If you've ever wondered what a YouTube Strategist actually does, or you’re trying to write a job description that doesn’t just say “make us go viral”, you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re a recruiter trying to hire one or a strategist trying to become one, it’s easy to get lost in the jargon. “Growth-focused.” “Full-stack creator.” “Thinks in thumbnails.” These phrases show up often, but what do they actually mean?

We’ve scanned dozens of listings across creator-led companies, agencies, brands, and talent firm and boiled them down into five anonymized but true-to-life job description examples. Each reflects a different flavour of the YouTube strategist role, from solo operators to full-scale growth leads.

Let’s break them down.

🎯 YouTube Growth Strategist — Media Agency

Location: Remote
Compensation: $60,000–$90,000/year
Focus: Channel growth & performance analysis across clients

At a media agency managing multiple client channels, the YouTube strategist is the growth engine.

What You’ll Do:

• Audit client channels and reverse-engineer top-performing videos

• Design scalable content playbooks and publishing frameworks

• Collaborate with creatives to nail thumbnails, hooks, and formats

• Present monthly performance reviews and roadmap updates to clients

• Run A/B tests on titles and thumbnails to maximise CTR

Must-Haves:

• Proven track record of growing at least one channel past 100K subs

• High proficiency in YouTube Studio, vidIQ, and TubeBuddy

• Ability to translate data into actionable, repeatable strategy

• Comfort working across multiple verticals and brand voices

Ideal For: Strategists with a strong analytical core and a knack for pattern-spotting viral potential.

🎬 YouTube Content Strategist — Brand Channel

Location: Hybrid (North America preferred)
Compensation: $25–$40/hour (Part-time or freelance)
Focus: Long-term brand storytelling & education-first content

This role focuses on scaling a company’s own YouTube presence — not managing multiple clients. Think: internal strategist meets editorial producer.

What You’ll Do:

• Build and manage the YouTube editorial calendar

• Research and pitch new video topics based on SEO and audience trends

• Guide scripting, shoot planning, and video editing

• Optimise videos for retention and watch time

• Repurpose content across TikTok, LinkedIn, and IG Reels

Must-Haves:

• 2–3 years of experience growing a branded YouTube channel

• Strong writing and editorial skills (especially headlines and hooks)

• Familiarity with creative workflows and production timelines

• Deep knowledge of YouTube SEO and Shorts strategy

Ideal For: Strategic creatives who love turning educational value into long-form storytelling that performs.

📈 YouTube Channel Manager — Talent Management Firm

Location: Remote
Compensation: Full-time, salary based on experience
Focus: Managing 10–15 creator channels across niches

This strategist role leans operational. You’re not just ideating — you’re running the show.

What You’ll Do:

• Create monthly growth plans for each channel under your portfolio

• Conduct audits and provide optimization checklists to talent

• Coordinate scriptwriters, editors, and thumbnail designers

• Stay ahead of format trends and flag new opportunities for creators

• Create and deliver growth reports with actionable insights

Must-Haves:

• Hands-on experience with multiple creator-led channels

• Ability to manage deadlines across multiple stakeholders

• Comfort with project management tools (Notion, Asana, Trello)

• Experience with analytics platforms like Tubics, vidIQ, etc.

Ideal For: Ex-creators, channel managers, or producers who thrive in fast-paced, multi-project environments.

🧠 YouTube Strategist — Creator-Led Thought Leadership Channel

Location: Remote / Flexible
Compensation: Project-based or part-time
Focus: Educational content around public speaking and thought leadership

This role supports a solo creator’s YouTube channel — blending personal brand development with structured content growth.

What You’ll Do:

• Identify top-performing content angles and “evergreen” topic clusters

• Refine existing formats to improve performance and brand fit

• Support script development and ideation

• Coordinate basic production logistics and thumbnails

• Advise on Shorts and multi-platform repurposing strategy

Must-Haves:

• Experience growing a knowledge-driven or educational channel

• Clear grasp of audience development and viewer psychology

• Strong understanding of how to position personal brands on YouTube

• Bonus: background in public speaking, coaching, or storytelling

Ideal For: Strategists who enjoy working closely with founders, educators, or personal brands looking to scale sustainably.

💼 YouTube Strategy Lead — Enterprise Brand

Location: Hybrid (EU preferred)
Compensation: Full-time, competitive salary + benefits
Focus: Company-wide YouTube strategy & integration into global comms

At a larger company, this role is about more than views — it’s about integrating YouTube into the brand’s full content ecosystem.

What You’ll Do:

• Own YouTube channel strategy from concept to execution

• Liaise with internal comms, marketing, and PR to align content goals

• Oversee external creators, agencies, and production partners

• Lead analytics reviews and content forecasting

• Support cross-functional campaigns, launches, and thought leadership

Must-Haves:

• 4+ years experience managing high-volume or high-visibility channels

• Strong cross-functional communication and stakeholder alignment skills

• Experience working with internal content teams and external vendors

• Familiarity with B2B or B2C content marketing strategy

Ideal For: Senior strategists who can blend creative instincts with business strategy, at scale.

So… What Should You Do With These?

If you’re a recruiter: Use these examples to clarify what kind of strategist you actually need. Is this a growth role? An editorial one? A producer role in disguise? The more specific you are, the better the hire.

If you’re a candidate: Match your own experience and aspirations to these role types. You don’t need to tick every box — but you should be able to show your thinking, your strategy, and your track record.

And if you're serious about hiring or becoming a YouTube strategist, check out our companion article 👉 How to Become a YouTube Strategist (And What the Job Actually Involves)

At Humble&Brag, we help brands, creators, and teams grow channels that actually work. If you're building a strategy team, or want to become the strategist others hire, let's talk.