Creative Associate Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Associate Strategic Planner

Job Summary

As an Associate Strategic Planner at shark&minnow, you will play an integral role in shaping the strategic foundation behind our clients’ brands and marketing initiatives. Working at the intersection of research, creativity, media, and digital systems, you will support the development of brand purpose, positioning, and communications strategies grounded in cultural insight, competitive context, and evolving customer needs.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning

• Leads creative ideation sessions with colleagues and brand summits with clients

• Originates creative ideas and translate across marketing systems

• Reveals insightful ways to improve creative

• Develop purpose and principles for a brand based on a deep understanding of its assets, culture, and goals, changing competitive landscape, emerging customer needs, and cultural trends

• Create new brands for non-profit or for-profit organizations

• Create architecture and principles for how to apply a brand across an organization and its lines of business

• Partner with designers to create the verbal, visual and experience expression of a brand

• Explore how a brand strategy and design plays out in interfaces and product/service/experience innovations

• Develop creative briefs and channel/touchpoint plans

• Develop customer journey maps, media ecosystems, value maps and other research tools to guide creative inspiration and development

• Understanding of key strategic concepts & frameworks (i.e. Brand Principles, Communications Planning)

• Writes decks with exceptional narrative

• Embraces the user experience mindset and articulates a human-centered design approach to marketing

• Recognizes the difference between “good” and “great” and can work through team dynamics, clients, and timelines to defend great work

Media Planning

• Conducts research to reveal media consumption and engagement habits to enlighten the media plan

• Develops media plans

• Leads coordination with media partners

Digital Acumen & Marketing Systems

• Collaborates with the Department of Client Services that will publish, maintain, and monitor branded digital marketing system

• Manages the development, measurement, and optimization of digital marketing solutions for Clients on an on-going basis

• Partners with creative teams to ensure that content is relevant for the brand and audiences

• Manages the creation of image, article, and video-based content through a process with multiple approval layers

• Contributes to strategic presentations on new technology or industry updates for internal teams and external partners

Analytics

• Analyzes data and reveal actionable insights

• Establishes content KPIs/goals and management the creation of Actionable Insights report

• Applies proven creative thinking applied to data, systems, and processes

Consulting & Client Management

• Supports the client lead for a project engagement

• Presents to clients with authority

• Embodies the confidence to work directly with clients and manage the procurement of client approvals, feedback, information, and details

• Collaborates with client and internal teams to ensure all deliverables are high quality and shared on time

• Embodies an entrepreneurial mindset

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, communications, or a related field.

• 2–5 years of relevant marketing, advertising, or account management experience (internships count!).

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Understanding of Adobe Creative Suite.

• Familiarity with content management systems (e.g., WordPress).

• Knowledge of email marketing platforms.

• Proficiency in social media platforms, tools, and strategies.

• Awareness of digital marketing trends and foundational concepts.

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Detail-oriented with a proactive, problem-solving mindset.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and project management tools (e.g., Asana, Teamwork, Trello, Basecamp) is a plus.

• Familiarity with digital marketing, media planning, and analytics tools.

• Ability to work independently while maintaining high-quality work outcomes.

• Strong discretion and sound judgment.

• Ability to travel occasionally.

Change the tide with shark&minnow

shark&minnow is an independent and women-owned, multi-disciplinary strategy and design consultancy specializing in branding, marketing, advertising, public relations, and audio and video production. We believe in fostering a collaborative and creative work environment where our team members can thrive. Here’s what we offer:

Workplace & Culture

• Inspiring Workplace: A dynamic, team-oriented culture that encourages creativity and innovation.

• Professional Growth: Opportunities for career development, mentorship, and continuous learning.

• Exciting Projects: Work with high-profile brands and contribute to diverse, impactful marketing initiatives.

• Competitive Compensation: A strong salary and benefits package designed to support your well-being.

• Flexible Work Options: Hybrid and remote work flexibility to promote work-life balance.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Personal Time-off & Flexible Work Schedule

• Holidays

• Winter break

• Vacation days

• Religious holidays

• Sick days

• Work from home days

Health & Wellness

• Medical Insurance (100% covered by shark&minnow)

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

Financial & Retirement Benefits

• 401(k) Investment & Profit-Sharing Program: Traditional and Roth IRA contributions

• Performance-Based Bonuses

Income Protection & Disability Benefits

• Life Insurance

• Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Short-Term Disability Insurance