VP, Strategy (Freelance)

Business Overview 

IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). IPG Mediabrands manages over $47 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients across its full-service agency networks UM, Initiative and Mediahub and through its award-winning specialty business units Healix, Kinesso, MAGNA, Mediabrands Content Studio, Orion Holdings, Rapport, and the IPG Media Lab. IPG Mediabrands clients include many of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors including automotive, personal finance, consumer product goods (CPG), pharma, health and wellness, entertainment, financial services, energy, toys and gaming, direct to consumer and e-commerce, retail, hospitality, food and beverage, fashion and beauty. The company employs more than 18,000 diverse marketing communication professionals in more than 130 countries. Learn more at www.ipgmediabrands.com. 

The IPG Media Lab is the longest running media futures agency. We investigate emerging technologies and changes in consumer behavior to identify actionable opportunities for some of the world’s largest brands. The IPG Media Lab is part of IPG Mediabrands, the media innovation and investment arm of Interpublic Group, and source our clients from within and without Mediabrands and IPG at large. For more information, please visit www.ipglab.com or follow @ipglab.

The IPG Media Lab is looking for an VP, Strategy to join the Lab’s Strategy team for temporary leave coverage from September through November. The IPG Media Lab is responsible for day-to-day innovation strategy, making sense of how technology, media, and consumer behavior are changing across categories. The candidate will guide brand teams to separate what’s next from what’s distracting, and consulting senior clients on innovation strategies to adapt to these shifts. The ideal candidate is a strong leader, intellectually curious, collaborative, and interested in the intersection of culture and technology. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to lead thinking and influence how some of the world’s largest companies leverage emerging technology and innovation to their advantage across media, products, services, and business models. 

This is a temporary leave coverage role (approximately 13 weeks) between September and November 2025.

• Lead media innovation strategy and client consulting using research across categories, competitors, channels, and consumers to identify key trends and consumer insights.
• Develop strategic POV on technology and media channels for agency partners and client executives based on thoughtful analysis , and delivered via presentations and whitepapers.
• Collaborate with senior clients and agency partners to understand their business challenges, prioritize their goals, and drive organic growth.
• Participate in upcoming innovation summits for clients, including presenting, running workshops, and managing event logistics.
• Collaborate with agency Strategy, Planning, Investment, Creative, and New Business teams to future-proof strategic platforms, communications, and ideas.
• Manage one Associate Director-level strategist and product manager.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in media, business, design, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in a strategic consultative or innovation, which could include research, management consulting, brand strategy, creative services, or design.
• World-class verbal, written, and visual communication skills – you should be comfortable persuading, workshopping, and collaborating with C-suite level clients and agency partners.

• A breadth of knowledge and interest in how technology is transforming culture and consumers across categories, and thoughtful ideas for how incumbents should evolve.
• An entrepreneurial spirit and creative problem solving skills, comfortable with ambiguity and excited about taking risks.
• Our team is full of generalists with a wide variety of deep, tech-adjacent interests and specialties – we work well with people who are curious about the world and enjoy sharing their passions.

At IPG Mediabrands, we are unified behind a commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging. Together, we shine through a set of shared values and behaviors. We take pride in our responsibility to our clients, communities, and to each other. We embrace differences and recognize the unique value that each of us brings to our community.  

We encourage you to apply, as unique backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences are welcomed.   

We See You at IPG Mediabrands. 

We offer a Total Rewards package that includes medical and dental coverage, 401(k) plans, flex spending, life insurance, disability, employee discount program, employee stock purchase program and paid family benefits to support you and your family. To give you the ability to better meet your personal needs, and in support of your physical and emotional well-being, you will receive discretionary time off days and company-wide Appreciation Weeks and Wellness Days. 

We also offer a competitive Total Compensation package, including a competitive salary and eligibility for an annual discretionary incentive award or a relevant incentive award. 

The salary range for this position is posted below.  Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position, market considerations, budgetary considerations, tenure and standing with the Company (applicable to current employees), as well as the employee’s/applicant’s skill set, level of experience, and qualifications.   

It is the policy of Mediabrands, division of the Interpublic group, to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. The job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and other job functions are subject to modification. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

For applicants to jobs in the United States: In compliance with the current Americans with Disabilities Act and state and local laws, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with Mediabrands, please email [email protected].

About IPG Mediabrands 

IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). IPG Mediabrands manages over $47 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients across its full-service agency networks UM, Initiative and Mediahub and through its award-winning specialty business units Healix, Kinesso, MAGNA, Mediabrands Content Studio, Orion Holdings, Rapport, and the IPG Media Lab. IPG Mediabrands clients include many of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors including automotive, personal finance, consumer product goods (CPG), pharma, health and wellness, entertainment, financial services, energy, toys and gaming, direct to consumer and e-commerce, retail, hospitality, food and beverage, fashion and beauty. The company employs more than 18,000 diverse marketing communication professionals in more than 130 countries. Learn more at www.ipgmediabrands.com.