Digital Marketing Strategy Practice Lead

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Digital Marketing Strategy Practice Lead 🔹 Company: Verndale 🔹 Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Remote OK) 🔹 Job Type: Full-Time 🔹 Category: Marketing 🔹 Date Posted: July 10, 2025 🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: - Developing integrated digital marketing strategies across Paid Media, SEO, CRM, content, and analytics - Defining crawl-walk-run maturity models aligned to business goals and marketing capabilities - Leading stakeholder discovery sessions to align business needs with digital execution - Building business cases and creating measurable OKRs that link investment to impact - Incorporating strategic use of Optimizely, Sitecore, and HubSpot across content, media, and personalization programs - Bringing Generative AI tools into strategy development for ideation, content, optimization, and experimentation - Defining executional roadmaps and aligning delivery teams across creative, content, tech, and analytics ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong consulting mindset, with a deep understanding of Paid Media strategy and cross-channel fluency. Experience with marketing technology assessments and enablement is also crucial. 📋 Key Responsibilities ✅ Lead and Evolve the Marketing Strategy Practice - Develop integrated digital marketing strategies across Paid Media, SEO, CRM, content, and analytics - Define crawl-walk-run maturity models aligned to business goals and marketing capabilities - Lead stakeholder discovery sessions to align business needs with digital execution - Build business cases and create measurable OKRs that link investment to impact - Incorporate strategic use of Optimizely, Sitecore, and HubSpot across content, media, and personalization programs - Bring Generative AI tools into strategy development for ideation, content, optimization, and experimentation - Define executional roadmaps and align delivery teams across creative, content, tech, and analytics ✅ Drive Client Impact - Conduct Marketing Technology Assessments to evaluate current-state platforms, integrations, and team readiness - Provide platform-agnostic guidance and recommendations to inform martech roadmaps and investment - Facilitate enablement planning to help clients scale capabilities across campaign execution, personalization, reporting, and testing - Collaborate with stakeholders to activate platforms like Optimizely ODP, Sitecore XP, and HubSpot as part of strategic programs - Connect insights from tools like GA4, Looker Studio, and HubSpot to decision-making and optimization planning ✅ Support Sales & Business Development - Collaborate with business development leads on strategic scopes and proposals - Participate in discovery calls and RFP responses as the strategic and martech SME - Help shape go-to-market strategy for offerings such as: - Marketing Strategy & Technology Assessment - Strategic Planning & OKR Workshops - Martech Enablement & Campaign Activation Readiness - Contribute to thought leadership content, POVs, and external presentations ✅ Mentor, Scale, and Enable - Coach junior strategists and support cross-functional team development - Develop toolkits, templates, and enablement materials to guide delivery across strategy and martech workstreams - Maintain platform fluency across Optimizely, Sitecore, and HubSpot and share knowledge to raise internal team capability - Contribute to internal training and platform-specific education programs for clients and delivery teams ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires strong communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to lead workshops, deliver presentations, and influence stakeholders at the executive level. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: - Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Strategy, or a related field preferred Experience: - 8-10+ years of experience in digital marketing strategy and planning, preferably within a consulting or agency environment Required Skills: - Strong expertise in Paid Media strategy with experience across Search, Social, Programmatic, and Display - Experience workshopping business goals, defining OKRs, and building executive-ready business cases - Demonstrated experience leading or contributing to Marketing Technology Assessments (current-state, gap analysis, vendor/platform evaluation) - Hands-on knowledge of Optimizely (CMS, ODP), Sitecore (XP, XM Cloud), and HubSpot, including how these platforms support personalization, content, and CRM - Fluency in Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini) for ideation, planning, and content optimization - Strong understanding of analytics platforms (GA4, Looker Studio, HubSpot reporting) and their role in ROI-focused strategies - Skilled communicator and facilitator, able to lead workshops, deliver presentations, and influence stakeholders at the executive level Preferred Skills: - Experience with marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, Pardot, or HubSpot) - Familiarity with A/B testing and optimization strategies - Knowledge of data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) ASSUMPTION: While not required, experience with marketing automation platforms and data visualization tools can be beneficial for success in this role. 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $150,000 - $180,000 per year (based on experience and industry standards for the role, experience level, and location) Benefits: - Health, dental, and vision insurance - 401K with company match - Life, disability, and long-term care insurance - Employee assistance program (EAP) - Generous paid time off (PTO) and company holidays - Remote work options and flexible scheduling - Professional development opportunities and training Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for remote work arrangements ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal compensation structure. 📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context Industry: IT Services and IT Consulting Company Size: 201-500 employees Founded: 1998 (with over 25 years of experience in the industry) Company Description: Verndale is a digital experience agency dedicated to driving growth by helping businesses create meaningful human connections in an increasingly digital world. With offices in Boston, Montreal, Los Angeles, Quito, and hubs across the Americas, we partner with marketing and technology leaders to deliver personalized web, mobile, and ecommerce solutions that elevate customer experiences. Our services span strategy, design, development, personalization, SEO, analytics, and digital advertising. Company Specialties: - Analytics & business intelligence - Behavior-based personalization - Demand generation - eCommerce strategy - Managed services - Mobile experiences - Strategic planning - Systems integration - Usability & research - Web content management & co-development - Web design - Sitecore - Optimizely - Data Strategy - Digital Marketing - User Experience - Digital Experience - Customer Experience - and Salesforce Company Website: ASSUMPTION: Verndale's extensive experience and diverse service offerings make it well-positioned to serve clients in various industries and help them navigate the challenges of rapid technological change. 📊 Role Analysis Career Level: Senior-level role with significant strategic and leadership responsibilities Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the VP of Marketing Services and works closely with cross-functional teams, including strategy, creative, content, technology, and analytics Work Arrangement: Remote OK, with the option for a hybrid work arrangement out of the Boston office Growth Opportunities: - Potential to shape the evolution of Verndale's Marketing Services offering and deliver lasting impact for clients looking to modernize their marketing approach - Opportunities to lead from the front and drive strategic initiatives that drive growth and maturity for clients and the internal team - Potential to mentor junior strategists and contribute to internal training and platform-specific education programs ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires a strong consulting mindset, with a deep understanding of Paid Media strategy and cross-channel fluency. Experience with marketing technology assessments and enablement is also crucial. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: Hybrid (remote and on-site options available) Office Location(s): - 266 Summer St, Floor 7, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, US - Los Angeles, California 90230, US - Edf. Metropolitan, Oficina 1704, Quito , Naciones Unidas y Nuñez de Vela 170135, EC - 1117 St-Catherine W. Suite 110, Montréal, QC H3B1H9, CA Geographic Context: - Boston, Massachusetts: A major tech hub with a thriving startup scene and established enterprise companies - Los Angeles, California: A global entertainment and tech hub with a diverse range of industries - Quito, Ecuador: A growing tech hub with a focus on nearshoring and regional markets - Montreal, Quebec: A tech hub with a strong focus on AI, gaming, and ecommerce Work Schedule: Flexible, with core hours between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM EST (with accommodations for remote team members in different time zones) ASSUMPTION: Verndale's global presence and flexible work arrangements enable employees to collaborate with diverse teams and work on projects with international scope. 💼 Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Online application submission through the provided link 2. Phone or video screening with the hiring manager or a member of the HR team 3. In-depth phone or video interview with the VP of Marketing Services and/or other senior team members 4. Final on-site or virtual interview with key stakeholders, including the CEO and other senior leaders Key Assessment Areas: - Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills - Ability to develop and present compelling business cases and OKRs - Experience with marketing technology assessments and roadmap development - Knowledge of relevant marketing platforms (Optimizely, Sitecore, HubSpot) and analytics tools (GA4, Looker Studio) - Strong communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to lead workshops and influence stakeholders Application Tips: 1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this specific role 2. Showcase your understanding of Verndale's services, industry, and the specific challenges faced by their clients 3. Prepare examples of your experience with marketing strategy, technology assessments, and roadmap development 4. Practice presenting business cases and OKRs, and be ready to discuss your approach to strategic consulting 5. Research Verndale's company culture and be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs ATS Keywords: Digital Marketing Strategy, Paid Media, SEO, CRM, Content, Analytics, Marketing Technology Assessment, Generative AI, Stakeholder Engagement, Business Case Development, OKRs, Optimizely, Sitecore, HubSpot, GA4, Looker Studio ASSUMPTION: Verndale's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit. Being prepared to discuss your approach to marketing strategy and technology assessments is crucial for success. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Marketing platforms: Optimizely, Sitecore, HubSpot - Analytics tools: GA4, Looker Studio - Generative AI tools: ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini - Project management tools: Asana, Jira, or similar - Collaboration tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar - Design tools: Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, or similar ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with the listed tools is beneficial for success in this role. However, Verndale values candidates who are eager to learn and adapt to new technologies as needed. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Creativity: We foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning - Transparency: We encourage open communication and collaboration - Integrity: We uphold the highest ethical standards in all our actions - Excellence: We strive for excellence in all we do, from strategy to execution Work Style: - Collaborative: We work closely with clients and internal teams to deliver exceptional results - Agile: We adapt quickly to changing client needs and market trends - Data-driven: We use data to inform our strategies and measure our success - Client-focused: We prioritize our clients' needs and goals above all else Self-Assessment Questions: 1. How do your personal values align with Verndale's company values? 2. How do you approach working with diverse teams and stakeholders, both internally and with clients? 3. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in a project or client requirement? 4. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in digital marketing and technology? 5. Can you describe a situation where you had to influence stakeholders to adopt a new strategy or approach? ASSUMPTION: Verndale values candidates who embody their core values and can thrive in their collaborative, agile, data-driven, and client-focused work environment. ⚠️ Potential Challenges 1. Changing client needs and priorities: Verndale's clients may have evolving needs and priorities, requiring the strategy practice lead to adapt quickly and pivot as needed 2. Keeping up with industry trends and best practices: The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and the strategy practice lead must stay current with the latest trends and tools to provide valuable insights to clients 3. Managing multiple projects and stakeholders: This role involves leading multiple client engagements and collaborating with various internal teams, requiring strong project management and stakeholder communication skills 4. Balancing strategic and tactical work: The strategy practice lead must balance high-level strategic thinking with tactical execution, ensuring that roadmaps and recommendations are actionable and achievable ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, and a deep understanding of both strategic and tactical aspects of digital marketing. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison 1. Digital Marketing Strategist (Agency): This role focuses more on executing strategies rather than developing them, and may have less exposure to client stakeholders and cross-functional teams 2. Marketing Technology Consultant: This role focuses primarily on technology assessments and roadmap development, with less emphasis on overall marketing strategy and business case development 3. Senior Marketing Manager (In-house): This role is typically focused on executing marketing strategies within a single organization, rather than developing and implementing strategies across multiple clients ASSUMPTION: The Digital Marketing Strategy Practice Lead role at Verndale offers a unique blend of strategic consulting, technology assessments, and cross-functional collaboration, setting it apart from similar roles in the industry. 📝 Sample Projects 1. Marketing Technology Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of a client's current marketing technology stack, identifying gaps, and recommending platform upgrades or replacements to support their growth objectives 2. Strategic Planning & OKR Workshop: Facilitate a workshop with a client's executive team to align on business goals, define measurable OKRs, and develop a roadmap for achieving their desired outcomes 3. Martech Enablement & Campaign Activation Readiness: Collaborate with a client's marketing team to assess their readiness for campaign activation, providing guidance on platform configuration, data management, and reporting to ensure a successful launch ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and deliverables for the Digital Marketing Strategy Practice Lead role at Verndale. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview 1. Role-specific: Can you describe a time when you had to develop a marketing strategy for a complex or challenging client? How did you approach the project, and what was the outcome? 2. Company-specific: How does Verndale support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the Marketing Services practice? 3. Industry-specific: What trends are you seeing in the digital marketing landscape, and how do you think they will impact Verndale's clients in the near future? 4. Team-specific: How does the Marketing Services team collaborate with other departments, such as creative, content, and technology, to deliver integrated solutions for clients? 5. Personal growth: What opportunities are there for me to grow professionally within this role and at Verndale more broadly? ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, relevant questions demonstrates your interest in the role and helps you better understand the company, its culture, and the opportunities for growth. 📌 Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through the provided link: 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this specific role 3. Prepare examples of your experience with marketing strategy, technology assessments, and roadmap development 4. Practice presenting business cases and OKRs, and be ready to discuss your approach to strategic consulting 5. Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative one week after your initial application, inquiring about the status of your application and expressing your continued interest in the role ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.