Job Description

JOB OVERVIEW

The Manager, Planning is a base-level management position.   This position is responsible for ensuring that communications strategies are effectively translated into plans and for leading the development and implementation of those plans.   The Manager, Planning partners with the Director, Planning to set the strategic tone for the assigned accounts. The Manager, Planning assists in the creation of all important plans and presentations. The Manager, Planning is expected to have a strong working knowledge of the media space (including digital media) and available media research. The Manager, Planning may be responsible for managing a communications planning team – developing their skills, evaluating their performance and managing their growth. In addition to the core account assignments, the Manager, Planning is expected to take part in larger areas of agency development – aiding with new business pitches, committees and task forces.   This role is a step toward greater leadership within the communications planning group and the agency overall.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

PLANNING AND EXECUTION:

• Participate in and lead brand/communication initiatives
• Work with senior team members to set communications objectives and strategies
• Manage preparation, development, execution and stewardship of media plans for specific clients and/or brands, and accountable for supporting the team and ensuring plans are executed in line with iProspect and client processes and standards
• Develop ability to independently manage all aspects of the brand, while briefing the Director, Planning on key happenings and issues
• Support Director, Planning in the collection and evaluation of syndicated consumer and media consumption information
• Provides relevant insight and input into existing and emerging media opportunities (thorough awareness of available media and marketing services vendors)
• Leverages thorough understanding of the client’s media AOR and Reach-Based planning process and procedures to help achieve communications planning objectives and optimize media investment
• Oversees the consistent reporting of competitive market/media information for each brand/category
• Serves as a facilitating contact point for client’s internal media staff
• Ensure constant communication between iProspect and external partners
• Help develop and maintain time-lines for all projects
• Balance, prioritize and properly assign work associated with multiple, concurrent projects
• Serves as a resource for planners and assistants for advice, counsel & mentorship

CLIENT & INTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Maintain client relationships at appropriate levels
• Understand the client’s needs
• Manages expectations of clients and deliverables
• Grows business opportunities within current clients, where appropriate
• Have a thorough understanding of all elements of the brand and specifically its strategic target and prime prospects
• Looks to identify opportunities to offer agency service line offerings to existing clients
• Leads face to face client and vendor meetings
• Participates and presents in New Business efforts and presentations, where appropriate
• Establishes strong internal relationships with other service line personnel

STRATEGIC THINKING & LEADERSHIP

• Provide guidance to team members and nurture/promote team environment
• Ensure key information is being provided to the team regarding client issues, internal agency issues, changes in account status, etc.
• Is approachable and solution-oriented when presented with problems/issues by staff and team
• May be responsible for constructing and delivering accurate, honest and timely performance management documents
• Is mindful of the client’s point of view when reviewing work, leverage this perspective when providing feedback to team and presenting to client
• Breaks down problems and issues into critical parts which can be resolved
• Oversees management of specific projects as assigned
• Oversee team activities, maintain overall quality control
• Is an engaged member of the media industry, and proactively solicits and contributes innovative ideas

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

• Express oneself clearly and concisely in oral communications
• Write in a clear, compelling and concise manner
• Organize ideas and information logically and sequentially
• Develop presentation materials that are clear, compelling and persuasive
• Adapt communication style to relevant audience
• Establish and maintain communications process within group and internal teams
• Constructively edit and review the writing of media documents (timelines, media focus, RFPs, plans, client memos, and correspondence)
• Maintain frequent/as needed communication with the client and disseminate pertinent client information to the media team
• Move audience to desired action through clear and persuasive delivery of information

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 5 -7 years communications/media planning experience
• Experience in traditional marketing and current knowledge of trends and innovations in traditional and digital media
• Experience in terrestrial national & local planning
• Experience creating and selling media programs
• Ability to articulate strategic foundation for their development
• Balanced ability to perform analytically and creatively
• Advanced computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Proven leadership skills and management experience

Additional Information

Employees from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds encouraged to apply. Dentsu (the "Company") is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee of the Company, on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other legally-recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done that will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing an undue hardship on the Company. Please contact recruiting@dentsuaegis.com if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process or to request or discuss an accommodation in connection with a job at the Company to which you are applying.