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Senior Principal, Strategy, Brand and Marketing

Nike
Full-time
On-site
Beaverton, Oregon, United States
🎨 Brand & Creative Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Senior Principal, Strategy, Brand and Marketing

πŸ”Ή Company: Nike

πŸ”Ή Location: Beaverton, Oregon, United States

πŸ”Ή Job Type: On-site

πŸ”Ή Category: Strategy & Planning

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: April 14, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 10+ years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Developing and implementing long-term strategies for athlete, team, and league partnerships
  • Blending strategic rigor and creative innovation to drive Nike's future in sports marketing
  • Collaborating with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to drive distinction and advantage
  • Working in an ambiguous environment with a bias towards action and risk-taking

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a unique blend of skills, combining business acumen, strategic thinking, and creative problem-solving. It's ideal for someone who thrives in dynamic environments and can balance both strategic and operational responsibilities.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Partner with senior leaders to develop, implement, and assess long-term strategies for athlete, team, and league partnerships

βœ… Lead cross-functional teams and multiple projects simultaneously, providing project management expertise

βœ… Facilitate productive discussions among diverse individuals with different goals

βœ… Analyze complex business issues, conduct consumer, competitive, and market analyses, and develop action plans

βœ… Create financial models, conduct research, and develop strategic recommendations

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, project management, and stakeholder communication. It requires strong analytical skills, as well as the ability to influence and persuade senior leaders.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred

Experience: 8+ years of proven experience in creative strategy, entrepreneurialism, management consulting, corporate strategy, corporate development, or business development. Or 6+ years of experience (2+ years’ experience post-graduation) with a master’s degree in business, entrepreneurialism, or creative strategy. Or 10+ years total, relevant experience is preferred in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree.

Required Skills:

  • Proven experience in leading sophisticated strategic projects
  • Ability to lead cross-functional teams and provide project management expertise
  • Proficiency in business communication tools and verbal/written storytelling
  • Experience in innovation, product creation, or digital, and/or experience in consumer-facing industries
  • Bias towards action and comfortable working in ambiguous environments
  • Superior interpersonal and relationship-building skills

Preferred Skills:

  • Prior experience in innovation or product creation and a passion about products
  • Curiosity and future-orientation

ASSUMPTION: Given the role's focus on strategy and innovation, candidates should have a strong background in strategic planning, project management, or a related field. Relevant experience in the sports industry or consumer-facing industries is a plus.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 per year (AI-estimated, based on industry standards for a senior principal role in strategy and marketing)

Benefits:

  • Competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Generous time off and paid holidays
  • Employee discounts on Nike products
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for project needs

ASSUMPTION: Salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a senior principal role in strategy and marketing. Actual salary may vary based on experience and performance.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Nike operates in the footwear manufacturing industry, with a strong focus on sports and athletic apparel. The company is a global leader in its market, with a strong brand and extensive product portfolio.

Company Size: Nike 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: Nike was founded in 1964 and has since grown into a multinational corporation with a strong global presence.

Company Description:

  • Nike is committed to redefining the future of sport through a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability
  • The company invests in innovative materials, reduces waste, embraces circular design, and implements energy-efficient practices
  • Nike is dedicated to minimizing its environmental footprint and promoting responsible consumption

Company Specialties:

  • Footwear manufacturing
  • Sports and athletic apparel
  • Sustainable business practices

Company Website: Nike.com

ASSUMPTION: Nike's commitment to sustainability is a significant aspect of its corporate culture and operations. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of and alignment with these initiatives.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior principal level, indicating significant experience and expertise in strategy and marketing. It's a senior leadership position with a high level of responsibility and influence.

Reporting Structure: The senior principal reports directly to senior leaders within the Advanced Innovation Team and collaborates with various teams across the organization.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the expectation of working from the Nike World Headquarters (WHQ) in Beaverton, Oregon. However, some flexibility may be available for specific projects or needs.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential to take on additional responsibilities and lead larger projects as experience and expertise grow
  • Opportunities to work with and learn from senior leaders and industry experts
  • Possibility to transition into other roles within the organization, given Nike's diverse range of business units and functions

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential, both within the Advanced Innovation Team and across the broader organization. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their long-term career goals and how this role fits into their overall professional development plan.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Nike's World Headquarters (WHQ) is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including a full-service gym, cafeterias, and various recreational areas.

Office Location(s): Beaverton, Oregon, United States

Geographic Context:

  • Beaverton is a suburb of Portland, Oregon, with a population of approximately 97,000 people
  • The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and a vibrant food scene
  • Oregon is known for its natural beauty, with mountains, forests, and the Pacific Ocean all within a short drive

Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, with some flexibility for project needs. The role may require occasional travel to attend meetings, conferences, or events.

ASSUMPTION: Nike's World Headquarters offers a dynamic and engaging work environment, with ample opportunities for collaboration and professional development. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their preferences for work environments and how they can thrive in this setting.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application and resume submission
  • Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
  • In-depth behavioral interviews with senior leaders and team members
  • Case study or presentation, depending on the role
  • Final interview with the hiring manager or a panel of senior leaders

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects
  • Communication and storytelling abilities
  • Alignment with Nike's mission, values, and culture

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Prepare for behavioral interviews by reflecting on your past experiences and accomplishments
  • Research Nike's mission, values, and recent initiatives to demonstrate your understanding of and alignment with the company's goals
  • Prepare a case study or presentation that showcases your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

ATS Keywords: Strategy, Brand, Marketing, Senior Principal, Athlete Partnerships, Team Partnerships, League Partnerships, Cross-Functional Leadership, Project Management, Business Development, Creative Problem-Solving, Innovation, Product Creation, Digital Experience, Relationship Building, Problem Solving, Analytical Skills, Storytelling, Curiosity

ASSUMPTION: Nike's application process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, leadership, and cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their past experiences and accomplishments in detail and demonstrate their alignment with Nike's mission and values.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
  • Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
  • Presentation software (e.g., Keynote, Prezi)

ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools. Familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools, as well as presentation software, is also beneficial.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Act with Integrity
  • Be Inclusive
  • Assume Positive Intent
  • Be Courageous
  • Be Curious
  • Be Humble
  • Be Open
  • Be Accountable

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Fast-paced and dynamic
  • Innovative and creative
  • Results-driven and focused on delivering impact

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you align with Nike's core values, and can you provide examples of how you've demonstrated these values in your past experiences?
  • How do you approach working in a collaborative, fast-paced, and dynamic environment?
  • Can you describe a time when you had to be courageous and take a risk to drive innovation or achieve a goal?

ASSUMPTION: Nike's culture is built on a strong set of core values that guide decision-making and behavior. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their alignment with these values and provide specific examples of how they've demonstrated them in their past experiences.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Working in an ambiguous environment with a high degree of uncertainty
  • Balancing strategic and operational responsibilities
  • Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
  • Navigating a large, complex organization with diverse stakeholders
  • Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their strategies for overcoming these challenges and driving success.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Compared to other strategy roles, this position places a greater emphasis on creative problem-solving and innovation
  • Unlike some strategy roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the sports industry and athlete partnerships
  • Career progression in this role may involve transitioning into other senior leadership positions within Nike's Advanced Innovation Team or other business units

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique within Nike's organization and the broader strategy and marketing industry. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of the role's unique aspects and how their background and skills align with these requirements.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing a long-term strategy for Nike's partnership with a major sports league, including recommendations for athlete activations, content creation, and event sponsorships
  • Conducting a comprehensive analysis of Nike's athlete endorsement portfolio and providing data-driven recommendations for optimizing investments and maximizing brand impact
  • Leading a cross-functional team to develop and launch a new product line targeted at a specific athlete demographic, including market research, product design, and go-to-market strategy

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, creative, and collaborative nature of the role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experiences and how they align with these project examples.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the most significant strategic challenge facing Nike's athlete partnerships in the next 3-5 years, and how this role will contribute to addressing it?
  • How does this role collaborate with other teams and functions within Nike, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this position?
  • Can you provide an example of a time when Nike's culture and values drove a successful outcome, and how this role can contribute to fostering that culture?
  • What opportunities exist for growth and development within this role and the Advanced Innovation Team?
  • How does Nike approach sustainability and environmental responsibility, and what role does this position play in driving those initiatives?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to assess the candidate's strategic thinking, cultural fit, and understanding of the role's responsibilities and opportunities. Candidates should be prepared to ask thoughtful, insightful questions that demonstrate their engagement and interest in the role.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through the Nike careers website
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Prepare for behavioral interviews by reflecting on your past experiences and accomplishments
  • Research Nike's mission, values, and recent initiatives to demonstrate your understanding of and alignment with the company's goals
  • Prepare a case study or presentation that showcases your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Follow up with the Nike HR team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps

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