Media Director, Planning

At GSD&M, we're on a mission to build First & Only brands, meaning the first to do it and the only ones who can. We're able to do this because we set a high bar for ourselves and our work. We care about what we put out in the world. We're humans who like other humans. Our ideas make a difference. Shift culture. Create a smile. Inspire change. Initiate belly laughs. Deepen our understanding of the world and ourselves. We grow. We learn. We get better. We do it all over again. Because that's what it takes to build and be First & Only.

• Job Title: Media Director, Planning
• Department: Media
• Reports to (Position):  VP, Media Planning
• Supervisory Responsibilities (Y/N): Yes
• FLSA Status (Exempt vs. Non-Exempt): Exempt
• Travel (%): 15-30%

GSD&M is searching for an Media Director to join our Planning team.  The ideal candidate leads with audience-first thinking, bolstered by a digital mindset that's balanced by the ability to seamlessly lead a cross-functional media strategy team. The role reports into the VP, Director (Planning) but is responsible for leading the overall client relationship and strategic development of media plan recommendations via research, historical client-based campaigns, and collaboration within the cross-functional agency team.  This person will also be responsible for management and development of the Planning team, along with partnering closely with the Digital Solutions, Video Investment and Decision Science teams.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

DIGITAL-FORWARD, ACROSS CHANNELS

• Possess familiarity across all things digital, and know how all elements within digital ecosystem work together
• Strategic understanding of digital marketplace and thorough experience planning digital-heavy campaigns, including:
  • Direct, programmatic, paid search and paid social, across all platforms
  • Custom partnerships/programs, gaming and social programs connected to media buys
• Help usher established traditional media planning and buying process into the digital age
• Meet with media sales reps and industry representatives on a regular basis to pursue ideas that are strategically aligned with the client's business
• Be a source of confidence with the clients so they trust you as an expert in cross-platform, audience-first strategy development
• Provide point-of-view on various new media and technologies in the marketplace
• Ability to use alternative analytical approaches to solve media problems

MEDIA FUNDAMENTALS

• Possess thorough knowledge of marketing and advertising principles; understanding of media concepts and terminology
• Familiar with media buying and planning process within an integrated agency environment
• Develop planning objectives and strategies that coincide with the client's marketing direction
• Utilize available interactive media planning tools to develop media plans
• Lead team in developing media plans, final recommendations, and campaign performance reports
• Proven ability to think critically, analyze performance and opportunities, and look for unconventional solutions
• Aggressively keep abreast of the current media landscape and industry trends (via trade press, seminars, current events, etc.) that may impact client's business

MANAGEMENT

• Provide strategic direction to media supervisors, planners and assistant media planners while maintaining some day-to-day planning responsibilities
• Serve as a mentor and provide conduits for professional growth among the team
• Ultimately responsibility for the work generated by the team
• Ability to train, motivate and foster a strong, cohesive working team
• Ability to effectively handle personnel issues and provide recommendations on additional resources needed

CLIENT MANAGEMENT

• Establish and maintain professional client relationships; manage the flow of client media needs
• Provide strategic thinking and oversight of work
• Ability to articulate objectives, opportunities and techniques
• Ability to effectively and comfortably communicate and interact with clients and negotiate on their behalf
• Responsible for overall budget control across all client-specific campaigns

OPERATIONS

• Collaborate with Media Directors, Account Directors, Director of Decision Science, Director of Media Operations and Investment Leads to foster convergence
• Take a fresh look at current operations and processes, challenge them and make improvements that create efficiencies.

TOOLS

• Deep knowledge of media planning and activation tools: Kantar Stradegy/Advertising Insights, Pathmatics, Claritas360, comScore, Simmons/MRI/Scarborough, Nielsen IMS. Preferred to have experience in: Prisma, Google Platform (Campaign Manager 360, Google Ads, Google Analytics), Datorama, etc.
• Experience negotiating digital ad standards (viewability standards, audience verification and fraud protection)
• Complete comfort level and knowledge of standard industry terms and conditions
• Work with third party technology and measurement vendors
• Understanding of media attribution and effects on media performance

THE PERSONALITY

• Possess excellent writing and editing skills; possess articulate and confident presentation skills
• Well-versed in the art of storytelling when presenting
• Curious by nature. Active in digital ecosystems, technologies and communities that are changing our business and eager to find ways to make them work for our brands
• Thrive on mentoring others and desire to share knowledge
• Resourceful, positive, do-what-it-takes attitude with attention to detail and accuracy
• Handles stressful situations with maturity; confident in team and client interactions
• Utilizes collaboration as a tool to a holistic end solution
• Ability to multi-task and remain calm under high pressure

At GSD&M, inclusion is our superpower.  An inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged and empowered makes the work better, makes our agency better and ultimately makes the industry better. That's why we're proud to be recognized by the Advertising Federation's Mosaic Awards year after year for our efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion.

We consider ourselves lucky. Every day we wake up and get to build First & Only brands in an inclusive environment where everyone matters, all while enjoying generous benefits, plenty of time off, and opportunities for growth whether you're just starting out or have been in the biz for a while.

GSD&M is an equal opportunities employer and will never favor or discriminate against anyone based on their age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, gender identity, expression, or realignment.  If you require a medical or religious accommodation during the job application process, please reach out to for support. 

This role requires regular in-office presence with a minimum of three days per week, to engage and collaborate in in-person team interactions and meetings as required.