Associate Director, Communications Design; HCP

Associate Director, Communications Design (HCP)

Company: Initiative

Base pay range: $95,000.00/yr - $/yr

Business Overview: We believe in the power of media to reshape our industry and orchestrate a brand’s entire consumer experience, by balancing both what unites people and what makes them different. When brands unite people in culture, they build Fame, and when brands connect individuals to their unique journeys, they build customer Flow. Initiative builds Fame & Flow for brands like Nike, Amazon, Merck, and T‑Mobile.

Media responsibility is at the forefront of everything we do, whether it’s creating media plans that reflect the diversity of our communities, promote brand safety, and foster sustainability. Our agency celebrates diversity in an inclusive environment where all of our 6,000+ talent across 90+ markets feel seen, heard, and valued. Our vision is to create not only a better media company, but also a better media industry, and maybe even a better world.

Position Summary: As Associate Director, Communications Design, you are the orchestrator of the Communications Plan and its detail. Working with the Director, Communications Design, you oversee the translation of the idea approach into the detailed communications architecture and connected plan that your brand will take to market, tied to culture. Your role is to curate every detail to create powerful experiences for your client’s brands in market, aligned to the strategy and idea, leaning into your knowledge of how communications work in today’s dynamic landscape.

You will help manage the delivery of next‑generation plans, work with Specialty Business Units, creative partners, strategic audience experts, growth analytics, and partnerships to design tactics, identify audiences and channels, and bring the strategic direction to reality.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the development of the detailed communications plan to power the idea.
• In conjunction with the Director of Communications Design present the Connections Design holistic approach to relevant stakeholders.
• Manage day‑to‑day requirements and workflow of the client as it relates to Communications Design.
• Present client education program around Communications Design relevant marketplace trends.
• Oversee the training of the design team in communications planning fundamentals.
• Spearhead the best‑practice application of the planning approach, including key tools and techniques to surface media and marketing intelligence and insights to produce an impactful, culturally rich communications plan across owned, earned, shared, paid (OESP).
• Write and manage outputs from RFP submissions from the Design discipline, in collaboration with Partnerships leads.
• Contribute to client KPI delivery and to Specialty Business Units (SBU) growth and client profitability.
• Contribute to new business as required.

Required

Skills & Experience:

• Experience in an integrated planning role in media, publisher/vendor, or communications discipline (digital, content).
• Ability to delegate and oversee direct reports.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, colleagues, and vendors.
• Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Strong time‑management and organizational skills.
• Required PC proficiency and solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Desired

Skills & Experience:

• 6+ years relevant experience with 3+ years managing or developing staff.
• Category or audience experience as relevant per assignment.
• Proven problem‑solving ability.
• Ability to work successfully within a team, handling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines under pressure.

Wage and Benefits: 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.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Advertising Services