Director, Planning

Job Description:

We are seeking a Director, Integrated Planning, who will balance managerial responsibilities, with agency leadership.

This role will design and drive programs (not just strategies) that directly improve sales performance of the brand, and is directly responsible for the holistic communication plan, strategic direction, and driving results for their client. Our ideal person should understand all aspects of their client’s business as well as the overall technology and competitive landscape.

This person is responsible for integrated planning work and operations for assigned accounts across multiple media channels, primarily national and local television and digital channels. You will cultivate client media relationships at all levels.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITYResponsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Integrated Planning:

Responsible for total management of a given brand’s business (both traditional and digital) throughout the entire strategic, planning, and implementation process

Accountable for all communication and media deliverables; maintain status report as demonstration of this and for client and internal management effectiveness

Translate strategy statement into ideas and actions; expand communications planning influence beyond Context Strategies and communications plans into orchestrated marketing tactics that deliver on stated goals using agreed to marketing and communications strategies

Lead or co-lead strategic positioning, segmentation initiatives and in areas of holistic program planning and communications idea generation/execution.

Create coherent, data-driven communications plan (appropriate channels, suitable mix) based on all info available (sales, MMM, METT, publicly available info, etc.) – not just receptivity data Oversee strategic implementation and measurement/optimization of communication plans; including but not limited to reviewing performance data at least weekly, communicating performance updates to clients with strategic insights about what drove positive or negative performance trends, and collaborating with team on next steps based on performance trends

Create projects that are critical to each brand’s marketing and learning plans and be the point-person on strategic and broader implementation questions (leverage management strength of team to implement media plan specifics)
Brief clients on strategic implementation needs and roles of speech communication channels; use specific examples that relate to your brands, retail environments, and competitive set with real or estimated metrics for success to help clients understand how communications strategy comes to life in the communications plan

Work with internal & external teams to ensure that strategic themes and communications plans are implemented faithfully; provide critical leadership in helping others on the team understand how strategies and plans impact sales and ensure output is in sync with the business goals

Build and sustain strong client relationships-attending client meetings and maintaining regular contact; contact frequency, depth of understanding of client business and effectiveness in selling recommendations are typically related especially in first 12 months on account

Collaborate with VP, Business Lead in creating and negotiating yearly client contracts and supplemental proposals and managing account profitability

Client & Internal Relationships:

Build trusting collaborative relationships with clients

Maintain senior client relationships and manage expectations of clients and deliverables

Stay on top of business and client concerns to head off issues early

Spend time investigating opportunities for providing better Client support

Ensure collaboration among all Agency departments; fosters great teamwork

Include agency executives in appropriate client meetings

Provide appropriate management updates and solicit feedback and direction when appropriate

Participate and present in New Business efforts and presentations, where appropriate

Strategic Thinking & Leadership:

Demonstrate a keen knowledge of client brands, brand equity, consumer definition and motivations

Lead and contribute to the…