Associate Director, Social Marketing & Strategy

Job Description: We're looking for an Associate Director, Social Marketing & Strategy to develop and optimize social media marketing strategies for a variety of our clients. You will report to the Group Director, Social Marketing & Strategy, and will oversee Social Media Strategists & Managers while providing expertise on new social media tactics and creative social opportunities. You will develop, implement, and optimize social media marketing strategies aligned to defined KPIs. You will lead, manage, and mentor a team of Social Media Strategists and Managers. You will co‑own the client relationship with Account Leads, serving as a strategic partner to client strategy teams. You will actively elevate work quality by guiding iteration, identifying opportunities, and pushing deliverables forward. You will provide thought leadership on emerging social tactics and platform opportunities. You will translate social insights into actionable strategies in partnership with Content Lab, Creative, and Influencer teams. You will ensure social best practices are embedded across channel plans, annual marketing strategies, and key initiatives. You will collaborate cross‑functionally to deliver integrated, culturally relevant social marketing plans. You will establish oversight and controls to ensure initiatives are delivered on time and meet or exceed brand expectations. You will use performance data to inform optimization, creative direction, and strategic decision‑making. You will develop and grow junior talent through coaching, feedback, and education. You will influence broader social team processes, ways of working, and organizational goals through leadership and example. Key Accountabilities Communication Skills Actively seeks out relevant information by asking thoughtful, clarifying questions and continuously learning. Adapts communication style and tone to suit the audience and situation. Demonstrates strong written, presentation, and verbal communication skills that are clear and persuasive. Quickly turns ideas into actionable recommendations. Uses communication tools and technology in innovative ways to inform, persuade, and inspire. Strategic Leadership Effectively manages multiple projects, identifying efficiencies and new opportunities. Leads across disciplines, driving work forward and keeping teams aligned. Approaches challenges with a creative, solutions‑oriented mindset focused on both the work and ways of working. Crafts clear, inspiring briefs that unlock strong creative thinking. Develops strategies grounded in consumer, category, and cultural insights to solve client problems in new ways. Demonstrates a proactive leadership style and encourages the same across the team. Works independently and manages up when needed. Applies a strong understanding of social analytics to optimize content and performance. Partners with social strategists to identify cultural moments and trends worth activating. Management Develops team members by fostering participation, creativity, accountability, and collaboration. Provides clear direction while involving direct reports in planning and decision‑making. Takes ownership of team performance and output. Remains accessible and supportive to direct reports. Delivers regular, constructive feedback. Invests in the growth and skill development of team members. Qualifications: 7-9 years minimum experience Expertise in and passion for the social space We’re looking for candidates who are excited by the internet, love that it’s ever-changing, and understand how to apply this to clients Agency experience preferred Additional Information At dentsu, we believe great work happens when we’re connected. Our way of working combines flexibility with in-person collaboration to spark ideas and strengthen our teams. Employees who live within a commutable distance of one of our hub offices, currently located in Chicago, metro Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York City, are required and expected to work from the office three days per week (two days per week for employees based in Los Angeles). Dentsu may designate other Hub offices at any time. Those who live outside a commutable range may be designated as remote, depending on the role and business needs. Regardless of your work location, we expect our employees to be flexible to meet the needs of our Company and clients, which may include attendance in an office. The annual salary range for this position is $94,875-$138,000. Placement within the salary range is based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and other factors permitted by law. Benefits available with this position include: • Medical, vision, and dental insurance, • Life insurance, • Short-term and long-term disability insurance, • 401k, • Flexible paid time off, • At least 15 paid holidays per year, • Paid sick and safe leave, and • Paid parental leave. Dentsu also complies with applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies. For further details regarding Dentsu benefits, please visit To begin the application process, please click on the “Apply” button at the top of this job posting. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted for next steps. #LI-SS1 #LI-Hybrid Location: New York Brand: Dentsu Creative Time Type: Full time Contract Type: Permanent Dentsu is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We do this without regard to race, color, national origin, sex , sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religious practices and observances, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Dentsu is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to, among others, individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to search and apply for a career opportunity with us, please send an e-mail to View email address on click.appcast.io by clicking on the link to let us know the nature of your accommodation request and your contact information. We are here to support you. Can’t find a suitable job? Sign up for job alerts tailored to your interests and be first in line for new opportunities. About dentsu For over 120 years, innovation has been a core tenet of our offering – exploring new ways to reach, engage and nurture relationships with audiences. Together we drive a multiplier effect for clients at a global scale, through the development of Integrated Growth Solutions that are underpinned by our promise to clients: innovating to impact. Be a force for good. Sustainability is a vital part of our business and an important area of focus for our clients. We’re leading the way – helping to build a more sustainable planet. Dream loud. In this moment of transformation, we need our people to be fearless, embracing change and ambiguity, driven by the love for their work and excitement for the future. Team without limits. We create opportunities for connection and collaboration between our colleagues and clients, building a sense of belonging and having some fun along the way. Find out more about us Who we are Our Social Impact Our work