions to sell partners on a strategic direction before briefing creative teams
✅ Develop high-level campaign thought-starters as jumping-off points for MLSE creative teams
✅ Provide strategic feedback to creative teams to keep campaigns on-strategy
✅ Connect creative work back to the campaign strategy in full-team client/partner presentations
✅ Lead research exercises across various areas to guide strategies
✅ Collaborate on post-campaign reports outlining campaign performance against objectives/KPIs
✅ Lead the development of case studies and award submissions to spotlight MLSE's partnership campaigns
✅ Collaborate with the Partnership Development team on pitches requiring creative or strategic input
✅ Work closely with MLSE brand teams to determine how partners strategically integrate into sports teams' marketing programs
✅ Collaborate with other MLSE departments for campaigns requiring their input
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic thinking, client management, and creative collaboration, requiring strong communication and presentation skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience: 2-4 years of professional work experience in a marketing strategy role (agency, partnerships, consulting, or brand)
Required Skills:
- Strong understanding of briefing processes and marketing strategy development
- Excellent presentation skills with the ability to build professional and creative presentations
- Experience managing marketing budgets and ensuring executions remain within the plan
- Proven ability to digest large amounts of information and summarize it into clear and actionable recommendations
- Experience executing complex marketing campaigns across various digital media channels
- Ability to serve as a highly motivated self-starter and collaborator
- Ability to work to deadlines in high-pressure situations and apply strong time management skills across projects
- Significant experience presenting complex campaign strategies and rationale to mid-level clients or senior internal stakeholders
- Experience working with creative teams in a collaborative way
Preferred Skills:
- Sports or partnerships experience
- Experience working across multiple business categories
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in sports marketing, partnerships, or agency environments may find this role particularly appealing.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 70,000 - 90,000 per year (based on industry standards for a mid-level marketing strategist role in Toronto)
Benefits:
- Health and dental insurance
- Retirement savings plan with company match
- Employee discounts on MLSE events and merchandise
- Access to fitness facilities and wellness programs
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in Toronto. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Sports & Entertainment. MLSE is Canada's leading provider of sports and entertainment experiences, owning and operating several professional sports teams and venues in Toronto.
Company Size: Large (1,001-5,000 employees). MLSE offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment with ample opportunities for growth and learning.
Founded: 1994. MLSE was founded to manage the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team and has since grown to include multiple sports teams and entertainment properties.
Company Description:
- MLSE is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and enriching fan experiences through innovative marketing strategies
- The company owns and operates several professional sports teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC, and Toronto Argonauts
- MLSE also owns and operates multiple venues, including Scotiabank Arena, BMO Field, and Coca-Cola Coliseum
Company Specialties:
- Sports team ownership and operation
- Event management and production
- Marketing and partnerships
- Ticketing and membership services
- Food and beverage operations
Company Website: http://www.mlse.com
ASSUMPTION: MLSE's diverse portfolio of sports teams and entertainment properties offers unique opportunities for marketing professionals to gain exposure to various industries and disciplines.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level. This role is suitable for candidates with 2-5 years of experience in marketing strategy, seeking to advance their careers in sports marketing or a related field.
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Manager, Commercial Strategy, and works closely with MLSE's creative teams, partnership development team, and brand teams.
Work Arrangement: On-site, with flexibility to work remotely for specific tasks or projects as needed.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on additional responsibilities and advance within MLSE's Commercial Strategy + Creative Group
- Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and collaborate with industry-leading partners
- Access to professional development resources and training programs
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for mid-level marketing strategists to gain experience working on large-scale sports marketing campaigns and collaborating with major brands.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities.
Office Location(s): 50 Bay Street, Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Geographic Context:
- Toronto is a multicultural city with a vibrant sports and entertainment scene
- The office is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Toronto, with easy access to public transportation and nearby attractions
- Toronto offers a competitive job market for marketing and advertising professionals
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to support event schedules and client deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: MLSE's downtown Toronto location offers a dynamic and engaging work environment, with ample opportunities for networking and professional growth.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR team
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and team members
- Final interview with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Presentation and communication skills
- Collaboration and teamwork skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with MLSE's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant marketing strategy experience and skills
- Prepare examples of strategic campaigns you've worked on and the results you've achieved
- Research MLSE's teams, properties, and recent marketing campaigns to demonstrate your knowledge of the company and industry
ATS Keywords: Marketing Strategy, Creative Briefs, Campaign Management, Research Skills, Collaboration, Time Management, Self-Starter, Sports Knowledge, Cultural Awareness, Budget Management, Digital Media, Client Relations, Strategic Thinking, Feedback Provision, Complex Problem Solving
ASSUMPTION: MLSE's interview process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, communication, and collaboration skills, as well as their cultural fit with the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) - a bonus but not mandatory
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Marketing automation and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Marketo, Salesforce)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard marketing tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Teamwork
- Excellence
- Inclusion
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Results-driven and focused on continuous improvement
- Adaptable and responsive to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate integrity in your professional life?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you worked collaboratively to achieve a common goal?
- How do you approach feedback and continuous improvement in your work?
ASSUMPTION: MLSE values candidates who embody their core values and can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Working with diverse stakeholders, including clients, partners, and internal teams
- Adapting to the fast-paced nature of sports marketing and event planning
- Navigating a large organization with multiple departments and teams
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from traditional marketing strategy roles in its focus on sports marketing and partnerships
- MLSE's large portfolio of sports teams and entertainment properties offers unique opportunities for marketing professionals to gain exposure to various industries and disciplines
- Career paths in sports marketing may vary from those in other industries, with opportunities for growth and advancement within MLSE's Commercial Strategy + Creative Group
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in sports marketing or a related field may find this role particularly appealing, offering unique opportunities for growth and development within a dynamic and fast-paced industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a strategic marketing campaign for a major brand leveraging MLSE's Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team
- Conducting research on fan behavior and preferences to inform the development of targeted marketing campaigns
- Collaborating with MLSE's creative teams to develop and execute a high-profile event activation for a major brand partner
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic thinking, research, and collaboration required for success in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Commercial Strategy + Creative Group?
- How does this role contribute to MLSE's overall marketing strategy and objectives?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role and the organization?
- How does MLSE support work-life balance for its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant marketing strategy experience and skills
- Prepare examples of strategic campaigns you've worked on and the results you've achieved
- Research MLSE's teams, properties, and recent marketing campaigns to demonstrate your knowledge of the company and industry
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application 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.
