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Strategy Director

Chicago, IL 60632

Posted: 05/12/2026 Category: Market Research Job Number: 23932 Salary: 140,000

Job Description

Title: Strategy Director
Location: Chicago, IL OR Remote USA
Compensation: $140-175k + bonus 
Contact: Lindsey Bartlett - lbartlett@smithhanley.com

A fast-growing strategic consultancy is hiring a senior-level strategist to lead innovation, brand, and growth-focused client engagements. This is a high-visibility seller/doer role for someone who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys solving complex business problems, and wants to help shape the future direction of a modern insights and strategy practice.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead strategic consulting engagements from discovery through delivery
  • Translate research, trends, and cultural insights into actionable growth strategies
  • Facilitate workshops, innovation sessions, and client-facing presentations
  • Grow and expand client relationships while contributing to revenue goals
  • Mentor junior team members and help elevate strategic thinking across the organization
  • Contribute to evolving methodologies, including AI-enabled approaches and innovation frameworks

What They’re Looking For

  • 7+ years in strategy, innovation, consulting, insights, or brand planning
  • Experience within a consultancy, innovation firm, research agency, or strategy-focused environment
  • Strong storytelling and presentation skills
  • Ability to navigate ambiguity and challenge client thinking
  • Commercial mindset with experience growing accounts or contributing to business development
  • Comfortable working across qualitative, quantitative, cultural, and trend-based inputs

Ideal Backgrounds

  • Innovation Strategy
  • Brand Strategy
  • Consumer Insights
  • Experience Design / Design Thinking
  • Insight-Led Consulting

Why It’s Interesting

  • Opportunity to help build and shape a growing strategic practice
  • High level of client exposure and influence
  • Entrepreneurial, collaborative culture
  • Flexible hybrid environment with strong growth potential

Meet Your Recruiter

Lindsey Bartlett
Principal

Lindsey Bartlett leads the Market Research & Consumer Insights area. With a decade of experience recruiting in this niche, Lindsey has proven successful in making the match. Her highly consultative nature combined with her dedication to excellence pushes her to swiftly and successfully find you the best talent. Lindsey is a strong recruiter and highly personable, staying abreast of new industry trends by attending a variety of conferences and participating with our affiliations. Offer her an oat milk latte and a good conversation and she’ll always be in your corner. 

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About Chicago, IL

Unlock your potential in the bustling job market around Chicago, Illinois! Dive into a world of endless possibilities and growth opportunities in the Windy City and its vibrant suburbs. From iconic landmarks like the Willis Tower and Navy Pier to the world-class cuisine of deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, this area is rich in culture and charm. Immerse yourself in the thriving arts scene at the Art Institute of Chicago or enjoy a night out at the renowned Second City comedy club. With top-notch theaters, professional sports teams like the Cubs and the Bears, and lush green spaces like Millennium Park, Chicago offers an unbeatable lifestyle for career-driven individuals. Explore our job listings today and discover why Chicago is the perfect place to kickstart your career journey!

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