VP, Media Strategy

Jellyfish
Chicago, IL

About us

Jellyfish is a full service global digital agency, combining strategy, creative, data and media buying and planning expertise with technology under one integrated roof. With almost 2,000 Jellies across 38 offices worldwide, we are the unconventional global marketing partner of the future.

We understand both brand and activation. We ensure our clients reach, influence and connect with the right audiences and fans based on data that reveals the insights to deliver exceptional creative solutions across any platform. In short, we create and deliver culturally relevant creativity that cuts through the clutter and sets hearts (and feeds) on fire.

As part of the Brandtech Group we’re at the forefront of the deployment of GenAI tools across every aspect of what we do and in PencilPro we have the world’s No 1 generative AI platform, revolutionising the process of creative production, distribution and performance prediction.

About the Role

The salary range for this position is ($210,000 - $240,000 USD per year)

We are seeking a VP, Strategy to serve as the strategic lead for one of Jellyfish’s largest global clients. In this role, you will be the senior strategic partner to the client’s Head of Strategy, be a key point of contact for other Client leaders and be the connective leader across all agencies within the Integrated Agency Team (IAT) .

This role is the central strategic leadership position across hero product launches, new category introductions, promotional moments, and annual business planning. The VP, Strategy will lead the IAT (Jellyfish media, creative, PR partner, influencer partner) to develop consumer- and audience-led strategies, ensure the creative idea is connected through the plan and, and ensure integrated, on-time delivery across channels and disciplines.

As part of this role you will also oversee Media Planning for the business—working closely with the VP, Investment—ensuring all plans and budgets are grounded in business objectives, consumer insight, and performance data.

Finally, you will be accountable for infusing Business Planning throughout the strategy and planning work that we do , collaborating deeply with Investment Analytics and Data Science to connect strategic planning, MMM (Now, Next, Soon), and performance insights into a unified strategic roadmap that drives measurable business outcomes.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned strategist with deep cross-channel expertise, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders across creative, media, analytics and client teams.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the senior strategic lead for the business, guiding all cross-channel strategy infusing business planning, and lead the Integrated Agency Team.

  • Ensuring all strategy work is audience-led and connects clearly from the creative idea through all channels and tactics.

  • Lead the development of innovative media strategies and compelling campaign narratives derived from the integrated agency team (IAT) process, ensuring execution surprises and delights clients and drives measurable results.

  • Own the development of media strategies and integrated media plans, including audience frameworks, budget allocation, and channel mix—partnering closely with the VP, Investment to ensure activation reflects strategic intent.

  • Represent and advocate for the client’s goals at all stages of the planning process, maintaining strong senior relationships and providing clear guidance that ladders up to business objectives.

  • Ensure all plans are grounded in business data such as our MMM (Now/Next/Soon) and built to achieve measurable business goals, partnering with Investment Analytics and Data Science to translate performance signals into actionable strategic recommendations.

  • Champion and operationalize the use of Brandtech Group technology and tools to elevate strategic insights, improve workflow efficiency, and enhance integration between creative, media, and analytics.

  • Oversee the proper use of planning tools and ensure teams understand their role, underlying methodologies, and application in building robust, data-informed plans.

  • Lead integrated reviews of all client work—including quarterly planning reviews and post-launch evaluations—identifying strategic opportunities, learnings, and optimizations.

  • Evangelize best-in-class strategic and media planning work across Jellyfish, sharing case studies, learnings, and inspiring high standards across the global network.

  • Mentor and develop strategy and media planning teams, setting clear developmental paths, strengthening cross-channel strategic ability, and nurturing the next generation of leaders.

  • Play an active leadership role in agency new business efforts, contributing to pitch strategy, crafting cross-channel approaches, and representing Jellyfish’s strategic capabilities with clarity and authority.

Internal

  • Model leadership with accountability and a culture that moves with speed, takes ownership, and solves problems proactively.

  • Serve as a trusted senior leader within Jellyfish and across the account, with strategic excellence, operational rigor, and collaborative ways of working for teams at all levels.

  • Foster strong integration between Strategy & Media Planning, Investment, Analytics, Creative, Project Management, and Commerce teams—ensuring unified thinking and smooth delivery across all IAT partners.

  • Champion Jellyfish’s and the Brandtech Group’s tools, technology, and GenAI capabilities, ensuring teams are properly trained, confident in their application, and using them to drive efficiency, insight, and improved outcomes.

  • Build a culture of continual improvement by codifying best practices, establishing planning frameworks, and reinforcing high standards of strategic and executional excellence.

  • Collaborate with People Management to recruit, onboard, and retain top talent, ensuring the team structure and skill mix evolve with client’s needs and Jellyfish’s operating model.

  • Partner with Client Leadership to ensure the account is resourced effectively, teams are empowered to deliver their best work, and communication flows smoothly across markets and disciplines.

  • Act as a visible leader within the global Jellyfish network—sharing cases, contributing IP, strengthening strategic methodologies, and elevating the influence of the Strategy discipline within the organization.

What you’ll need

  • Senior strategic leadership experience within an integrated or global agency, guiding complex, cross-disciplinary work for major brands.

  • Deep expertise in audience strategy and full-funnel planning, with the ability to translate business goals into clear strategic direction.

  • Strong capability in developing media strategies (audience, budget, channel mix) and partnering effectively with investment teams for activation.

  • High analytical fluency, including experience using business data, MMM, and performance insights to inform strategic decisions.

  • Comfortable applying advanced tools and GenAI technologies to elevate insight generation, planning efficiency, and integration.

  • Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with experience mentoring strategists/planners and influencing senior stakeholders.

  • Proven ability to work within multi-agency or integrated team structures, ensuring alignment across creative, media, analytics, and PR/influencer partners.

  • Experience contributing to new business efforts and representing strategic thinking with clarity and confidence.

Advantageous:

  • Willing to travel as required for business pitches and travel to various Jellyfish offices

Additional Information

Join Jellyfish and experience a workplace where we prioritize your growth, celebrate your contributions, and empower you to tailor your work environment to suit your needs

Reward: You'll be eligible to join our discretionary annual bonus scheme and 401k retirement plan.

Healthcare plans: Have peace of mind with our healthcare, vision and dental insurance, plus short and long-term disability and life cover.

Custom Work Environment: Work remotely for up to 60% of your days and shape your day between 8am. and 6:30pm with flexible working hours.

Growth, Your Way: Accumulate one paid day each month (2 hours per week) for self-development and access to Jellyfish Learn.

Family Support: Enjoy 14 weeks of paid leave for primary caregivers and 4 weeks of paid leave for secondary caregivers.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Unfortunately, there has been an increase in fake recruiters impersonating Jellyfish and unlawfully using our brand name. If you are unsure if an email with a job offer you have received is genuinely from Jellyfish, or if you suspect any fraudulent activity, please report it to [email protected].

Posted 2026-01-08

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