Applied Strategist (Level I)

Applied Strategist (Level I) Open to candidates in New York or Cincinnati

The Vision


Citizen Relations is at the forefront of AI transformation. We are moving beyond the traditional boundaries of PR and earned media into the broader, more impactful territory of Reputation. To lead this evolution, our Applied Strategy & Intelligence group has evolved beyond the traditional agency approach in favor of a high-functioning Pod Model. This team is a flat, skills-first structure where intelligence, technology, and strategy converge.

We are seeking an Applied Strategist (Level I) . This entry-level role will support their team as a Consultant-Doer that helps clients bridge the gap between high-level business ambitions, and brand, channel and measurement strategy. This role is designed for those who are eager to learn, think critically, and are curious about the lifecycle of MarComm efforts driving real-world business impact.


The Team


This role sits within our Applied Strategy & Intelligence (Ap-SI) team. We are a forward leaning team, modernizing our ways of working through our unique approach:

• Dedicated teams
• Value-based, outcomes focused
• Integrated workflows
• Coordinate across all shades of strategy
• Strategic counsel and decisioning from planning through to optimizations
• Applied solutions across the full customer lifecycle from discovery to loyalty
• Connects brand, reputation and creative strategy to performance and business.

The Role: Strategic Implementation & Counsel


As a Level I Applied Strategist, you will work in support of a strategic lead overseeing a portfolio. You will provide support, and lead in critical areas of projects while partnering cross-functionally with our PR, Creative, and Experiential departments.


Key Accountabilities:

• Strategic Support: Develop an understanding of key shades of strategy, and how the work creates impact for brands by supporting Sr. Applied Strategist
• Research, Insights & Planning: Through access to our tech stack, and available online resources, identify and determine opportunities for brand MarComms across the category, competitors, and audience segments.
• Applied Execution: Moving from the insights into action, help deploy or orchestrate key tasks in the go-to-market phase.
• Measurement & Outcomes: Determine the results and identify optimizations for continued campaign engagement, or define impact of the program.
• Continuous Learning: This entry-level role requires an ability to learn, evolve and adapt to the market and constant changes shaping the industry

AI Enablement & The Modern Workflow

Our team is tech-agnostic, but tech-enabled. You will support the work through a robust tech-stack to find insights others miss:

• Human in the loop: Leveraging Google AI (Gemini, AI Studio), and proprietary AI agents to optimize Human-in-the-Loop workflows.
• Governance : Strong POVs and practice when it comes to managing client data and brand safety in an AI ecosystem.
• Data Fluency: Orchestrating tools like SEMRush, Talkwalker, and various Analytics platforms (Google/Adobe/Social/CRM) to track and optimize reputation in real-time.
• Systems Thinking: Working as a multi-specialist expert in service of connecting dots between strategic disciplines (business, brand, channel, and measurement)

Skills & Attributes


Ideal candidates will possess some, if not all, of these critical skills:

• Strategic Agility: Connecting dots across the entire marketing motion, from commercial goals to channel execution.

• Data Fluency: The ability to read, decide, and consistently optimize based on performance signals.

• Creative Partnership: Fusing proactive ideation with creative expertise to turn insights into Earned moments.

• Tool Adaptability: Ability to onboard and learn legacy platforms and emerging tech-agnostic tools.

• Consultative Communication: The high-level ability to articulate the "Why" and the "How" to leaders internally, and on the client side.

• Bias for Action: A proactive, thoughtful willingness to bring ideas forward and execute without friction.

Experience & Qualifications

• 0-2+ years of experience in agency strategy, management consulting, or digital transformation roles.
• Degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field
• Working experience within AI landscape and a willingness to act when it comes to adopting new tools.
• Experience working in flat or matrixed organizations where teams are cast based on skills over roles.

Why This Role?


This isn't a traditional strategy job. This is an opportunity to define the future of agency work. You will have the ability to lead a portfolio of work, define new and improved ways to use technology to scale, and build consultative authority to transform how global brands manage their most valuable asset: their reputation.

Transparency matters to us. For this role, you can expect a salary between $50,000-57,000 annually depending on experience.

Joining Citizen Relations, you are part of the Plus Company. This network of entrepreneurial agencies is designed to collaborate, not compete. It empowers every agency - and every individual - to bring their own unique capabilities together to make magic happen. You will be empowered to take risks, dream big, develop your skills and grow in your career with the full support of the network and all it has to offer.

We thank all applicants. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.


Citizen is an equal opportunity employer. It prohibits discrimination based on age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other legally protected class in accordance with applicable federal, provincial and local laws. Citizen Relations is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you are contacted for an interview and require accommodation during the interviewing process, please let us know.