Strategist
Fastspot, Baltimore, MD, United States
Strategist
Fastspot is looking for a strategist who can lead projects from discovery through design-producing the deliverables that shape how a website gets built. That means writing project briefs, building information architecture, developing content strategy, and defining functional requirements. Research informs the work, but the work is the work.
You'll also help clients think about how their content performs across search-including AI-driven discovery-and where personalization or adaptive content might make sense. But the core of this role is translating client goals into clear, buildable strategic direction.
What you'll do
Lead discovery and synthesis. Run stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and workshops. Review analytics, conduct competitive analysis, and perform content audits. Synthesize findings into strategic direction.
Produce strategy deliverables. The majority of your time will be spent creating:
Project briefs with a clear charge, guiding principles, and audience profiles Information architecture and navigation structures Content strategy and structured content models Homepage strategy and user pathways Functional requirements and system build plans Advise on search and discoverability. Evaluate how content performs in Google, AI search tools, and internal site search. Identify opportunities to improve findability through structured content and schema.
Guide the project through design. Strategy doesn't end at the brief. You'll stay involved through IA validation, design review, and functional requirement definition as the project takes shape.
You are
Fluent in UX, IA, and content strategy-and comfortable producing the artifacts, not just advising on them A clear, confident communicator across technical and non-technical audiences Organized, accountable, and able to manage multiple projects A sharp thinker who simplifies complex problems into buildable direction Curious about how search and AI are changing content discovery Collaborative and open to feedback A strong advocate for users What you bring
Demonstrated ability to produce strategy deliverables-briefs, IA, content models, functional requirements-not just present findings Experience leading discovery research: stakeholder interviews, workshops, content audits, analytics review Strong client partnership skills and the ability to facilitate decision-making A modern understanding of search, including AI-driven discovery Experience working with CMS platforms (WordPress, Craft, Drupal) Clear communication and the ability to connect business goals to digital strategy Required skills
Information architecture and structured content modeling Content strategy and content design Defining functional requirements and user flows Audience research and workshop facilitation SEO fundamentals and writing for the web Working knowledge of CMS platforms Also valuable
Experience with AI search platforms, answer engines, and optimizing content for LLMs Personalization or experimentation tools Analytics setup and reporting (GA4 or similar) Copywriting across web, email, and social Brand and voice guidelines Project scoping and planning Usability testing Benefits
Full-time, remote-first. We have a Baltimore office if you want it, but it's totally optional.
Minimum 120 hours PTO Flexible schedule Company-provided equipment 401(k) with match Profit sharing Annual stipends for home office and travel Healthcare with vision and dental HSA and employer-paid insurance Regular team events and retreats Office perks (optional, Baltimore)
If you're local and feel like coming in:
Gym and pool access at Mill No. 1 Occasional team lunches Dogs, coffee, and a good vibe
About Fastspot
We design and build thoughtful digital experiences for higher ed, cultural institutions, and mission-driven organizations. We care about the work and the people doing it. We push each other, stay curious, and keep things human.
Fastspot was founded in 2001 and is now a team of 22. Our clients include University of Virginia, Wellesley College, Steppenwolf Theatre, the Joffrey Ballet, MICA, Hamilton College, and Yale University. Our work has earned numerous awards, including back-to-back Webbys for best higher ed website.
Fastspot is looking for a strategist who can lead projects from discovery through design-producing the deliverables that shape how a website gets built. That means writing project briefs, building information architecture, developing content strategy, and defining functional requirements. Research informs the work, but the work is the work.
You'll also help clients think about how their content performs across search-including AI-driven discovery-and where personalization or adaptive content might make sense. But the core of this role is translating client goals into clear, buildable strategic direction.
What you'll do
Lead discovery and synthesis. Run stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and workshops. Review analytics, conduct competitive analysis, and perform content audits. Synthesize findings into strategic direction.
Produce strategy deliverables. The majority of your time will be spent creating:
Project briefs with a clear charge, guiding principles, and audience profiles Information architecture and navigation structures Content strategy and structured content models Homepage strategy and user pathways Functional requirements and system build plans Advise on search and discoverability. Evaluate how content performs in Google, AI search tools, and internal site search. Identify opportunities to improve findability through structured content and schema.
Guide the project through design. Strategy doesn't end at the brief. You'll stay involved through IA validation, design review, and functional requirement definition as the project takes shape.
You are
Fluent in UX, IA, and content strategy-and comfortable producing the artifacts, not just advising on them A clear, confident communicator across technical and non-technical audiences Organized, accountable, and able to manage multiple projects A sharp thinker who simplifies complex problems into buildable direction Curious about how search and AI are changing content discovery Collaborative and open to feedback A strong advocate for users What you bring
Demonstrated ability to produce strategy deliverables-briefs, IA, content models, functional requirements-not just present findings Experience leading discovery research: stakeholder interviews, workshops, content audits, analytics review Strong client partnership skills and the ability to facilitate decision-making A modern understanding of search, including AI-driven discovery Experience working with CMS platforms (WordPress, Craft, Drupal) Clear communication and the ability to connect business goals to digital strategy Required skills
Information architecture and structured content modeling Content strategy and content design Defining functional requirements and user flows Audience research and workshop facilitation SEO fundamentals and writing for the web Working knowledge of CMS platforms Also valuable
Experience with AI search platforms, answer engines, and optimizing content for LLMs Personalization or experimentation tools Analytics setup and reporting (GA4 or similar) Copywriting across web, email, and social Brand and voice guidelines Project scoping and planning Usability testing Benefits
Full-time, remote-first. We have a Baltimore office if you want it, but it's totally optional.
Minimum 120 hours PTO Flexible schedule Company-provided equipment 401(k) with match Profit sharing Annual stipends for home office and travel Healthcare with vision and dental HSA and employer-paid insurance Regular team events and retreats Office perks (optional, Baltimore)
If you're local and feel like coming in:
Gym and pool access at Mill No. 1 Occasional team lunches Dogs, coffee, and a good vibe
About Fastspot
We design and build thoughtful digital experiences for higher ed, cultural institutions, and mission-driven organizations. We care about the work and the people doing it. We push each other, stay curious, and keep things human.
Fastspot was founded in 2001 and is now a team of 22. Our clients include University of Virginia, Wellesley College, Steppenwolf Theatre, the Joffrey Ballet, MICA, Hamilton College, and Yale University. Our work has earned numerous awards, including back-to-back Webbys for best higher ed website.