Job Description

General Position Summary

Wieden+Kennedy believes that each team member makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities outlined in a job description. Therefore, this job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the employee or the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each team member will offer their services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors and to pursue individual career growth.
A Strategy Resident is responsible for assisting in compiling qualitative and quantitative research. They work closely with Strategists to help impact the quality of creative work by applying their understanding of the consumer, the category and the industry. This position may include keeping tabs on competitive brands, developing consumer community insights, exploring and sharing cultural inspiration, and developing creative briefs.

Major Responsibilities/Primary Functions

At this level, your job is to get familiar and comfortable with the general cycle of strategic planning and the toolbox we need to do our jobs. Your remit is to proactively tackle the following:

Studying the client's business - e.g.,

• how do they make money?
• how do they measure the business?
• what role does the brand play?
• how do they measure the brand?
• where do they sell their products?
• how do people buy their products? what is the purchase path? what factors influence purchase?
• what is the digital footprint of the brand? how does it contribute to the business?
• be able to read and interpret an annual report or a balance sheet?

Learning how to interrogate a brand, its culture and its audiences - e.g.,

• what are all the things that affect a brand?
• how does the brand manifest itself? what touch-points are important?
• what research is relevant for this brand?
• what are the merits of different research methodologies?
• which ones are most appropriate?
• what is the difference between obvious research and imaginative research?

Uncovering new problems creativity could solve

• Using business data, purchase path insight and cultural trends to find new problems we aren’t currently tackling

Developing technical skills as a researcher

• Write a research proposal
• Qualitative design, logistics and core interviewing skills
• Quantitative design and analysis
• Crafting a thorough yet succinct research report
• Finding a story in data

Understanding how to distill information into truths or insights - e.g.,

• learning the difference between being a cliché and being insightful
• practice at recognizing what's truly different and/or unrecognized
• learning to edit
• keeping it simple

Understanding the elements of a good client brief - e.g.,

• goals, objectives, plans, challenges, timing, budget, etc
• key clients to talk to

Understanding the elements of a good creative brief - e.g.,

• taking all the above and turning it into a clear plan/set of directions around a simple and inspiring idea
• practice writing a few or retro-write a few for past campaigns

Understanding how to inspire - e.g.,

• identifying an idea
• bringing an idea to life
• creating the language to make it compelling and interesting
• making it provocative

Understanding the development of creative work - e.g.,

• making work better
• evaluating work
• giving feedback and assistance to the creative department
• getting stuck and unstuck
• letting go and getting out of the way

Understanding how to evaluate creative work in the market -e.g.,

• tracking
• analytics
• sales
• and the connections between all three
• etc.

Qualifications, Distinguishing Characteristics and Special Requirements

• Ability to effectively and appropriately interact with coworkers at a variety of levels, across many disciplines
• Proficient in Excel, Google Workspace, and social media/digitally savvy
• A proven track record of gaining trust and respect by consistently demonstrating sound critical thinking skills and maintaining composure in stressful situations
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of employees
• Exceptional initiative, attention to detail, and follow-through

W+K Core Mission

“Use creativity and influence to change the world and impact culture.”

Wieden+Kennedy is committed to inclusivity and anti-racism in everything we do, fostering an environment of belonging and collaboration for all. We believe that each team member makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities outlined in a job description. Therefore, this job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the employee or the organization to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each team member will offer their services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors and to pursue individual career growth.