Creative Strategy Associate

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Creative Strategy Associate

🔹 Company: Mastercard

🔹 Location: Lisbon, Portugal

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing & Strategy

🔹 Date Posted: July 17, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Supporting the development of creative strategies and strategic narratives for client engagements across various industries
• Conducting research on markets, competitors, consumers, and cultural trends to identify insights that shape strategic thinking
• Analyzing business data and translating findings into actionable insights
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align on storytelling and solution framing
• Staying up-to-date on emerging industry trends and contributing fresh perspectives to brainstorming sessions and ideation workshops

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong analytical mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment. Previous experience in brand strategy, advertising, consulting, marketing, or a creative environment is highly desirable.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Supporting the development of creative strategies and strategic narratives for client engagements across various industries

✅ Conducting research on markets, competitors, consumers, and cultural trends to identify insights that shape strategic thinking

✅ Analyzing business data and translating findings into actionable insights

✅ Assisting in the preparation of presentations, strategic briefs, and client-facing deliverables

✅ Collaborating with design, copy, and consulting teams to align on storytelling and solution framing

✅ Maintaining a repository of strategic frameworks, case studies, and references to streamline internal workflows

✅ Staying up-to-date on emerging industry trends and contributing fresh perspectives to brainstorming sessions and ideation workshops

ASSUMPTION: The role may involve occasional travel to client sites or other Mastercard offices for meetings and presentations.

🎯 Required Qualifications

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

Experience: 2-4 years of experience in brand strategy, advertising, consulting, marketing, or a creative environment (internships count!)

Required Skills:

• Strong interest in branding, marketing strategy, and consumer behavior
• Sharp analytical skills and ability to synthesize complex information into clear insights
• Excellent written, visual, and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable with PowerPoint / Keynote and basic data tools (Excel, Tableau, etc.)
• Collaborative, proactive, and eager to learn from feedback

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment
• Fluency in multiple languages

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in English is likely required for this role due to the global nature of Mastercard's operations.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €35,000 - €45,000 per year (Estimated based on market research for similar roles in Lisbon)

Benefits:

• Health insurance and wellness programs
• Retirement savings plans
• Employee discounts and perks
• On-site cafeteria and fitness center (at some locations)

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (with flexibility for occasional remote work)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research for similar roles in Lisbon. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Mastercard operates in the financial services and technology sectors, focusing on digital payments, commerce, and data analytics

Company Size: Mastercard is a large, global corporation with over 10,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects and clients

Founded: Mastercard was founded in 1966 and has since grown into a leading global payments technology company

Company Description:

• Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in over 200 countries and territories worldwide
• The company supports a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart, and accessible
• Mastercard's technology and innovation, partnerships, and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses, and governments realize their greatest potential

Company Specialties:

• Global digital payments and commerce
• Technology and innovation
• Innovative mobile payment solutions and processing

Company Website: www.mastercard.com

ASSUMPTION: Mastercard's global presence and extensive client base offer applicants the opportunity to work on diverse and impactful projects.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for early to mid-career professionals seeking to develop their skills in creative strategy and marketing

Reporting Structure: The Creative Strategy Associate will report to Senior Strategists within the Specialized Product Delivery (SPD) department of the Advisors Client Services organization

Work Arrangement: This role is primarily on-site, with occasional remote work and travel as needed

Growth Opportunities:

• Exposure to a wide range of industries, clients, and Mastercard assets
• Mentorship and learning opportunities from senior strategists and cross-functional teams
• Potential career progression into senior strategy roles or other areas of the business

ASSUMPTION: Mastercard's large and diverse client base, along with its global presence, provides ample opportunities for career growth and development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Mastercard's Lisbon office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation

Office Location(s): 2000 Purchase St, Purchase, NY 10577, US (Global Headquarters); Chausee de Tervuren 198A, Waterloo, 1010, BE (European Headquarters); and other locations worldwide

Geographic Context:

• Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, with a population of over 500,000 people
• The city is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful architecture
• Lisbon offers a high quality of life, with a relatively low cost of living compared to other major European cities

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (with flexibility for occasional remote work)

ASSUMPTION: While the role is primarily on-site, Mastercard's flexible work arrangements may allow for occasional remote work or hybrid arrangements, depending on the specific needs of the team and the employee.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with a member of the HR team
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the department head or another senior leader

Key Assessment Areas:

• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Mastercard's values
• Relevant experience and industry knowledge

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare examples of your analytical and creative thinking skills to discuss during the interview
• Research Mastercard's business and industry trends to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its market

ATS Keywords: Creative Strategy, Marketing Strategy, Consumer Behavior, Branding, Data Analysis, Strategic Thinking, Cross-Functional Teams, Client Engagement, Industry Trends

ASSUMPTION: Mastercard's recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth within the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• PowerPoint / Keynote
• Excel
• Tableau
• Other data visualization and analytics tools (as needed)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the projects and clients the Creative Strategy Associate is working with.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Doing the Right Thing
• Stay Curious
• Collaborate and Win
• Embrace Change

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Focused on delivering high-quality work and driving business impact

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I align with Mastercard's core values and work style?
• Am I comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
• Do I have a strong interest in branding, marketing strategy, and consumer behavior?

ASSUMPTION: Mastercard's culture is centered around collaboration, curiosity, and a commitment to doing the right thing. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with these values during the interview process.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role may require occasional travel to client sites or other Mastercard offices for meetings and presentations
• Mastercard's fast-paced and dynamic work environment may present challenges for candidates who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment
• The role may require working with tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously
• The Lisbon office may have a smaller team size compared to larger Mastercard offices, which could impact the availability of mentorship and learning opportunities

ASSUMPTION: While Mastercard offers numerous opportunities for growth and development, applicants should be prepared to navigate the challenges that come with working in a fast-paced, global organization.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from related positions in its focus on creative strategy and its placement within the Specialized Product Delivery (SPD) department of the Advisors Client Services organization
• Mastercard's global presence and extensive client base offer unique opportunities for exposure to diverse industries, clients, and projects
• Career progression in this role may lead to senior strategy roles or other areas of the business, depending on the individual's skills, interests, and performance

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider their career goals and preferences when comparing this role to similar positions in the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a strategic narrative for a new product launch in the fintech industry
• Conducting market research and competitive analysis to inform a client's brand positioning strategy
• Analyzing business data to identify trends and insights that drive strategic decision-making for a retail client

ASSUMPTION: The specific projects a Creative Strategy Associate works on will vary depending on the clients and industries they are supporting.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Specialized Product Delivery (SPD) department?
• How does this role contribute to Mastercard's overall strategy and business goals?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within this role and the organization?
• How does Mastercard support work-life balance for its employees?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should use the interview process to gather information about the role, the team, and the organization to ensure a good fit for their skills, interests, and career goals.

📌 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 examples of your analytical and creative thinking skills to discuss during the interview
• Research Mastercard's business and industry trends to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its market
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to express your interest in the role

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