Content Strategy Lead (TEMP-to-HIRE)

About Us 

We’re a 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 technical expertise. 

We believe our biggest asset is our combination of different 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 world’s leading media, entertainment, and content company, which gives us access to the most valuable data and insights, talent and 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 driver. This is a temp-to-hire role and requires 2 days per week in the office.  

What You'll 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 strategy's 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 what's working, what's 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
Bachelor's 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 $60 and $76. For New York City, the estimated hourly range for this position is between $67 and $86. The range for this position in other geographies may vary based on market differences. The 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.