Group Director, StrategyLocation: United States
Office: Los Angeles
Agency: Initiative - United States
Ref#: 4921
Business Overview
UM is a global media agency committed to Futureproofing our clients' businesses. We leverage the transformational power of rich business analytics and real-time intelligence to maximize growth and activate the full consumer journey across content and connections. As the leading global media network in IPG Mediabrands, UM operates in over 100 countries, with more than 3,000 people innovating on a roster of global clients including Accenture, American Express, GoPro, Johnson & Johnson, Levi Strauss & Co, Mattel, Sony, and Spotify. UM is globally headquartered in New York, with North American offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Birmingham, Detroit, Montreal, and Toronto.
At UM, we know our employees are our greatest asset. We are committed to fostering a culture rooted in Diversity, Equity & Belonging, where everyone feels they belong, and their contributions are valued. We prioritize personal and professional growth, encourage an entrepreneurial spirit to pursue passion projects, and celebrate our people and community with moments of joy and spontaneity. Our leadership is dedicated to building a culture of care that permeates every element of the company from work flexibility to career planning to regular talent reviews, and more. Our DNA, for UM, helps guide us in all that we do:
Fearless: We bring our authentic selves to work and put our whole selves into the work
Optimistic: We approach challenges with empathy and curiosity, infusing joy into everything we do
Relentless: We're unwavering in our pursuit of the right solution, eager to reimagine what's possible
Unified: We band together to accomplish what we could not otherwise do alone
Masterful: We're constantly growing in our craft, setting new standards for our industry and our world
We are proud to be named an AdAge Best Place to Work several times over, a Top Workplace in the US by Great Places to Work, a top 10 FORTUNE 2022 Best Workplaces in Advertising & Marketing and She Runs It's 2021 Outstanding Company for Working Mothers. But feedback is most meaningful when it comes from our own people: over 90% of our employees say the agency is a great place to work and 95% say they are proud to work at UM.
Position Overview
The strategy team at UM is responsible for unearthing consumer insights and behaviors to define and optimize the target audience and drive business goals for our clients. Both strategic planning and analytics are key dimensions to our work. We identify unique connection opportunities based on audience emotions and behaviors through the use of proprietary research and data and translate them into actionable insights for media, content and social marketing.
In general, to succeed in Strategy, candidates must demonstrate a strong work ethic, exceptional analytical skills, and a knack for converting insights into creative, actionable recommendations for our clients. We are fiercely committed to delivering high-quality analysis, in a structured, thoughtful presentation, with strict attention to deadlines and deliverables. An ability to communicate effectively and efficiently in both written and oral form and build trusted internal and external relationships are also key. Backgrounds in agency and consulting organizations are desired, as skills in analyzing and presenting information are honed.
This position is suited to a strategist with 8-10 years' experience working in a similar agency environment or in a management-consulting firm. The Partner will be responsible for the day-to-day management and execution of projects/assignment.
Responsibilities
Work closely with cross-functional agency team to drive strategic thinkingUtilize a variety of data sources available to us (e.g., DMP, Acxiom) to identify high value audienceTelling data-driven stories and using data + performance metrics to build strategies + client solutionsFormulate target audience recommendations and communication strategies that help prioritize our media investment and partnershipsDesign and conduct primary quantitative and qualitative research, generating audience insights to inform strategic recommendations and tactical executionMapping and creating custom journeys and building strategies + solutions across customer journeysFacilitate audience workshops and provide inputs into media and tactical planningManage analysts on project work and support their career developmentDevelop relationships with clients as a strategic thought partnerManage internal relationships with other departments, identifying opportunities for efficiencies in working relationships and cross-departmental processes and hand-offs (e.g. Client Lead, Research, Media Planning, Digital, Programmatic)
Required Skills and Experience
Strong analytical/logical thinkingAbility to synthesize data/research into concise action-oriented strategiesGreat presentation and communication skillsQuantitative and qualitative research skillsClient relationship development and managementDeep understanding not only of how to build audiences but also a more broad understanding of different audience solutions - from building custom solutions to the different types of off the shelf solutions availableDeep understanding of data solutions (1st, 2nd and 3rd party) - how to access, use and activateUnderstanding of the Digital marketing technologies, including adtech and martech solutionsFamiliarity with different media and digital channels (e.g., TV, web, mobile, CRM, social media, search)Familiarity with multi-channel measurement and attribution solutionsUM does not require candidates to have a college degree
Desired Skills and Experience
Background in strategy and/or consulting in digital or database marketingDemonstrated project management experience; either managing small project or small team within larger project or experience in managing deliverables/ project timelineExperience working with large, complex data, including audience data from DMP, Acxiom, etc.Experience working with global teams at large Fortune 2000 companiesCollaborating within an agency and with extended marketing council of agenciesWe 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 BenefitsWe 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
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 .
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 .
Salary Range
$190,000-$210,000 USD
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.
Minimum Salary: 190000.00Maximum Salary: 210000.00Salary Unit: Yearly