Associate Director

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.

Position Summary

The Associate Director, Video Partnerships is a high-level client team specialist role at Initiative, requiring strong leadership and managerial skills. The role involves strong knowledge of the video space and available media research and systems, ability to juggle multiple tasks at one time, and negotiating media partnerships. The Associate Director helps to lead the strategic direction and is tasked with being a marketing partner for the clients. The Associate Director is an expert on client’s business, and within the agency.

Responsibilities

Client 

• Collaborate with Comms Design, Analytics and Client Advice and Management to ensure alignment with and delivery against client KPI’s 
• Interact positively with clients to gain their trust and demonstrate value 
• Identify synergistic and/or targeted opportunities on an on-going basis for clients to further drive their business 

Internal 

• Ability to work in a team environment that promotes collaboration 
• Accountable for video plan output timeliness, accuracy, and overall excellence 
• Instrumental in managing client’s media investment; responsible for smooth running of day-to-day activities 
• Direct staff in the day-to-day activities of their group(s) 
• Plans, directs, supervises, and coordinates work activities of subordinates and handles all personnel requirements for immediate staff including training and development 
• Primary contact for Strategy, Comms Design and Analytics groups 
• Inspire while leading by example in developing, motivating, mentoring and coaching their team 
• Ensure that all direct reports master the skills and organizational savvy required for advancement 
• Adept at communicating effectively across all levels 
• Provide partner selection recommendation and justification designed to deliver on client KPI’s using the most sophisticated use of data and analytics, via multi-faceted, cross-channel strategic partnerships, while delivering maximum strategic value and efficiency 
• Develop processes and manage team to ensure superior in-flight stewardship, optimization, delivery and (cross-platform) post-analysis – but also able to free up more time for creative approaches to each client’s business 
• Resolve major issues with media partners 
• Prepare and deliver proposals to various audiences 

Commercial 

• Provide Partnerships support for various New Business pitches including costs exercises 
• Support and collaborate with all MB SBU’s for maximum effectiveness and seamless integration onto client business 
• Support MAGNA aggregate negotiations across appropriate channels 

Required Skills & Experience

• National broadcast media buying experience required with a demonstrated solid technical and negotiating skills 
• Experience writing and delivering presentations 
• Understanding of the principles of marketing and advertising, as well as an understanding of media concepts and terms, creative and budget requirements 
• Solid understanding of media data sources in terms of what is measured, the method, and information reported 
• Fluent in mathematical concepts with an ability to translate data into well-articulated ideas 
• Knowledge of all media types 
• Solid understanding of research tools 
• Knowledge of buying, planning, client presentation and reporting 
• Superior written and verbal communication and presentation skills 
• Superior analytical abilities and quantitative skills, including math proficiency 
• Ability to effectively utilize media research and reporting resources 
• Technical proficiency, particularly with media systems and MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Desired Skills & Experience

• 6+ years relevant experience including 3+ years supervisory experience preferred
• Able to successfully manage multiple full service accounts 
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and managerial skills 
• Detailed awareness of client business issues, industry trends, consumer trends, promotional resources, market status, and competition 
• Ability to work successfully with teams, handling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines under pressure 
• Prior experience in media planning, buying, or partnership development within the sports industry is highly desirable.
• Experience in successfully onboarding new clients, including understanding their business needs, establishing effective communication channels, and developing tailored media strategies, is a significant plus.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving abilities 

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.