Scholastic Reading Events are in-person experiences that empower kids to discover books for themselves.
Taking place in schools and rooted in Scholastic’s greater mission to use the power of books for the betterment of all kids, Book Fairs and Book Clubs provide access to books and paths to discovery.
We’re here to deliver an experience that inspires kids toward greatness. In everything we do, we ensure every kid, caregiver, teen/tween, book fair organizer, book club teacher, and employee feels seen, respected, and welcome as part of the Scholastic Reading Events family.
The Head of Creative Strategy should have a successful track record establishing and leading creative strategy and copy teams in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate has significant expertise in building brand awareness and being a thought leader who can inspire creative teams to deliver their most impactful work, executing revenue-driving strategies that produce impactful results.
This is a fantastic opportunity to work with beloved IPs, like Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Captain Underpants, Dog Man, and The Bad Guys, and research, explore, and discuss the most exciting trends in culture, kids, and literacy. Does this role give you Goosebumps? Then jump on your Firebolt and join us!
Role Description
The Head of Creative Strategy articulates a vision and plan at the intersection of Marketing Strategy and Creative Execution. This highly collaborative role is a cross-functional thought leader and partner. The Head of Creative Strategy will develop the Creative Strategy for high-priority customer campaigns, providing the foundation for creative decision-making and brief writing.
Skilled at developing creative and messaging concepts and inspiring how a marketing strategy can be best expressed in a creative asset, this individual is experienced in generating a high-level vision for marketing projects' creative concepts and message activation.
The Head of Creative Strategy is a highly collaborative team player who elevates creative ideas and inspires more ideas from subject matter experts in Marketing Strategy, Customer Experience, and Digital Marketing.
Customer-obsessed and up-to-date on the most recent trends, the Head of Creative Strategy cares deeply about marketing impact and shaping creative connections with Scholastic’s customers.
Responsibilities
- Strategically frame creative ideation to support marketing and business objectives.
- Collaborate closely with marketing leadership to develop creative positioning, clarify messaging hierarchy, and prioritize key campaigns.
- Make strategic adjustments to foundational strategies, socialized and implemented by the creative directors, that may impact editorial guidelines and briefs.
- Collaborate closely with the Marketing and Creative leadership to drive brand cohesion, unifying creative strategy, copy, and visual approaches to optimize the consumer experience.
- Lead cross-functional brainstorming and ideation sessions.
- Socialize concepts to stakeholder groups.
- Actively seek references and inspiration for marketing approaches that connect with media specialists, librarians, educators, parent communities, and children.
- Stay current and connected to kid culture, trends, and kid lit.
- Consult and coordinate with creative directors as needed to keep copy and voice aligned with creative strategies.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to craft a strategic foundation for compelling stories that connect our consumers through matrixed customer journeys
- Excellent command of written language and a strong appreciation for visual presentation and platform context
- Extensive management experience; highly networked in the creative community with the ability to source talent
- Sincere interest in kids, families, education, books, and kid engagement - Strong desire to work for Scholastic and drive brand affinity - Proven self-starter with a great attitude - Possess the ability to balance multiple campaigns at once and thrive in a fast-paced environment. - Exhibits adaptability and resilience in ambiguous or rapidly changing environments, leveraging creativity and strategic insight to develop impactful solutions and deliver results. - Anticipate and react seamlessly to strategy and initiative pivots - Experience working within and collaborating with cross-functional teams at all levels, as well as third-party agencies and partners. - Working knowledge of Microsoft-based software: Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint + GSuite
- Fluency with PowerPoint/Google slides and the ability to build and present decks that effectively sell creative ideas
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree
- 15+ years’ experience leading creative strategy in an agency or in-house brand management
Scholastic is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is clear: there shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam veteran. Those factors shall not influence the determination of qualifications for a job or other opportunity within the company. Further, all personnel actions (such as compensation, tuition aid, benefits, transfers, promotions, and dismissals, company-sponsored training, social and recreational programs) shall be administered without discrimination.