Digital Strategist needed at Initiate International

About the job

• We’re looking for a dynamic Digital Strategist / Media Planner to join our team in Johannesburg. In this strategic, high-impact role, you’ll lead a team of media planners and strategy managers while owning the development of media strategies for global, cross-channel campaigns. You’ll bring together data, market insights, and creativity to drive measurable results for top-tier B2B clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Client Strategy: Lead and mentor a team of media planning professionals, while personally overseeing high-value RFPs and complex strategic initiatives.
• Strategic Media Planning: Develop comprehensive, insight-driven media strategies that align with client goals across global markets—leveraging audience data, performance metrics, and market trends.
• Client-Facing Strategy Partner: Collaborate with sales and client success teams to shape campaign proposals and represent media strategy in pre-sale meetings as a trusted subject matter expert.
• Performance & Market Analysis: Use campaign performance and competitive market data to refine strategies, uncover new opportunities, and optimize media planning over time.
• Insights & Innovation: Enhance client deliverables with competitive analysis, content recommendations, and audience segmentation that strengthen the strategic business case.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work with operations and product leaders to support the successful rollout of media products and ensure strategies are aligned with evolving capabilities.

What We’re Looking For

• 5–7 years’ experience in digital strategy, media planning, or demand generation, preferably in a B2B marketing environment.
• Solid knowledge of B2B media channels including lead generation, content syndication, programmatic, and integrated campaigns.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and RFPs in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting.
• Data-driven mindset with the ability to translate analytics into actionable strategy.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills – you can distill complexity and clearly articulate marketing strategy and value to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience working with partner networks is a strong plus.
• Proficient in platforms such as StackAdapt, DV360, GA4, Bombora, Power BI, and Microsoft Office (especially Excel & PowerPoint).
• Tech-savvy and adaptable to new tools and platforms.
• Highly organized, logical, and detail-oriented.
• Creative, solutions-oriented thinker with a drive for continuous improvement.
• Curious, competitive, and always one step ahead of digital marketing trends.
• A collaborative team player who thrives in global, cross-functional environments.