Creative Strategist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Creative Strategist

🔹 Company: Shive-Hattery Group, Inc.

🔹 Location: Kansas City, Missouri

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Architecture and Planning

🔹 Date Posted: May 8, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing persuasive proposals and presentations
• Collaborating with pursuit teams to advance positioning
• Supporting client development and business development efforts
• Contributing to marketing process improvements

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, multitasking, and attention to detail. It also demands strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with various teams and clients.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Partner with pursuit teams to develop winning proposals and interview presentations

✅ Coordinate all aspects of pursuits, including strategy development, messaging, formatting, proofreading, and quality reviews

✅ Provide strategic business development support, including client development and capture plans

✅ Contribute to company marketing process improvements and maintain marketing files

✅ Conduct market research and support leadership in go/no-go decisions

ASSUMPTION: This role involves working on multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong time management and prioritization skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing, journalism, communications, or a related field

Experience: 5+ years of experience in proposal and presentation planning, coordination, and development

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)
• Proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Del-Tek VantagePoint, OpenAsset, and Newforma software
• Graphic design background

ASSUMPTION: While a graphic design background is preferred, the role is more focused on strategic thinking, writing, and coordination than graphic design tasks.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Creative Strategist role with 5-10 years of experience in the architecture and planning industry)

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision – 4 tiers of coverage
• Voluntary Life Insurance – Employee, Spouse, and Child
• Voluntary Insurance Plans – Accident, Critical Illness, & Hospital Indemnity
• FSA – Medical & Dependent Care
• 8 Paid Holidays + PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401K/Roth 401K with Company Match
• Overtime Bonus
• Profit Sharing Bonus
• First Time License Bonus
• Tuition Reimbursement & Licensure/Certification Financial Support
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Calm Meditation & Stress Relief Subscription

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Creative Strategist role with the given experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as performance, skills, and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Architecture and Planning. Shive-Hattery specializes in architecture, engineering, and planning services for various markets, including education, healthcare, and government.

Company Size: 201-500 employees. This size allows for a large pool of resources and opportunities for collaboration while maintaining a small-firm feel, fostering personal connections with colleagues, partners, and clients.

Founded: 1895. Shive-Hattery has a long history of providing quality service and maintaining a strong reputation for excellence in client focus, quality service, and communication.

Company Description:

• Shive-Hattery is a premier architecture and engineering consulting firm headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with 16 offices across the US.
• The firm prides itself on its One Firm approach, placing the best people with their clients, no matter the project location.
• Shive-Hattery's learning and teaching culture is built on collaboration, offering opportunities to learn from and teach peers, working across disciplines to enhance skills and grow professionally.

Company Specialties:

• Architecture
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• District Energy
• Surveying
• Branded Environments
• Traffic & Transportation
• Electrical Engineering
• Water & Wastewater
• Interior Design
• Landscape Architecture
• Building Information Modeling
• 3D Visualization
• Building Envelope
• Construction Services
• Environmental Services

Company Website: http://www.shive-hattery.com/

ASSUMPTION: Shive-Hattery's diverse range of services and expertise allows it to offer comprehensive solutions to clients, making it an attractive employer for professionals seeking a well-rounded work environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level. This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, writing, and coordination skills, as well as experience in proposal and presentation development.

Reporting Structure: The Creative Strategist will report to the Marketing Manager and work closely with pursuit teams, including architects, engineers, and other marketing professionals.

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time. The role is based in Kansas City, Missouri, with the possibility of occasional remote work for meetings or events.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to a senior-level role within the marketing department
• Expansion into other areas of the business, such as project management or business development
• Opportunities to lead and mentor junior team members

ASSUMPTION: Shive-Hattery's collaborative culture and diverse service offerings provide ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace with open-concept offices and dedicated meeting spaces

Office Location(s): 300 E 39th Street, Suite 3M, Kansas City, Missouri 64111

Geographic Context:

• Kansas City, Missouri, is a vibrant midwestern city with a rich history and a growing arts and culture scene
• The office is located in the Crossroads Arts District, offering easy access to public transportation, restaurants, and entertainment
• The area has a moderate cost of living compared to other major US cities

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with a one-hour lunch break. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet project deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The office environment at Shive-Hattery fosters collaboration and creativity, with an emphasis on open communication and teamwork.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen with the Marketing Manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the Marketing Manager and a member of the pursuit team
• Final interview with the Director of Marketing

Key Assessment Areas:

• Portfolio and work samples demonstrating strategic thinking, writing, and design skills
• Ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision for a project or campaign
• Understanding of the architecture and planning industry and Shive-Hattery's services
• Communication and interpersonal skills, including active listening and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Include a portfolio or work samples that showcase your strategic thinking, writing, and design skills
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability
• Research Shive-Hattery's services, clients, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding of the firm and its work

ATS Keywords: Proposal development, presentation planning, Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office, marketing strategy, client development, business development, architecture, engineering, marketing, creative strategy

ASSUMPTION: Shive-Hattery's interview process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best match for both the candidate and the firm.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)
• Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel)
• Del-Tek VantagePoint, OpenAsset, and Newforma software (preferred)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-specific software and tools is preferred but not required. Shive-Hattery provides training and support to help employees develop the skills they need to succeed in their roles.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Client Focus: Putting clients first and understanding their unique needs and goals
• Quality: Delivering high-quality, innovative solutions that exceed client expectations
• Collaboration: Working together to achieve common goals and learn from one another
• Integrity: Acting with honesty, fairness, and respect in all interactions
• Sustainability: Committing to environmentally responsible practices and sustainable design

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented, with a focus on open communication and active listening
• Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities and deadlines
• Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality work products
• Continuously learning and seeking opportunities for professional growth and development

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment?
• Are you comfortable managing multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines?
• Do you enjoy connecting with and representing the company in your community?
• Are you eager to learn and grow professionally in a dynamic and evolving industry?

ASSUMPTION: Shive-Hattery's culture values collaboration, integrity, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work products. Candidates who share these values and are eager to learn and grow in a dynamic work environment are likely to be a good fit for the firm.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role may require occasional evening or weekend work to meet project deadlines
• Candidates may need to manage multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong time management and prioritization skills
• The role involves working with diverse teams and clients, which may require adaptability and cultural sensitivity
• The role may require travel for client meetings, events, or site visits

ASSUMPTION: While these challenges may present obstacles, they also offer opportunities for professional growth, learning, and development.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other creative strategist roles, this position places a greater emphasis on proposal and presentation development and coordination
• Unlike some marketing roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the architecture and planning industry and Shive-Hattery's services
• Career paths for this role may include advancement to senior-level marketing positions or expansion into other areas of the business, such as project management or business development

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic thinking, writing, and coordination skills, with a focus on proposal and presentation development and coordination in the architecture and planning industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive proposal for a major government infrastructure project, including strategic positioning, persuasive messaging, and visually appealing design
• Creating a compelling presentation for a private-sector client, highlighting the firm's expertise, past projects, and tailored solutions
• Supporting a client development effort by conducting market research, identifying opportunities, and developing targeted marketing materials

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for the creative strategist role at Shive-Hattery.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the overall marketing strategy for the firm?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the pursuit teams, and how can this role help address them?
• How does Shive-Hattery support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does Shive-Hattery foster a culture of collaboration and open communication?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates a candidate's interest in the role, the firm, and their potential fit within the organization.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare a portfolio or work samples that showcase your strategic thinking, writing, and design skills
• Research Shive-Hattery's services, clients, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding of the firm and its work
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role and inquire about the status of your application

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