Creative Strategy Associate

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Creative Strategy Associate

🔹 Company: Mastercard

🔹 Location: Lisbon, Portugal

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: IT Services and IT Consulting

🔹 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
• Collaborating with design, copy, and consulting 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 a keen interest in branding and marketing strategy. Previous experience in brand strategy, advertising, consulting, marketing, or a creative environment is preferred.

📋 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

✅ Helping analyze business data and translate 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 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

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.)

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with data visualization tools
• Fluency in additional languages

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

💰 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

• Health insurance and wellness programs
• Retirement savings plans
• Employee discounts on Mastercard products and services
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth

Working Hours: Full-time position, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (local time)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and similar roles in Lisbon. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Mastercard operates in the IT Services and IT Consulting industry, focusing on global digital payments, technology, and processing solutions.

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

Founded: Mastercard was founded in 1966 and has since grown into a global leader in digital payments and technology.

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 innovative mobile payment solutions
• Processing and consulting services

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

ASSUMPTION: Mastercard's large size and global presence offer applicants the opportunity to work on diverse projects and gain exposure to various industries and cultures.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for early to mid-career professionals seeking to grow in the field of creative strategy and marketing.

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

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role based in Lisbon, Portugal. Occasional travel may be required for client meetings and presentations.

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 within Mastercard

ASSUMPTION: The Creative Strategy Associate role offers a unique opportunity to grow at the intersection of business strategy and creative execution, with ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

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

Office Location(s): 2000 Purchase St, Purchase, NY 10577, US (Global Headquarters); Chausee de Tervuren 198A, Waterloo, 1410, BE (European Headquarters); and various other locations worldwide

Geographic Context:

• Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, offering a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and a Mediterranean climate.
• The city is known for its historic sites, including the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, as well as its beautiful beaches and scenic views.
• Lisbon is also a major economic hub, with a growing startup scene and a strong focus on innovation and technology.

Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday to Friday, with core hours from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (local time). Occasional flexibility may be required to accommodate client needs or team meetings.

ASSUMPTION: The Lisbon office offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with opportunities for professional growth and exposure to diverse projects and teams.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission through the Mastercard careers portal
• Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
• In-depth interviews with the hiring manager and other team members
• Final round interviews, which may include a case study or presentation

Key Assessment Areas:

• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Mastercard's values
• Understanding of branding, marketing strategy, and consumer behavior

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 to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role

ATS Keywords: Creative Strategy, Brand Strategy, Marketing Strategy, Consumer Behavior, Data Analysis, Strategic Thinking, Storytelling, Presentation Skills, Client Engagement, Market Research

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a focus on assessing analytical, communication, and creative thinking skills, as well as cultural fit and alignment with Mastercard's values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel)
• Data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI)
• Project management tools (Asana, JIRA)
• Collaboration platforms (Microsoft Teams, Slack)

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data visualization tools is required for this role. Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools is also beneficial.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Doing the Right Thing
• Staying True to Ourselves
• Innovating for Our Customers
• Making it Happen

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Innovative and forward-thinking
• Data-driven and analytical
• Adaptable and responsive to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you align with Mastercard's core values, and how have you demonstrated these values in your previous experiences?
• How do you approach working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment, and can you provide examples of your successful teamwork?
• Describe a situation where you had to adapt to a significant change or challenge, and how did you approach it?

ASSUMPTION: Mastercard values a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and customer-centricity. Applicants should be able to demonstrate alignment with these values and work styles in their application and interview responses.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working with multiple stakeholders and managing competing priorities
• Keeping up with emerging industry trends and rapidly evolving client needs
• Occasional travel and flexibility to accommodate client meetings and presentations
• Balancing creative and analytical thinking in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

ASSUMPTION: The Creative Strategy Associate role offers a unique blend of creative and analytical challenges, with opportunities for professional growth and exposure to diverse projects and teams. Applicants should be prepared to manage multiple priorities and adapt to a dynamic work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional marketing or branding roles, this position focuses on strategic narrative development and data-driven insights
• This role requires a strong analytical mindset and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights
• Career progression in this role may lead to senior strategy roles or other areas within Mastercard, such as consulting or client management

ASSUMPTION: The Creative Strategy Associate role is unique in its focus on strategic narrative development and data-driven insights, offering a blend of creative and analytical challenges and opportunities for professional growth.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a strategic narrative for a new product launch, including market research, competitive analysis, and consumer insights
• Creating a data-driven framework to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and make data-informed recommendations for optimization
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and present a comprehensive client engagement strategy, including creative briefs, strategic frameworks, and actionable recommendations

ASSUMPTION: The Creative Strategy Associate role offers a diverse range of projects, from strategic narrative development and data analysis to cross-functional collaboration and client engagement. Applicants should be prepared to work on multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical workflow and project timeline for a Creative Strategy Associate in this role?
• How does this role collaborate with other teams within Mastercard, such as design, copy, and consulting?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and career growth within this role and Mastercard more broadly?
• How does Mastercard support work-life balance for employees in this role?
• Can you provide examples of successful Creative Strategy Associates in this role, and what qualities made them excel?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should use the interview process to gain a deeper understanding of the role's day-to-day responsibilities, opportunities for professional development, and the qualities that contribute to success in this position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Mastercard careers portal
• 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 to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

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