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.

Position Summary

The IPG Media Lab is looking for an Associate Director, Strategy to join the Lab’s Strategy team, who’s responsible for day-to-day innovation strategy, making sense of how technology, media, and consumer behavior are changing across categories. This role is a unique opportunity to product manage the Lab’s annual study – influencing, collecting, and analyzing data on consumer engagement with emerging technologies. The candidate will partner with internal and external brand teams to identify tech trends and media opportunities that are relevant for a wide range of consumer audiences. The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, collaborative, and interested in the intersection of culture and technology. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to influence how some of the world’s largest companies leverage innovation to their advantage across media, products, services, and business models. 

Responsibilities

• Product management of the Lab’s annual research study “Futurecaster” in partnership with internal and external teams
• Drive the evolution of “Futurecaster” based on client and agency team needs, and develop new tools and methodologies to fill the gaps
• Ideate 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
• Regularly contribute to thought leadership on the future of industries, media channels, and consumer segments via articles, podcasts, white papers, conferences, and webinars
• Collaborate with agency Strategy, Planning, Investment, Creative, and New Business teams to future-proof strategic platforms, communications, and ideas
• Foster connection among Mediabrands’ global innovation ambassador network to represent Lab and Futurecaster learnings and updates

Desired Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in media, business, design, or related field
• 6+ years of experience in a strategic consultative or innovation, which could include data, research, product management, brand strategy, creative services
• A breadth of knowledge and interest in how technology is transforming culture and consumers across categories, and thoughtful ideas for how incumbents should evolve
• Proven ability to develop both internal and client-facing products and processes that drive results in innovation, as well as frameworks for measuring innovation’s impact
• Highly-skilled in verbal, written, and visual communication– comfortable (or willing to practice) presenting, workshopping, and collaborating with senior clients and agency partners
• 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 enthusiastic, curious about the world and enjoy sharing their passions

*Please note that travel may be expected for client meetings, conferences, and presentations about twice a quarter

We See You 

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.

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 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.  

Employment Transparency

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.