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Strategy Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

Busey

Director of Private Client Strategy

Champaign, IL · On-site

Position Summary The Director of Private Client Strategy is responsible for leading the strategic direction, growth, and performance of the Private Client division across the enterprise. This role is ...

Busey

Director of Private Client Strategy

Urbana, IL · On-site

Position Summary The Director of Private Client Strategy is responsible for leading the strategic direction, growth, and performance of the Private Client division across the enterprise. This role is ...

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All JobsStrategy JobsStrategy Jobs in Champaign, IL

Strategy information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$55.6K

$124.8K

$217.8K

How much do strategy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for strategy in Champaign, IL is $124,841.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,100.00 and $157,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a strategy professional?

Strategy professionals are individuals who help organizations define their long-term goals and determine the best paths to achieve them. They analyze internal and external data, identify trends, assess competition, and recommend actions to improve a company's position in the market. Their work often includes business planning, market entry analysis, and advising on mergers or acquisitions. Strategy professionals can work in-house for a company, in consulting firms, or as independent advisors.

How does a strategy professional typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Strategy professionals frequently work cross-functionally, collaborating with teams such as finance, marketing, operations, and product development to align organizational goals and drive business initiatives. This involves gathering input from various departments, facilitating workshops, and ensuring all stakeholders are engaged in the decision-making process. Regular communication and project management skills are essential, as strategy professionals often act as a bridge between executive leadership and operational teams. This collaborative environment fosters a holistic understanding of the organization, enabling strategy professionals to develop solutions that are both innovative and practical.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a strategy role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a strategy role, you need strong analytical thinking, business acumen, and typically a degree in business, economics, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools (such as Excel, Power BI, or Tableau), financial modeling, and strategic frameworks is often required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills help you influence decisions and drive initiatives forward. These abilities are crucial to developing effective business strategies, ensuring organizational alignment, and achieving long-term goals.

What is the difference between Strategy vs Business Analyst?

AspectStrategyBusiness Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, often MBA, strategic certificationsBachelor's degree, certifications like CBAP or CCBA
Work EnvironmentCorporate, consulting firms, strategic planning teamsCorporate, IT, finance departments, project teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries for high-level planningUsed in various industries for process and system analysis
Comparison Search IntentUnderstanding strategic roles and responsibilitiesUnderstanding analysis and project support roles

Strategy professionals focus on high-level planning, long-term goals, and organizational direction. Business Analysts concentrate on analyzing business processes, gathering requirements, and supporting project implementation. While both roles require analytical skills, Strategy roles are more focused on overarching plans, whereas Business Analysts work on specific projects and operational improvements.

What are good jobs for a strategist?

Good jobs for a strategist include roles such as business strategist, marketing strategist, management consultant, product manager, and corporate development analyst. These positions require strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to develop long-term plans, often utilizing tools like SWOT analysis and strategic frameworks.

What degree do you need to work in strategy?

A degree in business, management, economics, or a related field is commonly required for strategy roles. Many professionals also pursue advanced degrees such as an MBA to enhance their skills and prospects in strategic planning and analysis.

What skills are needed for strategy jobs?

Strategy jobs require strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and the ability to develop and evaluate business plans. Effective communication, problem-solving, and proficiency with data analysis tools or frameworks like SWOT or Porter’s Five Forces are also important. Additionally, strategic roles often demand leadership qualities and the ability to work cross-functionally in fast-paced environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Strategy jobs in Champaign, IL?

The most popular types of Strategy jobs in Champaign, IL are:

What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Strategy jobs?

Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Strategy job openings:

Strategy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Strategy job openings in Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,841 per year, or $60 per hour.

Partnership Activation & Strategy Manager

Champaign, IL • On-site

Busey Bank
Commercial Banking • 1 - 10 employees

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 172 rated banks

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers

Uninterrupted breaks

Learn more about Busey Bankexternal

$80K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
The Partnership Strategy & Activation Manager is responsible for leading and maximizing Busey's strategic collegiate partnerships, with a primary focus on athletics and additional support across other key relationships. This role drives brand visibility, business development, and client engagement by leveraging sponsorship assets, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities, and integrated marketing activations.
This individual serves as the primary point of contact for Busey's collegiate athletic partnerships, ensuring that all elements are strategically aligned and fully activated to deliver measurable business impact. The role collaborates cross-functionally with marketing, commercial banking, wealth management, and retail teams to translate partnership investments into brand growth, client acquisition, and community engagement.
Duties & Responsibilities
Partnership Strategy & Management
  • Own and execute the strategy for collegiate athletic partnerships and additional strategic partnerships
  • Serve as primary liaison with collegiate athletics partnerships, media rights partners and other key external stakeholders.
  • Identify and develop new partnership opportunities, including NIL initiatives, athlete collaborations, and experiential activations.
  • Ensure all sponsorship assets are fully leveraged and aligned to Busey's business objectives.

Activation & Marketing Execution
  • Plan and execute integrated marketing activations across in-venue, digital, social, and event channels.
  • Partner with internal marketing teams to develop campaigns that enhance brand awareness and fan engagement.
  • Coordinate game-day presence, hospitality programs, and experiential marketing efforts.
  • Maintain consistent and impactful brand representation across all partnership touchpoints.

Business Development & Relationship Growth
  • Leverage the partnership to support new business generation and deepen existing client relationships.
  • Partner with commercial, wealth, and retail teams to activate opportunities tied to athletics events and networks.
  • Build relationships with university stakeholders, alumni, donors, and business leaders within Busey's footprint.
  • Support client entertainment and engagement strategies tied to athletics programming.

NIL Strategy & Execution
  • Monitor the evolving NIL landscape and identify potential opportunities aligned with Busey's brand and marketing priorities.
  • Provide guidance on athlete partnerships that may enhance visibility and community impact.
  • Maintain knowledge of NIL regulations to ensure any future activity remains compliant.

Performance Tracking & Optimization
  • Establish and monitor KPIs related to partnership performance, including brand awareness, engagement, and business impact.
  • Provide regular reporting and insights to leadership on ROI and effectiveness.
  • Continuously refine activation strategies based on performance data and feedback.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Act as the internal connector across teams to ensure alignment and maximize partnership value.
  • Educate internal stakeholders on how to leverage partnership assets effectively.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to align partnership efforts with broader strategic goals.

Education & Experience
Knowledge of:
  • Sponsorship structures, asset utilization and partnership lifecycle management
  • Integrated marketing strategies, brand activation and experiential/event-based engagement.

Ability to:
  • Connect marketing investments to business outcomes, pipeline development and client growth
  • Develop and execute plans aligned with organizational and market objectives.
  • Build, maintain and influence relationships with internal leaders and external partners
  • Partner with sales teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Operate in a dynamic environment with evolving partnership opportunities including emerging NIL considerations
  • Work effectively across cross-functional teams and drive alignment.

Education and Training:
  • Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Sports Management, or a related field required.
  • 5+ years of experience in sponsorships, partnerships, sports marketing, or brand activation.
  • Proven experience managing and activating high-value partnerships.
  • Experience working within collegiate athletics, media rights organizations, or NIL environments strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with the collegiate athletic ecosystems is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits
Salary offered is based on factors, including but not limited to, the job duties, required qualifications and relevant experience, and local market trends. The role may be eligible for bonus or incentives based on company and individual performance.
(Base Pay Range: $80,000 - $115,000/year)
Busey provides a competitive Total Rewards package in return for your time, talents, efforts and ultimately, results. Your personal and professional well-being-now and in the years to come-are important to us. Busey's Total Rewards include a competitive benefits package offering 401(k) match, profit sharing, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, company-paid life insurance and long-term disability, supplemental voluntary life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, wellness incentives and an employee assistance program. In addition, eligible associates may take advantage of pre-tax health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts. Visit Busey Total Rewards for more information.
Equal Opportunity
Busey values a diverse and inclusive workplace and strives to recruit, develop and retain individuals with exceptional talent. A team with diverse talent, working together, is essential to Busey's commitment of delivering service excellence. Busey is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/Vets. Visit Busey.com/Careers to learn more about Busey's Equal Opportunity Employment.
Unsolicited Resumes
Busey Bank, and its subsidiaries, does not accept any liability for fees for resumes from recruiters or employment agencies ("Agency"), without a binding, written recruitment agreement between Busey and Agency describing the services and specific job openings ("Agreement"). Busey may consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume and explicitly reserves the right to hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the Agency, unless an Agreement is in place. Any email or verbal contact with any Busey associate is inadequate to create a binding agreement. Agencies without an Agreement are requested not to contact any associates of Busey with recruiting inquiries or resumes. Busey respectfully requests no phone calls or emails.

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