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Senior Principal Brand

Discover Financial Services
Full-time
On-site
Riverwoods, Illinois, United States
🎨 Brand & Creative Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Senior Principal Brand - Advertising

πŸ”Ή Company: Discover Financial Services

πŸ”Ή Location: Riverwoods, IL

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time

πŸ”Ή Category: Marketing

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: May 8, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 10+ years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site (with up to 10% travel)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Leading cross-functional teams to develop and deliver integration communications
  • Managing agency relationships and coordinating agency operations
  • Directing creative development and ensuring adherence to timelines and processes
  • Contributing to brand presence in the marketplace and achieving business goals
  • Regularly communicating with marketing and executives

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, project management, and stakeholder engagement. It involves working with multiple teams and agencies, so strong leadership and communication skills are essential.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Lead cross-functional teams to develop and deliver integration communications, including communications strategy, creative development through implementation

βœ… Manage agency relationships, partners closely with internal and external creative & marketing teams, and ensure best in class agency operations

βœ… Direct and coordinate agency selection, evaluation, and management activities of the business

βœ… Build strong professional connections across business and shared services/support functions, and with external partners

βœ… Manage key end-to-end integration creative & marketing projects from briefing through implementation

βœ… Contribute to building brand presence in the marketplace and contributing to overarching business goals

βœ… Responsible for regular communications/presentations with marketing and executives

ASSUMPTION: This role involves managing multiple projects simultaneously, so strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks are crucial.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or Business Administration and Management

Experience: 8+ years of experience in Marketing, Management, Brand Communications, Project Management, Integrated Marketing, Advertising, or related fields

Required Skills:

  • Proven leadership and project management skills
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Strong strategic thinking and creative problem-solving abilities
  • Familiarity with agency management and creative development processes
  • Ability to manage risk and escalate customer-impacting issues

Preferred Skills:

  • 10+ years of experience in related fields

ASSUMPTION: Given the strategic nature of this role, candidates with a proven track record in brand management, advertising, or related fields are likely to be successful.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $106,000 - $178,800 per year (based on industry standards for this role and experience level)

Benefits:

  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, & Health Savings Account
  • Short and Long Term Disability, Life, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurances
  • Recognition Program
  • Education Assistance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Family Support Programs
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with potential travel up to 10%

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a senior-level marketing role in the United States. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, education, and location.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Financial Services, specifically focused on credit cards, deposit products, consumer lending, and payments technology

Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Enterprise-level)

Founded: 1986 (as a division of Sears, Roebuck and Co.)

Company Description:

  • Discover is a leading direct bank and payment services company
  • Offers a range of credit cards, deposit products, and consumer lending services
  • Provides payment services, including the Discover Network, PULSE, and Diners Club International

Company Specialties:

  • Credit Cards
  • Deposit Products
  • Consumer Lending
  • Payments Technology
  • Student Loans
  • Personal Loans
  • Home Loans
  • Home Equity Loans
  • Debit and Transaction Services

Company Website: discover.com

ASSUMPTION: Discover is a well-established company in the financial services industry, with a strong brand and extensive product offerings. This role offers the opportunity to work for a large, stable organization with significant resources and growth potential.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior-level, strategic role with significant responsibility for brand management and agency coordination

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Brand Advertising and works closely with cross-functional teams and external agencies

Work Arrangement: Primarily on-site, with up to 10% travel required

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential advancement to a leadership role within the brand advertising team
  • Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and contribute to the company's overall success
  • Chance to develop and refine skills in brand management, agency coordination, and strategic planning

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the company's brand and business goals.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate headquarters with a professional, collaborative work environment

Office Location(s): Riverwoods, IL

Geographic Context:

  • Riverwoods is a suburb of Chicago, located approximately 30 miles north of the city
  • The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to cultural attractions, dining, and outdoor recreation
  • Riverwoods is home to several major corporations and has a highly educated workforce

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with some flexibility for remote work as needed

ASSUMPTION: The Riverwoods location offers a convenient commute for residents of the Chicago metropolitan area and provides easy access to a wide range of amenities and cultural attractions.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application and resume submission
  • Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
  • In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
  • Final interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Leadership and project management abilities
  • Communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Familiarity with agency management and creative development processes

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Be prepared to discuss your approach to brand management, agency coordination, and strategic planning
  • Demonstrate your ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively

ATS Keywords: Brand Management, Agency Coordination, Strategic Planning, Project Management, Marketing, Advertising, Cross-Functional Teams, Stakeholder Management, Risk Management

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, so it's essential to tailor your application materials and be prepared to demonstrate your qualifications and fit for the position.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
  • Creative briefing and collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Slack)
  • Agency management platforms (e.g., Workamajig, Flock, Agency Mania)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant project management and agency management tools is essential for success in this role.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Customer-centric
  • Collaborative
  • Innovative
  • Accountable
  • Respectful

Work Style:

  • Fast-paced and dynamic
  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Results-driven and focused on continuous improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
  • Are you able to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively?
  • Do you have strong communication and stakeholder management skills?
  • Are you comfortable working with external agencies and managing creative development processes?

ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires a strong cultural fit with Discover's values and work style, as well as the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
  • Working with external agencies and coordinating creative development processes
  • Navigating a large, complex organization and building effective relationships with stakeholders
  • Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment

ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong project management, communication, and stakeholder management skills, as well as the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is similar to a Senior Brand Manager or Advertising Manager position, but with a greater emphasis on agency coordination and project management
  • Unlike other roles in the industry, this position requires a strong understanding of agency management and creative development processes
  • Career progression in this role may lead to leadership positions within the brand advertising team or related functions

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to similar positions in the industry, requiring a specific skill set and cultural fit.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a comprehensive brand advertising campaign, including strategy, creative development, and implementation
  • Managing a cross-functional team to rebrand a product or service, including market research, creative development, and launch
  • Coordinating a large-scale event or promotion, including vendor management, logistics, and on-site execution

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and project management aspects of the role, as well as the opportunity to work on high-impact initiatives.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the team structure and reporting lines for this role?
  • How does this role contribute to the company's overall brand strategy and business goals?
  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
  • How does Discover support the growth and development of its employees?
  • What is the typical career path for someone in this role?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the work environment and career growth opportunities.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Prepare for your interview by researching Discover's brand, products, and industry trends
  • Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the position

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