Director, Strategic Planning

Kepler executes engineered marketing, where every message and ad delivered helps create a more personalized and productive relationship between brands and their consumers. We do this by acting as clients’ agency of record, as their in‑house team, or some hybrid of the two – and by harnessing data and technology across all paid digital media and data‑driven CRM channels. Kepler prides itself on being a great place to work. In fact, we’re proud to share that AdAge recognized Kepler among the Best Place to Work in 2022, validating our investment in our team and our clients. We’re transparent with our employees. You’ll hear updates on company financials, how we’re performing against bonus goals, and how we’re responding to challenges we face. We’re growing. For you, that means unparalleled growth opportunities and a role in shaping the direction of the company. We’re fun. You’ll work with and learn from the smartest people in the industry and have a blast doing it. We are looking for an exceptionally talented Director, Strategic Planning to oversee Media Planning and Strategy functions for any assigned clients. This person will lead a team in the development, execution, and stewardship of integrated media plans for the client’s business. The Director is a leader who contributes to brand strategy, builds solid relationships with clients across all levels and functions, and can manage, lead, and develop their internal strategy team while also playing an active “hands‑on” role in the deployment of strategic plans. Reporting to the VP, Head of Strategic Planning, you will be the lead architect of insight‑led media strategies that turn complex data into compelling narratives. You will partner closely with Client Solutions to ensure our current NAM portfolio is thriving, while playing a pivotal leadership role in the business development process. Your superpower? Building the “bridge.” You’ll translate client business problems into actionable briefs and high‑impact pitch decks that win new business. From guiding the “big‑idea” brainstorms to ensuring Kip (Kepler Intelligence Platform) is leveraged for maximum strategic advantage, you will be the guardian of the “red thread” that connects a brand’s promise to its media performance. Key Responsibilities Business Development & Pitch Leadership – Lead the strategic response for RFPs and new business pitches, developing the core consumer insights and “winning narrative” that differentiates Kepler from the competition. Proposal Integration – Collaborate with the Growth team to build best‑in‑class pitch materials, ensuring our strategic planning toolkit is front‑and‑center in every prospect meeting. Storytelling – Present strategic recommendations to prospective CMOs and senior stakeholders with clarity, charisma, and a focus on business impact. The “Red Thread” – Ensure a continuous strategic narrative connects the initial media brief to final delivery across client QBRs and campaign launches. Consumer Intelligence – Conduct deep‑dive market research and audience analysis to develop customer personas and positioning statements that move beyond generic demographics. Communications Planning – Translate deep consumer insights into robust communications planning architectures, defining how, where, and when the brand optimally connects with audiences across paid, owned, and earned ecosystems. Brief Development – Synthesize “messy” client business problems into clean, actionable creative and media briefs that inspire internal execution teams. Omni‑Channel Planning – Formulate integrated communication strategies across full funnel channels including traditional, digital and commerce, ensuring brand strategy aligns perfectly with tactical execution. Big Idea Development – Think beyond hard‑working media channels to craft unique approaches that drive cultural resonance with consumers. Kip Evolution – Lead stakeholder for the Kepler Intelligence Platform, identifying opportunities to improve planning tech and data‑driven forecasting capabilities. Strategic Frameworks – Develop and implement standardized communication and planning frameworks that drive consistency and excellence across the North American portfolio. Trend Forecasting – Stay ahead of industry shifts (e.g., AI‑driven media, privacy changes) to inform long‑term planning for both current clients and prospects. Cross‑Functional Partnership – Work in lockstep with Client Solutions leads to clarify client objectives and define high‑level success metrics. Team Mentorship – Manage and grow a team of strategic planners, fostering a culture of curiosity and rigorous analytical thinking. Desired Skills and Experience 10+ Years of Experience – Proven track record in full funnel and performance media planning, brand strategy, or communications planning within an agency environment. Heavy Pitch Experience – Demonstrated success in a high‑pressure business development environment, with a portfolio of won RFPs. Journey Mapping Expert – Strong experience developing consumer‑centric, full‑funnel communications plans that account for the entire path to purchase. Ad‑Tech Fluent – A data‑first mindset with the ability to extract unique insights using advanced media planning tools, audience platforms, and scenario‑forecasting software. Executive Presence – Polished communication skills with the ability to command a room and influence senior client leadership (Director to VP level). Collaborative Leader – Ability to navigate internal stakeholders and lead direct reports while influencing broader, cross‑functional agency teams. Tool Fluency – Excellent use of planning tools such as GWI, NMI, YouGov, eMarketer, etc.; ability to teach others and be a centralized tool resource. Total Compensation Target Annualized Discretionary Bonus: 10% ($14,000 - $16,000) Target Total Cash: $154,000 - $176,000 Healthcare/Dental/Vision Unlimited PTO 401k Contributions $75/mo Wellness Stipend $2,000/yr Annual Tuition Stipend Parental Leave – 16 week primary caregiver / 6 week secondary caregiver leave Annual Work From Anywhere – 4 weeks per year Kepler is a people first organization. If this role piques your interest but you may not check every box, we still encourage you to apply! Studies show that imposter syndrome can prevent women and people of color from applying unless they meet every single qualification. We welcome all who are interested to apply; you just might be a great candidate for this role or others. Protect yourself from recruitment fraud. The only way to apply for a position at Kepler is by submitting a direct application via the Keplergrp.com website or working with a recruiter employed by Kepler with a @keplergrp.com email address. Learn how to stay safe by clicking here. U.S. Standard Demographic Questions We invite potential applicants to share their demographic background. If you choose to complete this survey, your responses may be used to identify areas of improvement in our hiring process. This job posting is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. #J-18808-Ljbffr