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Associate Director of Strategy

Company And Culture


Created in 2002 by Marc Eckō, Complex is a leading global youth entertainment network showcasing the evolution of major pop culture categories, including streetwear and style, music, sneakers, and sports. Complex is a juggernaut in the content and culture space, delivering unprecedented global reach.


Complex is the world’s definitive cultural commerce, content, and experiential platform. We have created an all-new operating system built for the next generation, seamlessly integrating discovery, inspiration, community, and shopping. The company represents an expansion of the original vision with a deep understanding of convergence culture and its impact on contemporary society.


Whether through video, long-form editorial, or social content, Complex tells stories that engage dynamic conversation with our communities. Our internet-breaking cover stories document the heroes of culture and take them to the next level through product collaboration and shoppability.


Complex has become experts in creating immersive environments at our IRL experiences and cultural events. ComplexCon is our flagship festival bringing together the world’s most influential brands and artists for an unforgettable weekend of style, sneakers, art, design, food, music, inspiration and more. 


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Join us to help redefine the way people shop, while building a global marketplace that moves at the speed of culture. Complex is committed to building a high performing team that is passionate about what they do and the communities we serve.


Everyone at Complex truly believes in the company and its mission; it’s a requirement for working here. There is synergy within the teams that make Complex what it is, a well-oiled machine. Employees are at the forefront of the company's success because every one of us is given the opportunity to provide suggestions, feedback, and direction.


The Associate Director, Creative Strategy on Complex’s Creative Strategy team is responsible for developing high-level, strategic presentations that secure high-budget client partnerships. This role plays a key part in shaping the team’s most critical narratives, ensuring strategic clarity, and upholding creative excellence alongside the Strategy team’s Creative Director.



Who You Are
  • 7+ years of experience in brand strategy, creative strategy, or a related field within media, advertising, or entertainment.
  • Strong proficiency in Keynote, PowerPoint, and/or Google Slides, with an understanding of visual storytelling.
  • Figma proficiency a plus.
  • A deep knowledge of youth culture, digital media, branded content, and emerging creative trends.
  • A strategic thinker with a sharp creative sensibility and an eye for presentation design.
  • A strong writer and storyteller, able to translate big ideas into concise, visually engaging narratives.
  • Adept at synthesizing cultural insights, audience data, and creative concepts into compelling brand stories.
  • Experienced in crafting high-budget brand proposals, campaign strategy decks, and internal vision documents.
  • Highly detail-oriented, with a strong sense of ownership and pride in delivering polished, high-quality work.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where priorities shift quickly.
  • Exemplary at managing your own time and competing priorities and deadlines.
  • Familiarity with the Complex brand voice and tone.


What You'll Do
  • Own the creation of high-priority decks, including large-scale client proposals and presentations for upcoming internal programs and initiatives.
  • Collaborate with the Creative Director to ensure all decks align with Complex’s creative standards, brand voice, and industry-leading storytelling approach.
  • Review decks, providing constructive feedback to strategists to support their growth in presentation skills, strategic thinking, and overall creative development.
  • Partner with Sales, Marketing, Editorial, and Production teams to integrate insights, cultural relevance, and feasibility into strategic recommendations.
  • Leverage research, data, and cultural intelligence to inform and strengthen pitch narratives, positioning Complex as a must-have partner for brands.
  • Proactively identify trends, creative opportunities, and new storytelling frameworks that push the boundaries of branded content strategy.
  • Help refine and elevate deck structures, templates, and best practices to enhance the team’s efficiency and impact.


What We Offer
  • Best in class health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Healthcare FSA 
  • Dependent Care FSA 
  • Commuter Benefits FSA 
  • Short-term/long-term disability and life insurance
  • Paid Parental leave
  • 401k with 4% match
  • Pet Insurance
  • Legal and Identity Theft Plans
  • Vacation time and sick days


$130,000 - $150,000 a year
The Pay Range, which consists of salary and commission, for this position is listed. Actual pay will vary based on factors including, but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of Complex Total Rewards offerings for employees.

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.


The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of the job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some incumbents assigned to the job to perform a different combination of duties.

 

Complex participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

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What You Should Know About Associate Director of Strategy, Complex

Are you ready to take your career to the next level with Complex as an Associate Director of Strategy in the vibrant city of New York? At Complex, we're on a mission to redefine shopping and reshape cultural commerce, and we need someone like you to help lead the charge. As part of our Creative Strategy team, you'll play a pivotal role in crafting high-level strategic presentations that secure significant client partnerships. Here, creativity meets strategy, and your ability to translate big ideas into stellar narratives will shine through. With over 7 years of experience in media, advertising, or entertainment, you're well-versed in youth culture, digital media, and brand storytelling. You'll collaborate closely with our Creative Director to ensure that every presentation reflects Complex's creative excellence while also integrating insights and cultural relevance. We believe in the power of team synergy at Complex—your voice matters, and we encourage your feedback and suggestions. You'll not only be managing your own time and priorities in a fast-paced environment but also mentoring fellow strategists to hone their skills. We offer comprehensive benefits to support you, including health insurance, 401k matching, and paid parental leave. Join us at Complex, where we celebrate the ongoing conversation of culture and commerce, and be a part of something truly groundbreaking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Associate Director of Strategy Role at Complex
What are the key responsibilities of an Associate Director of Strategy at Complex?

As the Associate Director of Strategy at Complex, you'll develop strategic presentations that secure high-budget client partnerships. Your role involves collaborating with the Creative Director, synthesizing cultural insights, and crafting effective narratives that resonate with our audiences. You will also support strategists in their growth and manage internal programs, ensuring all deliverables align with Complex’s creative standards.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for the Associate Director of Strategy position at Complex?

To apply for the Associate Director of Strategy position at Complex, you should have at least 7 years of experience in brand or creative strategy within media, advertising, or entertainment. Proficiency in Keynote, PowerPoint, and an understanding of visual storytelling are critical. Strong writing skills and familiarity with youth culture and digital trends will also enhance your application.

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How does Complex support the professional growth of its Associate Director of Strategy?

At Complex, we place a high value on professional growth for the Associate Director of Strategy. You'll receive constructive feedback from the Creative Director and collaborate across teams to further develop your presentation skills, strategic thinking, and overall creative development. Our culture encourages suggestions and solutions from all team members, fostering a spirit of collaboration and continuous improvement.

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What kind of work environment can I expect as an Associate Director of Strategy at Complex?

As an Associate Director of Strategy at Complex, you will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment that values creativity and strategic thinking. You'll be part of an innovative team that operates like a well-oiled machine where everyone contributes to the company's mission and success. Expect to face shifting priorities, but with a strong sense of ownership and pride in everything you create.

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What benefits does Complex offer its Associate Director of Strategy?

Complex offers a comprehensive benefits package for its Associate Director of Strategy, including best-in-class health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k plan with a 4% match, paid parental leave, and other perks like pet insurance, short-term/long-term disability coverage, and flexible spending accounts. We aim to provide a supportive work-life balance for all our employees.

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Common Interview Questions for Associate Director of Strategy
How do you prioritize competing projects in a fast-paced environment?

In a fast-paced environment like Complex, priority management is essential. I assess project deadlines and impact, communicating with my team to understand resources and capacity, ensuring that top-priority projects receive timely focus before others.

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Can you provide an example of a successful strategic presentation you created?

Certainly! One of my most successful strategic presentations involved a multi-channel brand campaign where I synthesized audience insights and cultural trends, telling a compelling story that not only secured significant investment but also strengthened our client’s market position.

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How do you stay updated on youth culture and emerging trends?

Staying updated on youth culture involves a mix of consuming media, attending cultural events, and leveraging social media insights. I regularly engage with youth-led platforms, trends, and discussions that fuel innovative ideas for impactful strategies.

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What tools do you use for creating compelling presentations?

I primarily use Keynote and PowerPoint for presentations due to their visual capabilities. I also leverage Google Slides for collaborative projects, allowing team inputs to enhance storytelling, ensuring effective communication of our strategies.

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How do you handle feedback on your presentations?

I value feedback as a crucial part of my growth. I actively seek constructive criticism from peers to refine my work. By viewing feedback as an opportunity for improvement rather than a setback, I focus on applying insights to enhance future presentations.

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What role does collaboration play in your work as an Associate Director of Strategy?

Collaboration is key in my role. I work closely with different teams to integrate various insights into our strategy. Collaborative brainstorming sessions often unlock innovative ideas that elevate the quality and creativity of our presentations.

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Describe a time you identified a trend that changed your approach to a project.

Once, while analyzing social media movements, I noticed a rise in sustainability awareness among youth. This insight shifted our project direction significantly, leading us to craft a campaign that not only highlighted our brand but also engaged the audience on pressing environmental issues.

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Who are some influencers or brands that inspire your strategic approach?

Influential brands like Nike, which effectively blend storytelling with cultural relevance, inspire my strategic approach. Additionally, engaging with content creators who resonate with youth culture motivates me to explore innovative narratives that engage consumers meaningfully.

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How would you ensure your presentations align with Complex's brand voice?

To ensure alignment with Complex's brand voice, I immerse myself in the company's content. I study past presentations, participate in team discussions about our core values, and continuously engage with the brand's cultural narratives to maintain consistency across my work.

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What strategies do you use to craft compelling brand stories?

I craft compelling brand stories by combining cultural insights, data analysis, and creative concepts into a cohesive narrative. Focusing on the target audience’s passions allows me to create emotionally engaging stories that drive connection and action.

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Complex Networks champions the people, brands and new trends you need to know now, will obsess over next, and we build consumer universes around them. We're what a modern entertainment company looks like and what others have followed since 2002. F...

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 23, 2025

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