Content Strategy Lead (TEMP-to-HIRE)

About Us

Werea professional services company at the intersection of marketing and technology partnering with ambitious brands to solve complex challenges accelerate growth and drive performance. Our integrated teams combine strategic insight creative execution data fluency and technicalexpertise.

We believe our biggest asset is our combination ofdifferent backgrounds cultures and disciplines that come together to form iCrossing community. What we do starts with our people.

We are part of the Hearst Corporation the worlds leading media entertainment and content company which gives us access to the most valuable data and insightstalentand audiences.

Role Summary
As a Content Strategy Lead you are accountable for the strategic direction and business outcomes of content strategy across a portfolio of enterprise clients. You define the content vision shape multi-year roadmaps and ensure content operates as a unified system that drives measurable growth.

Beyond delivery you grow the practice: developing methodologies mentoring strategists building client relationships and identifying expansion opportunities. You serve as the senior content voice in client and internal leadership forums influencing how content strategy is positioned and sold.

This role requires strategic foresight commercial acumen and the ability to elevate content from a deliverable to a business is a temp-to-hire role and requires 2 days per week in the office.

What Youll Do

1. Strategic Vision & Portfolio Leadership
   Define content vision and multi-year roadmaps for enterprise accounts aligning to business transformation goals.
   Own content strategy outcomes across a portfolio ensuring consistency quality and strategic coherence.
   Assess client content maturity and architect the path from current state to future-state capabilities.
   Shape how content integrates with broader experience brand and technology strategies.

2. Methodology Standards & Practice Development
   Develop and evolve content strategy methodologies frameworks and reusable assets for the practice.
   Establish quality standards and governance models that scale across clients and teams.
   Drive innovation in AI-enabled content operations defining where automation adds value and where human judgment is essential.
   Create thought leadership content and contribute to business development materials.

3. Client Advisory & Account Growth
   Serve as trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders (VP C-suite) shaping content as a business lever.
   Lead strategic conversations: uncover business objectives identify content opportunities build the case for investment.
   Identify and pursue account expansion opportunities new workstreams capabilities or long-term partnerships.
   Translate content strategy impact into business language: revenue efficiency risk reduction customer value.

4. Cross-Functional & Organizational Leadership
   Lead cross-functional alignment across SEO Brand Technology CX and Analytics at the portfolio level.
   Represent content strategy in leadership forums influencing resourcing prioritization and go-to-market.
   Resolve escalations and navigate complex stakeholder dynamics across client organizations.
   Champion content strategys value internally building understanding and demand for the discipline.

5. Team Development & Mentorship
   Mentor and develop content strategists building craft skills strategic thinking and client leadership capabilities.
   Provide senior review and quality assurance on high-stakes deliverables.
   Shape staffing and resourcing decisions for content strategy engagements.
   Foster a culture of continuous learning knowledge sharing and craft excellence.

6. Measurement Insights & Business Impact
   Define measurement frameworks that connect content performance to business outcomes.
   Build executive-level narratives from data whats working whats not and where to invest.
   Use insights to inform strategic pivots and demonstrate ROI to client leadership.

What You Bring
10 years in content strategy with 3 years leading portfolios or practices (enterprise/agency).
Track record of growing client relationships and identifying expansion opportunities.
Experience presenting to and influencing VP/C-suite stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to develop methodologies frameworks and scalable practice assets.
Strong commercial instincts understands how content drives business value.
Excellence in stakeholder management negotiation and navigating complexity.
Experience mentoring and developing strategists.
Deep expertise in content systems governance SEO and measurement.
Strategic mindset with comfort operating in ambiguity and driving clarity.

Education
Bachelors degree in English Communications Marketing Business or equivalent experience.

Nice to Have
Experience leading content transformation programmes or large-scale migrations.
Background in business development proposals or practice P&L ownership.
Experience shaping AI content strategy and operations at scale.
Thought leadership profile (speaking publishing industry visibility).

Success in This Role Looks Like
Portfolio accounts achieve content-driven business outcomes and expand over time.
Content strategy is recognized as a strategic differentiator by clients and internal leadership.
Practice methodologies and standards are adopted and improve delivery quality across teams.
Team members grow in capability and take on increasing responsibility.
Trusted advisor status with senior client stakeholders invited into strategic conversations.

The estimated hourly range for this position in Chicago is between $60and $76. For New York Citythe estimated hourly range for this position is between $67and $86. The range for this position in other geographies may vary based on market actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.

Benefits (What We Offer)

Work with the Best:Collaborate with top-tier professionals across media advertising tech fashion lifestyle and publishing shaping the future of these dynamic industries.

Grow Your Skills:Unlock your potential with access to innovative training programs immersive workshops and exclusive industry events.

Work-Life Harmony:Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work empowering you to balance professional success with personal priorities.

Foster Connection & Belonging:Join our Employee Resource Groups and help create a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Wellness First:Prioritize your well-being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical dental and vision insurance from Day 1.

Plan for Your Financial Future:Enjoy competitive financial perks including a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.