Head of Strategy and Analysis

Ruder Finn is seeking an experienced Director of Social Strategy to join our growing Digital (DIG) practice. In this role, you will be responsible for developing social strategies and social-first content programs across a diverse portfolio of clients and industries. The Director will bring a strong understanding of the evolving social media landscape and the ability to translate business and communications objectives into effective social strategies. This individual will provide strategic counsel, guide content development, identify opportunities for innovation, and oversee the execution of integrated digital programs across client accounts. You will lead social strategy and campaign development, generate culturally relevant ideas, guide content creation, and oversee the execution of integrated digital initiatives across a range of client accounts. The ideal candidate combines strong cultural instincts with a sophisticated social/digital skillset and a proven ability to create programs that spark conversation, strengthen brand relevance, and deliver measurable results. This role will allow for growth, giving you the opportunity to apply your creativity and skills across key areas. Key Responsibilities Strategically plan social content strategy and communications, integrating both paid and organic tactics supported by data-driven insights. Provide strategic counsel to clients on social media best practices, platform strategy, audience engagement, content development, and emerging digital opportunities. Lead social content and strategy, ensuring alignment with broader communications programs and social media integration while exploring new opportunities in digital tools and technologies Develop proactive, culturally relevant ideas that enable clients to participate credibly in emerging conversations, cultural moments, and social trends. Counsel clients on how and when to enter the conversation, balancing speed, brand relevance, audience expectations, and other considerations. Serve as a key contact for clients, acting as key social and digital expertise to support their digital knowledge ongoing. Support in the operational performance of accounts, ensuring high-quality deliverables, adherence to deadlines, and budget optimization. Deliver superior client service by aligning digital objectives with senior management direction, providing clear updates on project timelines, and ensuring seamless coordination across internal teams and external stakeholders Mentor and develop junior team members, fostering expertise in digital and cutting-edge campaign strategies Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive execution across all digital channels and platforms Review and analyze campaign performance to develop client-facing reports and provide actionable insights for enhancement of client reputation and strategic improvements Support social listening, issues management, crisis communications, and digital reputation initiatives as needed. Partner with external vendors to strengthen the delivery of high-impact crisis communication strategies and digital reputation management Qualifications A strong passion for social media marketing, coupled with the ability and curiosity to leverage emerging industry trends to effectively coordinate digital campaigns Expertise in social strategy and content development, as well as the execution of social listening, marketing, data analysis, and insights reporting. Direct experience creating content is a plus, but not mandatory. Expert-level knowledge of the role that paid, influencer and owned play in the brand social ecosystem. Demonstrated experience translating cultural insights, social trends, and real-time moments into compelling content strategies, and integrated campaigns. A firm understanding of the creative process and what makes strong social content. Experience should include working with creative production teams to deliver high-impact creative and content to clients. Strong organizational skills with the ability to work across multiple high‐profile and high‐budget programs in a fast‐paced, consistently changing environment Ability to multitask and operate with flexibility in a fast‐paced environment to meet tight deadlines Proven experience managing and coaching a team Experience managing influencer campaigns with talent is a plus but not required. Benefits & More You will receive a competitive base salary and bonus opportunity You will also be able to enroll in our Health, Dental, Vision, company paid Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Account, as well as 401k (match) plan. Monthly allowance for cell phone, office equipment, etc. Generous PTO policy with paid maternity/paternity leave Professional learning and development opportunities Workplace flexibility On-site and off-site social gatherings The anticipated salary range for this position, at the time of posting, is $98,000-$115,000. The salary of the applicant selected for this role will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, internal equity, geography, relevant years of experience, certifications, skills, abilities of the selected applicant, and other job-related qualifications. In addition, a range of medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and/or other benefits are also available through the company. Ruder Finn provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Ruder Finn believes that diversity and inclusion among our employees is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.US Chicago ILType: Full time