Senior Strategist

M&C Saatchi Group

Senior Strategist leading integrated communications strategies at M+C Saatchi World Services. Collaborating across teams to shape public engagement initiatives and support federal and defense-related missions.

Posted 7/30/2026full-timeWashington DC • District of Columbia, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $120,000 - $140,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and leading strategic communications initiatives, with a strong focus on audience engagement, narrative development, and campaign evaluation. Proficient in utilizing AI-enabled research and behavioral science principles to inform communications strategies and enhance stakeholder impact.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic Communications DevelopmentAudience Engagement StrategiesCommunications Measurement and EvaluationBehavioral Science PrinciplesStakeholder Engagement Methodologies

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Communications PlanningNarrative DevelopmentCampaign EvaluationAudience ResearchMessaging FrameworksContent DirectionStrategic BriefsBehavior Change CommunicationsTrend AnalysisStakeholder Analysis

Soft Skills

Strategic ThinkingAnalytical ReasoningProblem-SolvingOutstanding WritingPresentation Skills

Tools & Technologies

AI-Enabled Research ToolsAudience Intelligence ToolsMeasurement FrameworksCreative BriefsCommunications Playbooks

Industry Keywords

Public AffairsFederal Government CommunicationsDepartment of DefenseInternational DevelopmentNational SecurityMission-Driven CommunicationsStakeholder Engagement FrameworksStrategic Influence MethodologiesU.S. Government Security ClearanceCommunications Degree

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the development and implementation of integrated communications strategies that support organizational priorities, stakeholder engagement objectives, and mission outcomes.
Serve as the senior strategic advisor on messaging, narrative development, communications planning, and audience engagement approaches.
Develop enterprise messaging frameworks, communications playbooks, strategic guidance documents, and campaign roadmaps.
Provide strategic counsel to leadership regarding communications risks, opportunities, stakeholder perceptions, and narrative positioning.
Guide audience research, stakeholder analysis, behavioral insights, and communications assessments to inform strategy development.
Lead the creation of strategic briefs, communications plans, creative briefs, messaging frameworks, and content direction for multidisciplinary teams.
Ensure consistency and alignment of messaging across digital, print, media, stakeholder engagement, and executive communications channels.
Collaborate with creative, content, media, analytics, stakeholder engagement, UX, and program teams to ensure communications strategies are effectively executed.
Evaluate campaign effectiveness and communications performance through the application of measurement frameworks, audience insights, and impact assessments.
Support executive communications, leadership engagements, policy communications, and high-profile stakeholder initiatives.
Provide strategic oversight and mentorship to junior strategists and communications professionals while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.
Identify opportunities for innovation, process improvement, and new approaches that strengthen communications effectiveness and audience impact.
Contribute to business growth efforts by supporting proposal development, strategic planning activities, and client engagement opportunities.
Represent M&C Saatchi World Services as a trusted strategic advisor in client meetings, workshops, conferences, and stakeholder engagements.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experience developing and leading strategic communications, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, behavior change, or integrated communications initiatives.
Demonstrated success creating communications strategies that influence audience attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors across diverse stakeholder groups.
Strong understanding of communications planning, audience research, behavioral science principles, narrative development, and stakeholder engagement methodologies.
Experience incorporating AI-enabled research, audience intelligence, and trend analysis tools into communications, engagement, and strategic planning efforts.
Curiosity in technology landscape and how AI is changing communications.
Experience advising senior leaders and stakeholders on communications strategy, messaging, risk management, and audience engagement.
Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.
Outstanding writing, presentation, facilitation, and communication skills with the ability to distill complex issues into clear and actionable recommendations.
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and collaborating across creative, research, analytics, stakeholder engagement, media, and account functions.
Strong understanding of communications measurement, campaign evaluation, audience segmentation, and performance analysis.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, stakeholders, and strategic initiatives simultaneously.
Experience supporting federal government, Department of Defense, international development, public affairs, national security, or mission-driven communications programs is preferred.
Knowledge of behavioral change communications, stakeholder engagement frameworks, audience intelligence, or strategic influence methodologies is preferred.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, as required by the position.
Degree or relevant experience in Communications, Public Affairs, Strategic Communications, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Marketing, Behavioral Science, or a related field preferred.
Language Requirements: Fluent written and spoken English required.

Benefits

Comp & perks

12 weeks’ full pay for Primary Carers and 6 weeks for Secondary Carers (after one year of service; return requirements apply for subsequent leave)
Up to 10 days’ paid fertility leave per year (5 per cycle)
2 days’ paid leave for new grandparents
$2,500 annual interest-free parental loan
$6,000 interest-free fertility treatment loan
Choice of three medical plans (HSA at $0 cost; EPO 75% employer funded; PPO 65% employer funded)
70% employer-funded dental and vision coverage
Generous paid time off, sick leave, and company holidays, including an office closure between Christmas & New Year's
Gym membership reimbursement and/or Wellhub subscription
401(k) with 4% employer match
24/7 mental health support through Self Space
Social events, happy hours, professional development trainings, etc.
Work from anywhere for up to 2 weeks per year (subject to approval)
$300 annual cultural stimulation allowance (accrued monthly; available after 90 days)
Weekly Thursday happy hour
Mentorship and Buddy programs